The National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS), an umbrella body for all Yoruba students across the country and in the diaspora, recently visited the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State to confer an award of Icon of Integrity and Agent of Educational Development on the Provost, Prof Josephat Ogbuagu.
The group said the award was in recognition of the infrastructural development recorded by his administration and the successful upgrade of the college to a degree-awarding institution.
Presenting the award, the leader of the association, who is also a student of the University of Ibadan, Adekunle Michael Adeniyi, said Ogbuagu was chosen after a meticulous screening exercise of several public office holders, adding that the development in infrastructure and academic programme at the institution has improved its rating as the fastest growing college of education in the country.
He noted that the award was a humble recognition of Ogbuagu’s exemplary leadership in the college that has improved the fortunes of the college and enhanced the quality of vocational and technical teachers.
Adeniyi commended the provost for quietly using his office to train a large number of middle level manpower needed in the country’s education system. He explained that the uninterrupted academic calendar in the college for the past seven years of Ogbuagu’s administration brought stability in the system and allowed students to graduate on record time.
He maintained that the college has become a reference point among tertiary institutions in the country in the area of peaceful relationship among students and staff.
The leader observed that the facility upgrade of the college through information and communication revolution, construction of modern library complex, micro-teaching laboratory, lecture theatres and auditorium, movement to the permanent site, ongoing administration building, among others have turned the college to a centre of excellence.
“Ogbuagu’s brilliant innovations alongside his management team led him to explore new areas of comparative advantage in executing strategic projects and introducing new academic programmes for the benefit of staff and students, as well as the host community.”
He said the introduction of degree programme in the institution, in affiliation with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University had been successfully accredited by the regulatory body, thereby increasing students’ enrollment in the area.
Adeniyi called on other public office holders in the country to emulate Ogbuagu in placing public interest above personal gain.
Receiving the award, the provost expressed surprise that such recognition came all the way from the southwest and thanked the students for the gesture. He dedicated the award to the college community and expressed delight that his vision to transform the institution had been realised.
He urged Nigerian youths to look beyond ethnic and sectional divides and work diligently for the development of the country.
The Deputy Provost, Dr. Jane Madichie also got a medal from the association for her commitment to the transformation of the institution. Other members of the college management present at the award ceremony were the Registrar, Augustine Udensi, the Bursar, Patrick Omile and the Librarian, Dr. Adolphus Ugwuanyi.
