By Egbe Attah
The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Governing Council, College of Education (COE) Oju, Benue State, Dr Vincent Aondoaka, has hit the ground running with his first formal meeting with the management, deans and directors of the college, as well as a courtesy call on some critical stakeholders to the college within Oju town.
A press release by the Director of Public Relations, COE, Emah Lawrence and made available to The Voice on Wednesday says during the interactive meeting, Dr Aondoaka expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Benue State and Visitor to the College, Samuel Ortom for the appointment.
“The Council Chairman used the opportunity to unveil the policy thrust and direction of his tenure during which he said that he would spare no effort to see to the rapid growth and development of the College through rigorous pursuit of staff and students’ welfare for whom conducive working and learning environment shall be created.
“To achieve these goals and all the objectives contained in the edict establishing the Institution, the Chairman solicited the cooperation of the entire members of the College Community,” the release read.
Dr Aondokaa maintained that while he would be fair to all, he would also be very firm in the discharge of his duties, cautioning that “hard times await indolent staff and peddlers of rumours.”
Earlier, the Provost of the College, Dr Sunday Edo in his address of welcome, thanked Governor Ortom for the appointment of Dr Aondoakaa as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institution.
He expressed his belief that Aondoakaa’s vast experience as a seasoned educationist, policy strategy expert and an administrator par excellence would stand him in good stead as he pilots the affairs of the college.
In their separate responses, Dickson Odoh, the Dean School of Languages and Dr Ojella Ameh, the Director Exams and Records, both expressed confidence in the new chairman’s ability to take the institution to higher heights.
According to the release, the governing council chairman also paid a courtesy call on the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Oju, SP John Adikwu, whose assistance and cooperation he sought to continue to provide security for the college.
Responding, SP Adikwu thanked Dr Aondoakaa for recognizing the Nigeria Police as a leading security agency in the area, promising to do his best as always to provide the needed security at all time.
Earlier, the College Provost, Dr Edo had informed the chairman of how supportive the division has been to the college.
In company of the governing council chairman were two other council members, Prof. Akaa Imbuase and Engr Akpen Iortyer, The Voice further learnt.
