By Friday Idachaba
Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi has called for stronger inter-institutional synergy between the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the University to support the Mass Communication Department of the Institution.
Akinwumi made the call when the Management of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Lokoja, led by its General Manager, Alhaji Yahaya Adam paid him a courtesy visit in Lokoja.
The Vice-Chancellor said that the synergy would enhance the academic and professional proficiency of Mass Communication graduates of the Institution and as well, foster a lasting relationship between the two government institutions.
The Professor of History of global repute also reiterated his stance on promoting academic excellence towards building a world-class University that the nation would be proud of.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that he was on a mission to build an enviable Institution that would truly turn out graduates, transformed in “Character and Learning” to meet the yearnings and expectations of all towards fulfilling the vision of its founding fathers.
He maintained that in spite of the myriad of challenges including the dwindling and meager resources, he was determined to transform the 11-year-old University to the admiration and emulation of other Nigerian Universities.
“I am determined to leave a legacy that many will be very proud of, even many years after my tenure as the third Vice-Chancellor has ended,” the VC vowed.
Akinwumi express delight with the improved infrastructures in the institution attained through Public, Private Partnership (PPP) and the academic excellence achieved.
He said that the academic excellence culminated in the full accreditation status granted all existing programmes in the Faculties of Art and Social Sciences as recently released by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The VC noted that, aside the full accreditation of programmes, his administration has established new faculties, directorates, and programmes, while also promoting entrepreneurship education in the University.
Speaking earlier, Alhaji Yahaya Adam, NTA, General Manager, lauded the achievements of Prof. Akinwumi’s administration saying so much had been achieved within a very short time with undeniable records.
Adam pledged to ensure a robust and beneficial partnership between FUL and NTA that would project the University and the administration to the television station’s large audience across the nation and beyond.
He described Akinwumi as “an academic colossus and a true example of a self-motivated and forward-minded leader” adding that he was greatly impressed with the VC’s uncommon humility and sterling leadership qualities. (Ends)