By Ewere Okonta, PhD
08037383019
eob.org.ng
“As a University, we know what we want, and we know what we don’t want”
- Prof Eric Eboh
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor (UNIDEL), Professor Eric Eboh, has inaugurated the Stakeholders Contact and Mobilisation Committee (SCMC), charging members to deploy their expertise, networks and influence towards the growth, development and sustainability of the University.
The committee was inaugurated yesterday at the Senate Chambers of the University.
Speaking during the inauguration, Professor Eboh described the committee as a strategic body comprising men and women of substance and “movers and shakers” within the university community, whose collective expertise and relationships could significantly advance the development of UNIDEL.
He charged members to approach their assignment with deliberate commitment, attention to detail, ethical conduct and a clear sense of purpose, stressing that their activities must align with the University's Project RAISE UNIDEL Higher strategy.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the growth, progress and long-term sustainability of UNIDEL would, to a significant extent, be determined by the effectiveness of the committee in identifying the University's needs, engaging relevant stakeholders and mobilising support for critical developmental initiatives.
He also expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for its continued support to the University, particularly in the areas of funding and staffing, noting that such support remains crucial to the growth and effective operation of the institution.
Committee’s Terms of Reference
The SCMC has been mandated to define and profile, in conjunction with University Management, projects and service needs requiring stakeholder support.
It is also expected to identify, communicate and engage UNIDEL stakeholders; including individuals, families, groups, organisations, associations, unions and communities; both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, towards the realisation of identified projects and services.
Other responsibilities include mobilising and documenting stakeholder support, partnerships and collaborations for the University's developmental programmes, projects and identified needs.
The committee is further expected, with the consent of Management, to undertake consultations, activities and other processes necessary to secure stakeholder support for UNIDEL.
Members are also to collaborate and synergise with stakeholders in the planning, channelling and implementation of projects and other forms of support to the University.
The committee is required to submit periodic activity and progress reports to the Vice Chancellor.
Ojogbo Leads Committee
Professor Samuel Ojogbo will serve as Chairman of the SCMC, while Dr Florence Omumu is the Deputy Chairman.
Other members are Professors John Igweh, Patricia Mbah, Emmanuel Osabohien and Regina Arisi.
The committee also includes Dr Pally Agidi, Dr Edewor Omonemu, Dr Anthony Mekwunye, Dr Carol Ohen, Dr Onyemaechi Ugboh, Dr Sunday Ijeh Okubor, Dr Emeka Chegwe, Dr Ewere Okonta, Dr Kashiari Esther Dibie, Dr Ernest Chukwuka, Dr Pius Nkem Oghonim, Dr Felix Nwajei and Mr C. J. Iwegbu.
Mrs Blessing Idoye will serve as Secretary, while Mrs Edith Ugeh is the Assistant Secretary.
‘Profile Needs, Map Stakeholders, Mobilise Support’
Professor Eboh tasked the committee to systematically profile UNIDEL's needs, map relevant stakeholders, engage and dialogue with them, mobilise support, build strategic partnerships and facilitate the implementation of projects capable of taking the University higher.
He emphasised that the committee's assignment should go beyond mere contacts or fundraising, but should focus on building sustainable relationships and partnerships that would deliver measurable value to the University.
In his parting remarks, the Vice Chancellor said:
“The value of this committee will be measured by relationships built, commitment secured and projects delivered for the University.”
Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Professor Samuel Ojogbo, expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for finding him and other members worthy of the responsibility.
Professor Ojogbo assured the University Management that the committee would not disappoint, promising that members would discharge their responsibilities with dedication and strive to surpass the expectations of the Vice Chancellor.
The inauguration marks another strategic step by the Eboh-led administration towards strengthening stakeholder engagement and mobilising partnerships and resources for the continued development of the University of Delta, Agbor, in line with the Project RAISE UNIDEL Higher vision.
Dr Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media, a family-values advocate, teacher and writer. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.
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