Tributes, emotions, encomiums as FUOTUOKE registrar bows out of office

The Management of Federal University Otuoke has organized a sent-forth for the outgone Registrar, Chief Donald Yousuo Iruo on Thursday, September 4, 2023 at the School of Postgraduate Studies Conference Hall with fanfare, Myschoolnews report.

Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Teddy Charles Adias in his opening remarks said the send-forth was organized to celebrate the exploits of the outgoing Registrar, Chief Donald Yousuo Iruo during his stewardship to the University.

The Vice Chancellor who is a Professor of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science described the outgone Registrar as a selfless, humble and very experienced administrator. He said the University is proud to be associated with him as evident in the calibre of dignitaries that came from far and near to celebrate with him particularly his kinsmen from Nembe Kingdom.

In his presentation on the topic titled “Town And Gown: The Challenge Of University Governance In Nigeria” the Guest Lecturer, Sir David Suowari who is the pioneer Registrar of FUO described University as the structures and the enabling laws that set up the institution for staff to deliver the mandate while town and gown revolves around how to manage strange bed fellows.

The Guest Lecturer identified mega and micro town and gown relationship which he explained that mega is government and micro the host communities where the University is sited.

Speaking further, the seasoned University Administrator said University management in Nigeria has brought to fore Government and host community’s interference in employment, appointment of principal officers, contract award and JAMB selection in admission.

He hinted that government at the federal and state levels are becoming progressively insensitive to funding of Universities and staff welfare as manifested in the IPPIS payment platform that have failed to recognize the peculiarities of Universities which he added has devalued University autonomy.

On how to manage town and gown, the Guest Lecturer said Management should find a way to explain the laws not known to the host communities who are very aggressive and stick to laid down guidelines for admission, employment and contract award.

He recommended that members of the host communities should be drafted into PRO Unit who can easily interface with the locals and open up advertisement of contract, grant scholarships and admission slots to the people of the host communities and avoid inviting the police at will in crises situations but explore other avenues to douse tension.

Sir David Suowari advised those privileged to serve as principal officers to leave indelible footprints while in office and commended the Vice Chancellor, Professor Teddy Charles Adias and his management team for transforming the landscape of FUO.

The Guest Lecturer expressed concern over the declining knowledge base of Registry staff and urged them to upgrade in order to enhance duty performance.

In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Chris Onyema stated that the outgone Registrar removed the imaginary boundary between teaching and non teaching staff, and described him as a mountain of honour and prestige who worked harmoniously with the Vice Chancellor.

In their separate valedictory speeches, Mrs. Tariere Dapibi, Deputy Registrar, Establishment Unit, the SA VC, Mrs. Andabi Edomo Amange, SSANU Chairman FUO Branch, Comrade Kalizibe Joseph described the outgoing Registrar as humble, unassuming, resourceful, dependable.and always supported the workers struggle for improved conditions of service.

They prayed God to lift him to higher level of leadership in his future endeavors.

Also speaking Professor Cletus Akenbor said all the encomiums poured on the going Registrar by the various speakers are attributes he possess in good measure, describing him as a man of proven integrity and honour, always willing to listen when approached.

Expressing his appreciation with an emotion laden voice, Chief Donald Yousuo Iruo, outgone Registrar placed on record that he is one of the major beneficiaries of the kind gesture of Professor Teddy Charles Adias having worked with him at Bayelsa State College of Health Technology, Otuogidi as Registrar and considered himself lucky to have same experience with the VC in FUO.

Chief Donald Yousuo Iruo said he considers his five years tenure as Registrar of the University very fulfilling to server under two Vice Chancellors, stressing that he is part of the process that have increased the carrying capacity of the University from three faculties with 28 programmes to nine faculties with over 66 programmes and equally had the privilege to sign contract papers as Secretary to Council that have witnessed massive infrastructural development in FUO.

He thanked the pioneer Registrar, Sir David Suowari for laying a solid foundation for the Registry department and commended Mr. Kenneth Sonrandein for handling over the administration of the Registry to him when he assumed office.

He also thanked all the academic, registry staff, other non teaching staff and students for their support during his service that enabled him to succeed.

The SA VC, Mrs. Andaibi Edomo Amange supervised the cutting of the valedictory cake and also proposed the toast.

The Chairman of the Sent-forth Organising Committee, Mr. Kenneth Sonrandein in his vote of thanks on behalf of Management, Staff and Students described the Sentforth as two dimensional which he stated provided opportunity to celebrate the tenure and life of Chief Donald Yousuo Iruo.

He commended the outgone Registrar for his meritorious service to the University and wished him well in his future endeavors.

The Chief Security Officer of the University, Barr. Biobaragha Makalabh Rosalyn, popularly known as Mama Rose in entertainment circuit led a team of dancers to entertain guests reminiscent of the Zulu tribe cultural performance.

The Nembe Council Chiefs, led by its Vice Chairman, Chief Clark Obiakpa, the member representing Nembe Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Awudulu Douglas, Deans, Professors, HODs, Head of Units, staff and students graced the occasion.