Rivers varsity VC seeks re-orientation of work ethics for effective service delivery

The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, has tasked university administrators to be technologically and intellectually equipped to satisfy the needs and aspirations of stakeholders in the university system.

Okogbule said that the COVID-19 pandemic had challenged the old order of things and created a new normal with monumental societal changes, hence the need for a re-orientation of work ethics for effective delivery of services.

The VC, who spoke at a virtual workshop for university administrators, at the weekend, in Port Harcourt, said: “To enable the university community function maximally, it is imperative that all administrators are properly equipped with the tools of the trade to aid them in effective delivery of their work on time and in the most relevant manner.

“I urge the high-ranking administrators such as the registrar, directors and deputy registrars to mentor the younger ones to ensure that the working experience of members of staff can be more beneficial and sustained while working in harmony with other categories of members of staff.”

Similarly, the National President, Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), Mr. I. Igwe, said the universities were being faced with increasing challenges of seeking and finding solutions to the societal problems through innovative ideas in teaching, researches and community services.

He, however, charged the administrators to embrace the wind of change and position themselves to advance the knowledge economy.

He said: “The new normal would reshape our world view and continue to engender competitiveness in every sphere of human endeavour. It is therefore time to embrace the wind of change and ensure a new generation of university administrators who as change drivers and facilitators are positioned to be at the cutting edge of the means that would advance the knowledge economy.

“I know the times are hard and the tasks before us are challenging, but I strongly believe that if we stick together and pursue our vision, there is no mountain we cannot climb. Together, we can illuminate the dark horizon and light the candle that can guide us to a safe and sane future.”