I will make FUW a reference point, says Okogbaa

Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Wukari (FUW), Prof. Geoffrey O. Okogbaa, says his administration is poised to contribute its quota to improving the technology base of the country.

One way of doing this, he said, is through the training of “teachers who will impart knowledge into students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with the use of laboratory experiment.

Okogbaa, who spoke recently during the presentation of the “Man of the Year 2014 award to him, by the National Coordinator, Joint Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, Comrade Isaac Ikpa stated, “We want Federal University Wukari to be a reference point within this zone, and we are focused on creating an economic corridor in Wukari, Taraba State as the state governor has given a nod on this.”

The university don showered encomiums on the traditional ruler of Wukari, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masaibi, for the support he has always given to the institution, but regretted the crisis that rocked the host community in the recent past. He also praised the students for their courage understanding during the period.

In his acceptance speech, Okogbaa said, “I am overwhelmed by this gesture because I had no previous idea about this. The work we do is not really ours, but God’s work, and service to make our country proud.

He lauded the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its assistance to the institution saying, “TETFund has been instrumental to some of the projects on campus especially, the construction of internal roads, senior staff quarters amongst others.

Earlier, Comrade Ikpa had praised the vice chancellor for his transparent leadership and called on all to emulate his good works for a better and greater Nigeria.

He added that it was in response to positive changes in the society that the civil society movement identified the copious contributions of Prof. Okogbaa, in terms of scholarships to indigent students, dedication to duty, accountability and transparency in the discharge of duties, infrastructural development, zero tolerance for corruption, humanitarian services, and peace building initiatives.