Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the Governing Council of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) to recommence the employment process that was cancelled last year because of irregularities.
Governor Fubara gave the directive while inaugurating the newly reconstituted governing council of the institution at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The governor warned them against going against the initial approval of 869 staff only, with quotas specified for the academic and non-academic staff.
Governor Fubara said the emphasise is on engaging persons on merit, not on any other considerations.
This is because, he noted, competent persons as lecturers, when engaged, would offer the best grooming to students for the good of society.
He said: “I know the good people of Rivers State and the most energetic youths are waiting to hear something from me, and this is about the employment that was cancelled.
“Let me here and now approve the recommencement of employment of members of staff, both academic and non-academic, for Ignatius Ajuru University of Education with this pronouncement.
“That employment exercise must be strictly on the basis of the initial approval of 869 with a percentage for the academic and non- academic staff.
Governor Fubara further said: “In the higher institutions, what is needed is academic staff and not too much of non-academic staff.
“Therefore, Pro-Chancellor and members of council, make sure that the exercise is strictly based on the approval, and those to be employed must be on merit basis and not man-know-man.
“It is an institution, a citadel of learning where you are supposed to impart knowledge. If you bring down the standard, I assure you we are creating monsters that will destroy our society. Therefore, there shouldn’t be any compromise,” he warned.
Governor Fubara congratulated the members of the council for the noble appointment because it is a testimony that they served very well in previous appointments.
“Therefore, we are saddling you with more tasking responsibility, and we believe you are going to deliver.
“I have no doubt in the delivery ability and capability of Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka. I know that at the end of this exercise, we will all be happy. Let me on this note wish you well as you discharge this onerous responsibility in this most critical time of our dear State.”
In his response, the Pro-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, expressed profound gratitude of members to the governor for finding them worthy of such noble assignment.
Chief Adokiye assured that members will work to ensure that the name of the university that speaks volume will be steered to become a citadel of excellence.
The Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education has Chief Adokiye Amiesemaka as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, with Dr. Iboh Okidim, Prof. Jason Osai, Prof. Ijeoma Akpu, Dr. Akabue Ugochukwu, Mrs. Mmeme Gogo-Adiari, and Hon. Dominic Sata, as members.
