IAUE Governing Council to Prioritize Competence in Recruitment – Pro-Chancellor

Chief (Barrister) Adokiye Amiesimaka, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 12th Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), has reaffirmed the Council's commitment to prioritizing competence in the institution's ongoing recruitment exercise.

Amiesimaka made this clear during a courtesy visit by the Traditional Council of Chiefs of Rumuolumeni Community, led by Eze Chinedu Onunwo, on Tuesday, October 22, at the university’s Postgraduate Hall.

Speaking to the chiefs, Amiesimaka emphasized that the recruitment process will be based on merit, not influenced by tribal, ethnic, or religious affiliations. He expressed disappointment at the numerous letters he had received from various community groups pushing for the employment of their preferred candidates, stressing that the Visitor to the university had explicitly instructed the Council to disregard such pressures.

"The Council will ensure that competence is the top priority," Amiesimaka said. He also assured that the Council would guarantee fair representation of all local government areas while making concessions for special needs candidates to create an inclusive environment.

The Pro-Chancellor disclosed that the recruitment process attracted over 40,000 applications for only 1,500 available positions. Many candidates, he revealed, failed the second phase of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) due to its controlled environment, which eliminated external assistance.

Amiesimaka urged young people to take their education seriously, noting that a lack of dedication and a tendency to cut corners were damaging the educational sector. He further suggested that those dissatisfied with university policies should seek changes through legal means rather than resorting to threats.

The traditional ruler, Eze Dr. Nyekachi Collins Wagbara, who spoke on behalf of the community, congratulated Amiesimaka on his appointment, describing it as well-deserved. While commending the university for its efforts in security and scholarships, he appealed for employment opportunities to be extended to members of the host community to mitigate youth restiveness.

The courtesy visit ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing a desire for continued collaboration. Amiesimaka proposed potential joint ventures between the university and the community, such as the construction of classrooms and hostels, to strengthen their relationship.

During the meeting, Barrister Collins Onunwo, Rivers State Commissioner for Transport, urged the university to allocate certain employment slots to the host community to foster peaceful coexistence. He reassured that the community's relationship with the institution would remain harmonious.

In response, Chief Barrister Hanny Woko appealed for the university to offer permanent employment to long-serving casual staff members from the community.

The visit concluded with a traditional presentation of kolanut and drinks to the chiefs by IAUE’s Acting Registrar, Dr. Chinonye Abraham Ajie, which was graciously accepted by the delegation.