DELSU VC, Prof Andy Egwunyenga Commends PTA, Congratulates Senior Staff EXCO On Their Election

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) Professor Andy Egwunyenga has commended the Parents’ Teachers’ Association (PTA) of the University Secondary School for its interest and commitment in developing the school, describing their effort as a “revival”, Myschoolnews gathered.

He was speaking on Tuesday in his office during a courtesy call by the Parents’ Teachers’ Association of the School led by its Chairman, Mr. Emuobonuvie Denedo.He praised the new momentum in the school, describing the leadership   as “well organized, performing well and well-disciplined,” adding that anything set up by the University should be of high standard. Specifically, he commended the Association for assisting the University Secondary School, by its complementary role.

The Professor of Applied Parasitology and Entomology explained that the need to prioritize staff welfare in the Secondary School compelled the current administration to discard the discriminatory salary regime and stagnation of staff that were hitherto the fate of the workers in that arm of the University. “We cannot be talking about welfare when those bringing up our children are being discriminated against,” he remarked. Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman, Mr. Denedo expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and Management team for their influencing support for the University Secondary School which had enabled it to be one of the best in the South – South geopolitical zone, going by the excellent results recorded by many of the students. 

Mr. Denedo noted that the DELSU Secondary School Students who were admitted into the University often performed very well, an indication of the high quality of instruction received. While recalling some of the achievements of the PTA within a very short period, the Chairman used the opportunity to present a ‘shopping list’ to the foremost scholar and administrator, particularly the need for more staff and the completion of the on-going laboratories block.In a similar development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Egwunyenga received in audience the new EXCO of the Professor FMO Ukoli Senior Staff Club.  While congratulating them on their election, he described the Club as an important aspect of community service in the University, tracing the evolution of senior staff clubs many decades back to the University of Ibadan, which has become typical of the Nigerian University system with the major aim of cross fertilization of ideas. 

Professor Egwunyenga explained that every Vice-Chancellor should be interested in the Senior Staff Club as it was an avenue to know colleagues better.  “When you have finished teaching, you must relax,” he noted.  “If there is no place to unwind, that is a crime.” While promising to support the club, the sociable Chief Executive advised the new EXCO not to do anything that would undermine the survival of the recreational centre but should be creative in fund raising, adding that the creation of corporate membership, if well managed, could enhance the club’s finances. 

He advised against any irresponsible behaviour, adding that the club was a place for ‘’discipline, hierarchy and the promotion of the University tradition.” He commended the vision of the first Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor FMO Ukoli, who set up the Senior Staff Club and after whom it is now named.Speaking at the occasion, the President of the Club, Dr. Israel Odedede, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for all he had done for the Senior Staff but added that a lot still needed to be done to take it to greater heights. 

Acknowledging the Vice-Chancellor’s friendly disposition, Dr. Odedede among others, requested him to assist in rebuilding of the club’s gate to enhance its image, while expanding the club which was built when there was only 300 members as against the current membership of 1300.  The president who described the club as “the largest faculty in the University and the President as one of the Deans,” requested the Vice-Chancellor to graciously approve the provision of an official vehicle to enhance logistics and thus improve quality of service.  Present at the two courtesy calls were Principal Officers, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Mrs. Rosemary Okoh; Registrar, Mrs. Rufina Ufiofio; Bursar, Mrs. Otimeyin Ekakite-Omojuwa; the University Librarian, Dr. Mrs. Josephine Onowhakpor, among other Senior University Staff.