By Gabriel Chy Alonta
Staff of Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze, have commended the Federal Government for renewing the tenure of Dr. Tessy Okoli as Provost of the institution. President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved the re-appointment of Okoli for a second and final tenure of four years, with effect from May 17, 2022.
Reacting to the gesture, the Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education (SSUCOEN) said the re-appointment was as a result of the robust, diligent and revolutionary administrative qualities of Dr. Okoli within the four years of her first tenure as provost.
In a congratulatory message, signed by Comrade Anayo Nwankwo, SSUCOEN chairman, FCET Umunze chapter, the union expressed satisfaction with the outstanding performance of the provost, describing her tenure renewal as ‘well-deserved’. “This is quite deserving owing to your sterling qualities and outstanding performance. Your steadfastness over the years has remained your credo,” the union stated.
Also, members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) said Dr. Okoli distinguished herself as a selfless and effective leader within the four years of her first tenure. Comrade Nath Odo, the NASU chairman of the institution, on behalf of the union said the reappointment was a confirmation of her exemplary leadership and commitment to the development of the institution, which, he said, was rated under her watch as the best Federal College of Education during an evaluation exercise by SERVICOM in 2019.
“Her motherly role, academic leadership, administrative ingenuity and union-friendliness have put the College on a high pedestal, and strengthened the foundation of academic excellence in the College. NASU will continue to partner with you in building a College where peace and staff welfare are prioritized”, Odo assured.
Also, the Deputy Provost of the College, Dr. Christopher Ugwuogo, said the reappointment of Dr. Okoli for a second tenure was not unexpected, considering her numerous achievements in the college. He explained that she dutifully pursued the completion of several building projects, and renovation of existing structures, which gave the college a befitting look of a modern campus.
Ugwuogo noted that during the first tenure of Dr. Okoli as Provost, the pedigree of college academic programme was enhanced, with the introduction of more Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE) programmes that widened students’ access to academic programmes.
Meanwhile, more commendations came from the teaching staff, who expressed satisfaction with the sterling performance of the Provost in her first tenure. The Director, Academic Planning and Statistics, Dr. Juliana Israel congratulated the Provost and prayed for divine grace to sustain her in the task ahead.
Also, the former Dean, School of Languages, Dr. Titus Ezeme, described Okoli as a quintessential and indefatigable Provost. He said the news of her reappointment had been long anticipated in the college, noting that it couldn’t have been otherwise.
The Director, Research and Conference Unit of the College, Dr. Sixtus Unigwe, said the tenure renewal didn’t come as a surprise. According to him, the reappointment was highly expected given the record of achievements of the provost during the first tenure. The Head of Department, Educational Foundation, School of Education, Dr. Jideofo Ezewuzie, congratulated the provost on her reappointment, noting that she has changed the face of the college for good.
The former Dean, School of Sciences, DrEjezie Virginia, congratulated the Provost, while praying that God would grant her understanding and wisdom in her second tenure. Also, the former HOD, Computer Department, Emeka Umendu, thanked the Federal Government for the wise judgment, and urged the Provost to activate her horse-power for swift conquest in the second tenure.
Similarly, the immediate past Deputy Provost, Dr Jane Madichie, prayed that God would continue to strengthen the Provost in the work ahead. Also, the Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Dr. ThankGod Nzeribe described Dr. Okoli as the ‘People’s Provost’ and wished her well in her second tenure in office. Also, Dr. Alex Onyeme described her appointment as good news to the college in recognition of the landmark projects accomplished in her first tenure.
The Chaplain, Chapel of Ascension, FCET Umunze, Rev Canon Ekene Okolo congratulated the Provost, and prayed that God would grant her the grace to function effectively in her second term in office.
Responding, Dr. Okoli expressed gratitude to Mr. President, and the Honourable Minister of Education for the confidence reposed in her to serve the college, and promised to consolidate the achievements already recorded in her first tenure. She thanked the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, the College Governing Council led by Hon Sekav Iyorthom, and the entire college community for their unwavering support, and promised to redouble her zeal towards the positive transformation of the institution.