The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has honoured its outgone Acting Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Onwuka, with a Valedictory Meeting held in her honour. This was in acknowledgement of the excellent services that she rendered to the University.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Ololade Enikuomehin, described Onwuka as a seasoned, dedicated and disciplined officer, who was well-grounded in University administration. Showering encomiums on Dr. Onwuka, Professor Enikuomehin expressed his gratitude to her, on behalf of the University, for her contributions to the growth and development of the University, adding that FUNAAB was thanking her for accepting to serve at this critical time.
Professor Enikuomehin noted that this was a time the University needed help, to stabilise in view of past agitations and misgivings, adding that driving the system from the background of administration was going to be difficult, if the University did not have a stabilising force that Dr. Onwuka provided, by virtue of her integrity and resilience.
Recalling the rigorous process leading to the recent appointments of the three Principal Officers in the University, the Acting Vice-Chancellor said that she had to keep records, prepare data and attend several meetings. According to him, “That didn’t affect the quality of her job. I was amazed that she could go through that pressure but I was reminded that she had gone through that before”.
Professor Enikuomehin, however, thanked God that the University had the privilege of tapping from her wealth of experience, this time around, saying that “I once told you that I consider that God had favour on me that you were appointed the Acting Registrar when I came in as the Acting Vice-Chancellor. The import of your counsel and your comments were very helpful. I am very confident that God would reward you”, he stressed.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor made reference to the earlier honour given to the outgone Acting Registrar at the Senate, where they (Senate members) were convinced of her dedication and commitment to duty and applauded her.
According to him, “The whole of Senate was convinced and the applause was awesome. For Senate to unanimously rise and appreciate you is something that tells that whatever has been your attitude to work, your natural disposition is enviable and I would dare say this, every administrator that wants to go higher must study and learn the attributes of someone like you”.
He admonished younger administrators to study her on what makes her different, what makes her survive the storm as well as what makes her stand out as a reference point.
Professor Enikuomehin extolled her principles and virtues, which according to him, stood her out and implored her to remain open for future services to the University. Commenting on the exemplary qualities of the outgone Acting Registrar, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Oluyemisi Eromosele, stated that Dr. Onwuka was a firm and blunt personality, who did not hide her views.
She appreciated the Acting Vice-Chancellor for putting up the Valedictory Meeting, saying “I have honestly enjoyed working with you. As you return to the Distance Learning Office, please, continue to do what you have been doing and, please, mentor younger Registry staff for the betterment of the University”, Professor Eromosele noted.
In her remarks, the Acting Bursar, Mrs. Oluremi Oyewunmi, described the outgone Acting Registrar as a resourceful and consistent officer, who strictly adhered to laid down rules and regulations, while the University Librarian, Dr. Mulikat Salaam referred to her as a seasoned administrator and silent hard-worker. The Deputy Registrar II, Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu, described Dr. Onwuka as a resourceful, persistent and responsive officer, who was worthy of emulation, adding that she was a diligent administrator.
Responding, the outgone Acting Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Onwuka, who described the Senate session as her highest career honour, appreciated the University Management, especially, the Acting Vice-Chancellor for making it pleasurable for her to work at the Management level. She commended Professor Enikuomehin for his humility.
According to her, the rules were not made by her, adding that “I only interpreted and complied. I don’t double speak. My ‘yes’ is ‘yes’ and my ‘no’ is ‘no’”.
She stated further “That is just me and I’m surprised to know that I’ve made a lot of contributions. I love working. Because hard work doesn’t kill, it only makes one stronger. I also know that I am not better than any administrator, but I am always prepared and committed to my work. Therefore, if I had done anything, it is by the grace of God”.
She paid glowing tributes to the University’s Pioneer Registrar, Princess Adebisi Soboyejo, for her steadfastness and for bringing her and others up. She lauded the efforts of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Oluyemisi Eromosele, for her diligence, humility and for accepting people’s relevance and importance in their own rights.
“The honour I received at the Senate was the highest honour I have ever received in my career and this would not have been possible without the support of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Enikuomehin. I thank you and want to say that I am available for any other assignment”, she added.
The high point of the event was the presentation of gifts and Commendation Letter to the outgone Acting Registrar.
NASU praises Acting Registrar
Meanwhile, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), FUNAAB Branch, has lauded the former Acting Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Onwuka, for her dedication to duty while congratulating the newly-appointed Principal Officers of the University, assuring them of the Union’s unflinching cooperation. The Branch Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Olajide Odunjo and Samson Edivri, respectively, on behalf of NASU members expressed their unalloyed support and co-operation, as partners in progress, to make FUNAAB a better place.
We had earlier reported that the FUNAAB Governing Council approved the appointment of new principal officers for the university. The new officials are the Vice Chancellor-designate, Professor Felix Salako; Registrar, Dr. ‘Bola Adekola and Bursar-designate, Mr. Chukwunwike Ezekpeazu.
