IAUE Vice-Chancellor Assures Newly Employed Staff of Full Entitlements

The Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, has assured newly employed non-teaching staff that they will receive all entitlements due to them as members of the University community.

Professor Onuchuku gave the assurance while declaring open a one-day orientation workshop for non-teaching staff held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the University Auditorium. He described the event as a vital platform for staff to understand their roles, responsibilities, and expectations within the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the University would ensure fairness in the treatment of all staff and that every legitimate entitlement would be honoured. He, however, advised the new employees to take their jobs seriously, obey rules and regulations, and maintain high standards of integrity, stressing that “ignorance of the law is not an excuse.”

He urged them to be punctual, respect constituted authorities, and uphold professionalism in their interactions with students, who he described as their primary clients.

Earlier, the Registrar, Dr. Chinonye Abraham Ajie, congratulated the newly employed staff, noting that they were selected from over 40,000 applicants. He warned against working in multiple institutions or receiving double salaries, describing it as a criminal offence under Nigerian law. He advised them to familiarize themselves with the University’s Conditions of Service and the Public Service Rules to guide their conduct.

Dr. Ajie also charged the staff to maintain a decent dress code, serve as role models, and exhibit discipline and integrity in their duties.

Delivering a lecture titled “University Policies, Code of Conduct and Workplace Ethics,” Professor Cheta Williams, Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, reminded the staff of the privilege they enjoy being selected and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them. He described non-teaching staff as an indispensable workforce whose input is essential to the smooth running of the University system.

In another lecture, “The Role of Non-Teaching Staff in University Administration,” Professor U. I. Nworgu, Head of the Department of Educational Management, University of Port Harcourt, emphasized that every non-teaching staff is a potential Registrar. He highlighted the importance of understanding job descriptions, maintaining confidentiality, demonstrating empathy, and communicating effectively with students and colleagues.

Professor Nworgu also spoke on time management, advising staff to avoid procrastination, plan effectively using calendars and task management tools, and delegate responsibilities appropriately.

Other speakers at the event included the University Librarian, Dr. Emmanuel Okwu; Director, Legal Unit, Barrister Chris Didia; Director, Exams and Records, Barrister T. T. Minaiyo; Director, Central Administration, Mr. Edward Ejituwu; Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) IAUE Chapter, Mr. Chisa Egwu; Postgraduate School Secretary, Barrister (Mrs.) Eucharia People; and Director, Senate, Dr. Obi Wichendu, among others.

The workshop, coordinated by the University’s Public Relations Office, was designed to instill professionalism, accountability, and ethical conduct among the new non-teaching staff as they assume their duties at IAUE.