Federal University of Lokodja: The Story of Two Vice-Rectors |
Abraham Lincoln said: “Character is like a tree, and reputation is like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is real “.
I was awakened this morning by news of disturbing scenes at Lokoja Federal University, one of six new federal universities built from the ground up by the Goodluck administration.
Placards and banners of outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Angela Miri infiltrated the scenes with unprintable words, while workers armed with brooms and trumpets sang and danced, sweeping his tracks from the university premises.
As I watched these incredible scenes, my mind quickly returned to the contrasting scene a few years ago, when another vice rector left the same position at the same university.
This Deputy Chancellor was Professor Abdulmumini Hasan Rafindadi, a professor of pathology with an interest in cervical cancer, prostate cancer and forensic medicine, as well as the pioneer vice-rector of the Federal University of Lokoji, who held this position until February 2016 for a term of 5 years.
Those who knew him say that he was an administrator with honors, a man who knew how to manage people and institutions. His extraordinary transformation of virgin land into a beautiful and attractive institution with limited resources in 5 years has reportedly left many wondering how he managed to accomplish this feat.
Staff crying when leaving the office
When Professor Abdulmumini Hassan Rafindadi left office, the staff of the Federal University of Lokoji in Kogi State could not hide their emotions and cried bitterly and openly, which seemed the first of its kind in Nigeria and approved of his leadership style. Prof also struggled to hold back, welcoming staff and students who had gathered at the Vice Chancellor’s office to greet him.
Rafindadi and Miri held the same position, but their positions were characterized by two different and different results.
As the country mourns the death of a true servant leader and former governor of Lagos State Baba Latif Jakande, it is imperative that those entrusted with leadership always remember that one day they will retire, no matter how long their term lasts. be.
Those charged with the responsibility of driving should always remember that muzzling an ox when stepping on corn and denying workers their decent wages when they feed on the fat of their sweat always result in such treatment.
As Professor Olayemi Akinwumi resumes his job as the new Vice Chancellor of the university, we hope that this irritation will subside as he shares his wealth of experience and leadership in his quest to take one of Nigeria’s smaller institutions to enviable heights.
Dr. Oche Joseph Otorkpa
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