…To Build AmericaSpace In Oghara
By Onome Oghenetega
The new Rector of the Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Prof. Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on the establishment of three additional three universities in the state.
Prof. Ufuophu-Biri, a renowned mass communication scholar and celebrity Master of Ceremony (MC), noted that the three new universities would help Deltans seeking university education to gain admission to school of their choice.
He spoke on Monday at the polytechnic campus in Otefe-Oghara during the handover ceremony organized for him and the outgoing Rector of the institution, Engr. Professor Emmanuel Apoyi Ogujor.
Ufuophu-Biri, a professor of Mass Communication and Journalism and former Associate Dean of Students’ Affairs of the Delta State University, Abraka, said in time to come, Nigeria will be exporting human resources to the outside world.
“We are lucky in Delta State to have additional three universities. I wish to commend His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for finding the courage to establish three universities in the state. In no distant time, we’ll be exporting our resources to the outside world and in turn get foreign remittance”, he stated.
He thanked Governor Okowa for his appointment, promising to join hands with the governing board and management of the institution to sustain achievements recorded by his predecessors and build on areas of needs.
“I will try and keep to my mission and vision with what I met here at the polytechnic. We will make good imprint not only on the sand of time but on the stones of times”, he said.
The Rector disclosed that investors have indicated interest to build an AmericaSpace at the polytechnic, stressing that staff and students of the institution would be exposed to the outside world.
“We will establish AmericaSpace in this polytechnic. We will establish an American-Nigerian scheme here that will expose our students and staff to the outside world.
“Some of my contacts abroad where I am an Alumnus and other stakeholders have called to say they are ready to come over to help us turn things around here.
“We will establish a lecturer/students welfare scheme. We will ensure cooperate social responsibility for the community and students.
“I want to thank the former Rector. You are leaving a big shoe for me and I prayed that my leg fit in properly to the shoe you’re leaving behind”, he added.
Taking turns to speak at the event which was graced by beautifully dressed Oghara chiefs, women, youths and members of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), the Chairman of the Polytechnic Governing Board, Chief Andrew Orugbo, euogised Ogujor for placing the school academically on the global map.
Orugbo, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Delta State, noted that he and other members of the Board had a rancor-free time working with former rector.
He added that tremendous achievements were recorded under Prof. Ogujor during his five years stay at the polytechnic as Rector.
Also speaking, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, represented by Chief Duncan Ewhere, eulogised Prof. Ogujor as the best rector since the establishment of the institution.
Ibori noted that Ogujor under his five-year was a bridge builder who promoted peace between the people of Otefe and management of the polytechnic.
In his farewell speech, Prof. Ogujor, while reflecting on his five-year tenure, commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his appointment, saying he never lobbied for the job.
Ogujor attributed his successes recorded under his administration to God and praised the governing board and management of the polytechnic for their support.
“I want to thank His Excellency, governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for giving me the opportunity to serve. I didn’t know him before I was appointed. I never went to Asaba to appeal or lobby for the position. I want to appreciate him profusely for all the support.
“I want to specially thank our former governor, Chief James Ibori for being a father to the polytechnic. He supported the school in various ways. He ensured that there’s no crisis between the school and host community. Once there’s any issue, he quickly reach out to both side.
