By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka chapter held a foundation laying ceremony of the ASUU NAU Guest house and appreciation of her former departing Executive Committee and retired members.
The ceremony which was held on Wednesday, 14th June 2023 at the ASUU NAU Secretariat complex also had a lecture delivered by a scholar from the University of Ibadan, Professor Francis Egbokhare on the theme: “ASUU and Development of the Nigerian University System: Progress, Challenges and Prospects.”
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, thanked ASUU NAU for her strides, noting that they are not only known for struggles but for progress and development. Prof. Esimone who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, FAMedS, said that since ASUU secretariat came into existence, it has been a centre of activities in the University and that the Guest house is a welcome development as the University is currently lacking in the aspect of hospitality.
Prof. Esimone further mentioned that the institution has a cordial working relationship with other unions such as SSANU, NAAT and NASU since this administration came on board. He therefore, thanked the unions for the peace they have maintained in the University and urged them to work together so as to attain progress.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and immediate past President of ASUU, Comrade Biodun Ogunyemi emphasized that ASUU at the national level is proud of the achievements of the ASUU NAU Chapter. Ogunyemi revealed that two years back as the president, he commissioned the present complex which is now the cynosure of all eyes having hosted the Union’s NEC meetings and other engagements.
The Union leader stated that the past two Chairpersons and the present Chairperson have done so well in keeping with the mandate of the union while urging the incoming chairperson and the EXCO to do well by keying into the achievements of the present union by ensuring that the ASUU NAU Guest House would be completed and duly commissioned. He also described the event as a home coming for him while regarding ASUU as the light of not just the education sector but the society at large.
On his part, ASUU President, Comrade Emmanuel Osodeke averred that ASUU NAU branch is doing great and stands out among other branches. According to him, ASUU NAU have become an example to others and are to be commended for their massive turn out in meetings. He mentioned that it will be of great value for her numerous members to energize the union in the current struggle, noting that the struggle entails issues that affects them.
Comrade Osodeke thanked the ASUU NAU Chapter for the recent press briefing and release made over the recent payment of backlog of arrears of salaries of some of her members in the medical profession while also promising that effort is being made by the national body to ensure the release of their withheld seven and half months arrears of salaries. He mentioned that universities are facing various forms of attack, and thereby, urged them not to give up on the struggles because this is the time they are needed the most.
In his address, ASUU NAU Chapter Chairperson, Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh stated that history is being made today as the chapter has achieved another milestone with the foundation laying ceremony of the ASUU NAU Guest House which promises to be one of the biggest ASUU Branch Guest Houses.
Ufoaroh informed that the Guest House project is the second phase of the ASUU NAU Secretariat complex after its completion two years ago. Ufoaroh said that the project was commenced for several reasons such as the provision of accommodation for conference attendees at UNIZIK, provision of accommodation to researchers generally and other visitors to the university, to serve as income generating avenue for ASUU NAU as well as creation of employment for some of our youths.
Ufoaroh also disclosed that the Guest House is made up of Reception, Banquet Hall, Offices, Restaurant, Kitchen, Gym Hall and Staff private spaces all domiciled in the ground floor while the first and second floor has 34 Standard and Deluxe Bedrooms, two Normal Suites and one Presidential Suite while the outside will have a Parking Lot, Swimming Pool and Tennis Court.
The Union leader also opined that the occasion offered an opportunity to celebrate ASUU NAU veterans who retired from 2021 to 2022 having held the first edition in July 2021 where retirees of 2012 to 2020 were appreciated. He informed also that the union taught it wise to appreciate past Executives and Faculty Representatives who served the branch from 2012 to 2018. He also thanked UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor for graciously approving the land for the construction of the Guest House while also eulogizing the Director of Physical Planning and Works Services of the institution and the entire ASUU NAU Chapter members for their immense support and all who turned up to grace the occasion.
The Contractor midwifing the project and the Managing Director of Conifer Construction Nigeria Ltd, Engr. Chukwunonso Okoye expressed hope that the project would be completed within one year. Okoye stated that when the project is completed it should be one of the best hospitality hotels in Awka as it was conceived to take care of the best in our society having five star top notch facilities in place.
In their separate speeches on behalf of the retirees, Comrade Prof. Hyacinth Inyiama, Comrade Prof. Lucy Nwuba and Comrade Prof. Rommy Okoye appreciated ASUU NAU for the honour and recognition while praying for the union’s growth and more strides. Comrade Prof. Harris Odimegwu who spoke on behalf of the past Executives called on the incoming EXCO to identify those who vilify the Union based on ignorance to educate and inundate them properly on the activities of the union and their struggles. Dr. Uju Ezenekwe also gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the ASUU NAU Chapter.
Highpoints of the occasion was the ceremonial foundation stone laying of the Guest House performed by the top brass of the ASUU National Body, ASUU NAU chapter, members of the University Management and UNIZIK Governing Council. The event also featured presentation of cheques and certificates to retired members and gift items to past EXCOs.