By Ikenna Nwokedi
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Chapter on Tuesday, 12th December 2023 held her 36th congress which marked the last meeting of the Association for the year.
The congress which was held at the Multipurpose Hall of the institution had the convergence of all academic technologists featuring consideration and adoption of the 35th Congress, adoption of agenda of the 36th congress, special presentation on matters of University Administration and Pension Matters by PAL Pensions Limited as well as presentation of gifts to the immediate past EXCO and six retired members of the NAAT UNIZIK Branch.
In his address, the Chairman of NAAT UNIZIK Chapter, Engr. Chinedu Umembamalu thanked all and sundry who turned up for the 36th congress which coincidentally is the last meeting of the association before the year runs its course. Umembamalu informed that the present EXCO marked her one year in office six days ago before the meeting.
The Union leader also affirmed that Pal Pension Limited co-sponsored the congress and the association will in the coming year bring in other sponsors to aid in enhancing the union’s activities. Umembamalu revealed that the congress will also feature presentation of awards to past excos, presentation of meritorious awards to six of her retired members even as the six of them will each go home with 7.5Kg Hisense Washing Machine.
He also unveiled the Christmas welfare items for both captured and uncaptured staff members comprising of a bag of rice, oil and seasoning while thanking the past EXCO led by Sir C.C Okoli for the foundation laid in strengthening the union’s course as well as words of appreciations for the retirees for their service to the institution and contributions to the growth of NAAT UNIZIK Chapter.
On his part, a member of the 9th UNIZIK Governing Council and Deputy Registrar (Personnel), Pastor Sam Ufoh in his spiritual digest and presentation with the theme: “Jesus Workers”, highlighted the importance of servitude not just to the institution but in every capacity one finds him or herself.
Ufoh highlighted some of the attributes of a selfless and dedicated staff which includes discipline, diligence, commitment, courtesy, obedience, loyalty and patience. He called on members of staff of the institution to key into the ‘Project200’ vision of the present administration under the leadership of Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, as the Vice-Chancellor in ensuring that UNIZIK is taken to accelerated levels.
Highpoints of the occasion were presentation of meritorious service awards and gifts of 7.5kg Hisense Washing Machines to Sir C.C Okoli, Engr. Jeff Nwabueze, Engr. Chuks Austin Ifejika, Dr. Paul Nwako, Engr. Tyndale Okafor and Engr. Henry Ibekwe while awards were presented to three members of the past excos, Sir C.C Okoli, Comrade Victor Orji and Comrade Egemonye Obika.
