The former Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, Anambra State, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu, has expressed confidence in the ability of his successor, Dr Tessy Okoli, to take the college to new heights. He said Okoli, with over 25 years working experience in the school has the competence to bring transformation in the school.
Ogbuagu stated this during the recent send-forth organized in his honour by the 6th Governing Council and management of the college. The event was attended by members of council, led by the chairman, Mr. Philips Shekwo, Mrs. Lilian Haruna, representing the Federal Ministry of Education, Chief Jonathan Achumie, representing the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Mr. Ibrahim Abdu Radda, Mr. Uche Anakor, Mr. Doifie Bourkoribo, Mr. Edmond Nkalu, Mrs. Laeticia Okoli, Dr. Jane Madichie and Dr. A.T Nwamaradi. Also present were other principal officers of the college, including the Deputy Provost, Dr. Christopher Ugwuogo, the Registrar, Sir Augustine Udensi, the Bursar, Sir Patrick Omile, and the Librarian, Dr. Adolphus Ugwuanyi.
While passing a vote of confidence on the new provost, Ogbuagu said Okoli has proved her mettle in the college as a reputable scholar, whose academic pedigree and contributions encouraged the growth of the institution.
The chairman, Governing Council, Mr. Shekwo, described leadership as a sacrifice. He lauded Prof. Ogbuagu for his visionary leadership that raised the stakes of the college and wished him well in his future endeavours.
He promised that the present college management would continue to consolidate on the gains of the previous administration and solicited for partnership with all stakeholders to achieve a common goal of repositioning the institution.
Shekwo explained that their appointment as council members comes with enormous responsibility, stressing that the members would continue to harness skilful potentials and stimulate policies that would move the college forward.
Also speaking, the Provost, Dr Okoli said her predecessor, Prof Ogbuagu, left legacies that cannot be erased in the college. She commended him for various infrastructural uplifts, as well as midwifing the commencement of degree programme in affiliation with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The Registrar of the college, Mr. Udensi, described Prof. Ogbuagu as a workaholic and a priceless gift to the college. He recounted his achievements in the institution ranging from staff development, capacity building, infrastructure and human capital development.
In his contribution, Sir Achumie, NCCE representatives in the council, described the former provost as an amiable man. He recalled how he courageously moved the school from its temporary site to the permanent site, describing it as a great feat in the history of the institution.
In his response, Prof. Ogbuagu thanked the council for the solidarity shown to him. He stated that the institution remains in safe hands because the incumbent provost has a good knowledge of the college terrain. He thanked the council and management team for according him a good working relationship throughout his tenure and urged them to extend the same support to his successor.
The Deputy Provost, Dr Christopher Chuks Ugwuogo, commended the council and management of the college for honouring the former provost.