Ibru International Ecumenical Centre hosts University Of Africa in a three-day retreat

Participants of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT), Bayelsa State,maiden three-day Senior Staff Retreat held at Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State from February 6 to 8, 2025

The Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North local council of Delta State, recently hosted the staff of University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT), Bayelsa State in the school’s maiden three-day Senior Staff Retreat titled: “Creating A Culture Of Distinction: Strategies And Imperatives For Building A World Class University.”

Welcoming participants to the retreat, the Vice Chancellor of UAT, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, explained that the main aim of the UAT Staff Retreat 2025 was to provide a platform for constructive, critical conversations and training to recalibrate the university for realistic, sustainable and impactful contribution to the society.

The serene environment provided by the centre exposed the participants to critical, honest and transparent engagements, robust conversations and intensive participatory learning.

The retreat was moderated by a combination of internal and external facilitators in plenary and breakout sessions under the respective chairmanship at different levels of leadership.

External experts with deep knowledge of Nigerian University eco-system and international best practices on tertiary education facilitated the training sessions and lectures.
In pursuit of team building and the cultivation of the collaborative spirit, team building games and activities were included in the retreat programme to meet the agenda setting objectives.

At the end, participants shared experiences, engage in SWOT analysis, and contribute to the articulation of unit, among others.

Facilitators at the retreat included: Prof. (Emeritus) OluObafemi of the University of Ilorin, Ilorin; Prof. Barclays F. Ayakoroma of UAT; Dr. Sunny OkoroAbeki of UAT; Prof. Rose Okiy of UAT; Prof. DemolaJolayemi of UAT; Dr. Ebisintei Precious of UAT; Sunday Pere of UAT; Dr. Godwin Poi of UAT; Prof. Ibaba S. Ibaba of Niger Delta University, Amasoma and Ademola A. Bobola of University of Benin, Benin City.

Others are: Barr. DouyeOdiowei of UAT; Navy Commander R. Karimo (rtd); Evans Porbeni of UAT; Doreen Diette-Koki of UAT; Dr. TarillaBuloupremo of UAT; Dr. EbifagheFawei of UAT; Prof. Cyril Obi; Prof. Francis Sikoki of UAT; Prof. Tony O. Onoja of University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt; Dr. OyintareIgo of UAT, and Dr. C. Cussons.