My Dear Colleagues,

Without gainsaying, we have gone through and still going through serious challenges in the education sector in Nigeria. The tertiary education is worst affected. Our University cannot be an island but we are making relentless efforts to do things differently with a view to creating a niche for ourselves with overall goal of making life easy for all.

In spite of all the challenges, we are gradually, with your supports, coming out of the woods. The 2022 promotion exercise is on the verge of conclusion without delay. This process no doubt imposes extra burden on us as it came in the middle of computation of students’ results and when salaries were not paid. It is our firm belief that all the recommended staff will eventually scale through in line with the regulations without fear, favour, affection or ill-will.

We are also looking at various observations raised with a view to improving on the conditions, making it more encompassing and easier to predict by all. In no long distant time from now, we hope that every staff (academic and non-teaching) can sit in the corner of his/her office or home and objectively do an assessment for promotion without fear of any boss or adversary. We will get there.

The complaints on the results computation, the non-payment of salaries and the travails of traffic on Tanke Road are daunting but we will not give up and, the Administration will continue to see how we can reduce these burdens. I want to once again put on record the appreciation of Administration for the successful conclusion of 2020-2021 Academic Session and the Commencement of 2021-2022 Academic Session. These feats came as a sacrifice from all and by all. Administration will forever cherish this disposition and assure you all that we will not dash your hope in us.

Coming into office at this time is also very challenging because there is no money to operate or give support even when we are willing. In critical terms we have:

1. Only been able to pay a token as welfare package to senior, junior and adhoc staff to cushion the effects of the excruciating financial challenges and at least ease our preparations for the festivities. It is far below our wish but the challenges are indeed daunting. It is our hope that you will receive it with the love behind the gesture.

2. Approved payment as motivation for publication in Q Journals

3. Compiled and sent names of beneficiaries on Ph.D, Post-doc and benchwork for TETFund support for 2020, 2021 and 2022.

4. Discussions opened with TETFund on 2020, 2021 and 2022 conference attendance support for both academic and non-teaching staff. As soon as this is achieved, a more open and objective template will be put out to ensure a level playing field for all.

5. Process nominees in respect of the TETFund MOU with FARA.

We have a duty to move ahead as nothing will wait for us. To that end, I appeal that we continue to do our best and as best as we can because ultimately it boils down to who we are.

God bless you all and Compliments of the season.