The new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Prof. Ndowa Lale, has said his administration will instil discipline among the workers and students of the university.
Lale explained that the measure would stem the tide of unethical and unprofessional practices among members of staff and students.
He made this remark during his inauguration and the supplementary convocation of the institution where the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, bagged an honorary doctoral degree in Science.
Lale promised to take the university to a higher level through the implementation of creative resource mobilisation strategies to speed up infrastructural development.
He said, “I plan to take the university to the desired haven through re-thinking the structures for driving our academic programs, implementing creative resource-mobilisation strategies to fast-track infrastructural development.
“I also plan to motivate workers for sustained productivity by instituting a robust welfare scheme; promoting scholarship among workers and students and implementation strict discipline to stem the tide of unethical and unprofessional practices amongst staff and students.
“I promise this solemn assembly and all stakeholders the governing council, the university community, unique University of Port Harcourt students and Nigerians that I will commit myself to actualising the lofty dreams of the institution to become one of the world-class universities known for excellent teaching, ground-breaking research, innovation and creativity.”
His predecessor, Prof. Joseph Ajienka, said the degree awarded to Wigwe was well deserved, considering his impact in ensuring that the banking sector in the country attained international standard.
Ajienka urged the awardee to continue to ensure that he impacted more on the economy positively.
He said the institution would make history on the investiture of its 8th Vice Chancellor. He also described the institution’s decision to appoint Lale as the Vice Chancellor as apt based on his pedigree.
Enumerating the developmental plans of the university, Ajienka noted that the institution had a strategic plan to guide the development of the institution.
He said over N20.6bn was to be used for the development and added that an endowment plan of N4bn would first be executed.
Responding, Wigwe expressed gratitude to the institution for the honour conferred on him, promising that he will invest more in education to ensure that the younger generation gains quality education.
