UNN VC challenges corporate organizations to develop education sector

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The Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Bartho Okolo, has called on corporate organizations to partner with the government in developing tertiary education in the country, stating that funding universities was not an exclusive preserve of the government.
Prof Okolo made the call during the commissioning of Geoscience Workstation and a 30KVA generator, donated to the Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, by Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL).
 The donations were part of the benefits of the university partnership programme facilitated by the NNPC, Shell and EEPNL, designed to boost the quality of Nigerian graduates in the field of oil exploration.
Prof Okolo said that the bane of the education sector was its sole dependence on government funding, and urged other organizations to borrow a leaf from the concern of EEPNL in raising the quality of Nigerian-trained graduates.
“Nigerian education system is not functioning very well because we depend on government for everything. Nowhere in the world is government funding education 100 percent, that is why I am happy that a company like Esso  is waking up to its responsibility”, he said.
The Vice-Chancellor thanked EEPNL for the donations and said that the UNN was collaborating with other institutions across the world to make its products more competitive in the labour market.    
The representative of the EEPNL’s General Manager, Mr. Goodluck Adagbasa, explained that the involvement of EEPNL, NNPC and SHELL in the university partnership programme was to improve the quality of geosciences graduates in Nigeria and give them a favourable fighting chance in the labour market. 
“The donations are meant to  boost the quality of Nigeria geology graduates, as well as give Nigerian students a fighting chance to be able to compete favorably with their  foreign counterparts”, he said.
Mr. Adagbasa, disclosed that his organization had invested about 300 million Naira in the project, including the cost of training three lecturers from the Department of Geology, UNN to operate the Geosciences workroom and guide students in its application. 
He therefore urged the Department to allow students access the Geosciences facility to boost their chances of securing employment with oil exploration companies upon graduation.
 Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Ehimade Limited Consulting, Dr. Daniel Lambert-Akhionbare stressed the importance of field trips to geology students, stating that “Geology is a field Science and as such should be practical oriented”. He implored the university administration to ensure that Geology students are always in the field.
The Head, Department of Geology, Prof. Obianuju Umeji, thanked the EEPNL for assisting the Department and expressed the willingness of her staff and students to put the equipment to effective use.
Olanrewaju Ajala/Inya Agha E.

ERASMUS MUNDUS ACADMIC MOBILITY PROGRAMME ACTION 2 –STRAND1:
2ND COHORT – CALL FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

The above programme funded by European Commission invites application for students scholarship (Masters/Doctorate) and staff mobility (Academic/Administrative). The programme is being implemented by the ANGLE Consortium which comprises 11 (eleven) European Universities, 9 (nine) ACP (African, Carribeans and Pacific) Countries’ Higher Education Institutions and 32 Associate Institutions (including University of Nigeria, Nsukka). Other key briefs about the programme include: the field of study, scholarship conditions and how to apply (see attached). The application is online with November 15, 2013 as deadline.

FIELD OF STUDY FOR STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIP
1    Agricultural Sciences   

2    Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning  

3    Arts and Design   

4    Business Studies, Management Sciences   

5    Education, Teacher Training Vocational and Teacher Education   

6    Engineering, Technology   

7    Geography, Geology   

8    Humanities 

9    Languages and Philosophy Sciences

10    Law

11    Mathematics, Informatics

12    Medical Sciences

13    Natural Sciences

14    Social Sciences

15    Communication and Information Sciences 

16    Other Area of Study

SCHOLARSHIP CONDITIONS
Mobility Flow    Mobility Type    Number of Months    Monthly Amount
ACP>>Europe    Full Master                 10/24               1,000€
Doctorate (mobility)                                10                    1,500€
Academic and administrative staff       1                       2,500€

Journey – round trip
•    Purchased directly be the coordinating institution Health insurance, accidents and journey
•    Purchased directly be the coordinating institution Tuition fees
•    If applicable – fully paid at the host institution

How to apply?
    Check the website http://angle.up.pt
    Consult the University of origin
    Check the eligibility criteria
    Consult the academic offer from partner institution
    Collect all the necessary documents
    Fill the online application form
    Send the application form until the deadline:15th December , 2013 (CET time-zone!)
NB: Study carefully, the guidelines for Applicants 2013/2014 – 2nd cohort.

August 2013-Presesnt: University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus; Dept. of Health Admin & Management
Lecturer
May, 2009- June, 2013:  Pristine Health ltd (Health logistics & Services)   Enugu and Owerri, Nigeria                                                                                             
Director, Projects, and head of Operations
•     Initiated and directed consulting opportunities for various non-governmental and private organisations
•     Consulted for various organisations systems audit
•    Involved in proposal writing consultancies for clients

Feb-Apr, 2009: World Health Organisation, Health System Governance and Service Delivery (HDS) unit, Health systems and Services (HSS) Cluster                                     Geneva, Switzerland
Technical Intern
•    Produced timely reviews and summary reports on ‘availability and characteristics’ mapping of managers in the health workforce in Africa; successfully drafted reports on Ghana, Ethiopia and Tanzania (with Zanzibar)
•    Managed the ‘Reference manager’ data base and updated with relevant literature on: healthcare systems strengthening; healthcare policy, planning and financing; healthcare governance, e.t.c

Jul, 2008-Jan, 2009: Christian Aid, Northwest Office                      Warrington, UK
Programme Administrative Assistant
•    Planned and convened four successful fund raising events for Darfur-Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo Crises and organized local supporters
•    Contributed planning and strategy advice for and collaborated on several CA northwest projects while serving as member on several project committees

Feb, 2007-Sep, 2007: Julius Memorial Hospitals                                Enugu, Nigeria
General Duty Clinician/Health tutor
•    Provided quality clinical care in this maternal care hospital; involved in Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) practices/programmes, provided care for orphans and vulnerable children; collaborated with evaluators of HIV/AIDS intervention strategies on data collection from the hospital
•    Trained over 30 auxiliary and midwife nurses including development of curricula, preparation of materials, classroom and bedside tutoring


Feb, 2006-Jan, 2007: Government Cottage Hospital, Ogugu.        Kogi State, Nigeria.
Medical Director
•    Maintained oversight of the clinical and administrative decisions and activities in this 9-bed rural government hospital serving a population of about 9,000 people (with two other health facilities) and responsible for its 25 staff; developed quarterly budgets and produced timely facility monthly reports for the Kogi state Health Management board
•    Mobilized and built community support for, and confidence in, the health facility after many years of inactivity and neglect; initiated, coordinated and monitored a series of community development health care projects; mentored community-based health care workers to improve early referral of suspected HIV/AIDS cases in the local community; collaborated with field and community health workers in the development and adaptation of materials and protocols for training hospital health workers
 
Dec, 2004- Feb, 2006: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital                  Enugu, Nigeria
House physician (medical internship)                                                                  
•    Provided supervised patients’ care and management in rotations in the departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medicine, General surgery, pediatrics and emergency care
•    Participated in the training for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV training programmes sponsored by WHO/ Harvard Initiative and the Federal Government of Nigeria; participated in some commissioned evaluations including a pediatric antiretroviral adherence study; gave presentations at clinical meetings
•   
TRAINING, CONFERENCES & COURSES ATTENDED
August 2011-ongoing    Project Management professional certification                  E-portal course, Christian Aid, UK
Mar, 2009       HIV in the Workplace & Living in a world with HIV and AIDS       Human Resources Mgt
        (One day training seminar)                                                                          WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
Feb, 2009               First Aid Training                                                            Health and Medical services,
      (One day simulations and training course)                                                       WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
May, 2008    Community Health: Delivery, Serving, Engaging, Leading                    Global Health Council,
     (A 4-day international conference)                                                                      Washington D.C, US                                                                                                                                                                  

OTHER RELEVANT SKILLS
COMPUTER: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, Power point, and Outlook), Windows Vista & XP and Reference Manager.
DATA ORGANISATION:  Data collection, analysis and management for the purpose of research and statistical inference; critical analysis of research studies
INTERPERSONAL: Excellent communication skills- written and verbal
LANGUAGES: English, Ibo

RESEARCH INTEREST
Healthcare Systems Strengthening,
Health Policy, Planning & Financing,
Health Facility Management,
Operations and Turnaround Management in Healthcare.

coming soon

PUBLICATIONS
Okoli, C.I., Cleary, S.M (2011) Socio-economic status and barriers to the use of free antiretroviral treatment for HIV/AIDS in Enugu State, south-eastern Nigeria.  African Journal of AIDS Research, 10: 2, 149 — 155.
Uzochukwu B.S.C., Onwujekwe O.E., Onoka A.C., Okoli C., Uguru N.P., Chukwuogo, O.I. (2009) Determinants of non-adherence to subsidized anti-retroviral treatment in southeast Nigeria. Health Policy and Planning 24(3):189-196. http://heapol.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/czp006v1
Onwujekwe O., Onoka C., Uzochukwu B., Okoli C., Obikeze E., Eze S. (2009) Is community-based health insurance an equitable strategy for paying for healthcare? Experiences from southeast Nigeria. Health Policy, 92: 96-102.
Onwujekwe O., Uzochukwu B., Eze S., Obikeze E., Okoli C.,  Ochonma O., (2008) Improving equity in malaria treatment: relationship of socio-economic status with health-seeking as well as with perceptions of ease of using the service of different providers for the treatment of malaria in Nigeria. Malaria Journal. Available at: http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/5
Onwujekwe O., Uzochukwu B., Obikeze E., Okoronkwo I., Ochonma O., Onoka C.,  Madubuko G., Okoli C (2010) Investigating determinants of out-of-pocket spending and strategies for coping with payments for healthcare in southeast Nigeria.  BioMed Central Health Services Research, MS: 2110919046263661.
Onwujekwe O., Uzochukwu B., Dike N., Okoli C., Eze S., Chukwuogo, O (2009) Are there geographic and socio-economic differences in incidence, burden and prevention of malaria? A study in southeast Nigeria. International Journal for Equity in Health,8:45
http://www.equityhealthj.com/content/8/1/45
Onwujekwe O, Okoli C (2010) Editorial: Relevance of the study of health economics in the African context: HEPNet Newsletter- biannual newsletter by the Health Economics and Policy Network in Africa. Available at www.hepnet.info.

Onah  F.E., Okoli C.I (2006) Resource-expenditure gap in local government finance. In: Onah, F.E. ed. Fiscal Federalism in Nigeria. Nigeria: Great AP Express Publishers LTD.

Kalu, E.U., Okoli, C (2006) The new partnership for African development (NEPAD) and economic implication on Nigeria’s economy. In: Onuoha, J.I. ed. Issues in National Development: A multidisciplinary Discourse Vol 1. Nigeria, Prescient Publishers, ISBN-978-075-895-X.

PRESENTATIONS
•    Okoli C and Onwujekwe O (2012) Evidence-based Budgeting for Hospitals. Paper presented at the 26th National Conference/Annual General Meeting held at University College, Ibadan, School of Nursing (Omolade Alade Hall) on 3rd-7th Dec. 2012.
•    Okoli C.I, and Onwujekwe O (2012) Budgeting for Health. Paper presented at the National Executive Council Meeting/Scientific Conference organized by the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Abakaliki at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on 26-28 January 2012.
•    Okoli C. I., Onwujekwe O., Uzochukwu B, & Obikeze E (2011) Examining community-based health insurance (CBHI) financial risk protection in southeast Nigeria. Paper presented at the 2nd Conference of African Health Economics and Policy Association at Saly Palm Beach Hotel,  Dakar, Senegal on 15-19 March 2011.
•    Okoli, C.I., Dike, N., Onwujekwe, O., Eze, S. & Chukwuka, C. (2007) Subsidized HIV treatment in Nigeria is not pro poor: a case study of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Paper presented at International Health Economics Association (iHEA) 2007 6th World Congress: Explorations in Health Economics, Copenhagen, Denmark. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=992827.
•    Onoka C and Okoli C.I (2007) Country presentation - State of healthcare financing in Nigeria. Paper presented at the workshop on social health insurance organized by the Health Economics and Policy Network in Africa (HEPNet) Cape Town, South Africa, 26 -31 May 2007. Available at www.hepnet.info/theme.html
•     Okoli C.I (2007) Achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria. Paper presented at the capacity building for health economics, management and policy workshop for policy makers and other stakeholders in the Anambra State Ministry for Health, Awka, organized by Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria, Enugu at Parktonia Hotel, Awka on 8 – 9 March 2007.
•    Agu, C. and Okoli C.I., 2006, “Capital Flight and Political Risk: A Re-Assessment of the Challenges for Economic Growth in Africa” Paper presented at the Conference on “Reducing Poverty and Inequality: How can Africa be included?” hosted by the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE), University of Oxford and held at St. Catherine’s College, University of Oxford, United Kingdom March 2006

COURSES ATTENDED:
•    “An Introduction to Global Health”, 8 weeks online course of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark held on Sept 2 - Oct. 27, 2013.  Awarded “Statement of Accomplishment with Distinction” after the course.
•    A three (3) week Foundation Postgraduate Course in Econometrics organized by the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, Nigeria held on January 27 – February 15, 2002.

CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS ATTENDED
•    Workshop on “Responsible Conduct of Research/Grant Writing Workshop” organized by the Medical Education Partnership Initiative, Nigeria (MEPIN), University of Nigeria, Nsukka on 2-3 July, 2012.
•    Workshop on “Resilient and Responsive Health Systems (RESYST)” at Health Economics Unit, University of Cape Town, South Africa on March 26-29, 2012.
•    International Conference on National Responses to Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases: Health Economics, Policy and Health Systems Considerations organized by Health Policy Research Group and Health Economics and Policy Network in Africa at Rockview Hotel Abuja, Nigeria on Nov. 29- Dec. 01 2010.
•    Workshop on finalization of instruments and training manual to be used for estimation of the 2006-2009 National Health Account organized by Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with UNFPA , PATH2, UNICEF, WORLD BANK at Rockview Hotel  (Classic) Wuse II Abuja on 20-29 October 2010.
•    Workshop on public expenditure review (PER) in Nigerian health sector organized by Federal Ministry of Health, Department of Health Planning, Research & Statistics in collaboration with World Bank, DfID/PATHS2, WHO, UNFPA and UNICEF at ASA Pyramid Hotel No. 13, Lafia Road,Off Independence Way, Kaduna on 5-8th May 2010.
•    Workshop on the development of an implementation and training manual for national health accounts of Nigeria, organized by PATHS-2, WHO, UNFPA and DFID at Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Club, Rabah Road, Kaduna on 22-28 February 2010.
•    Global Health Initiative Seminar on National Health Insurance held at the University of Cape Town, South Africa on 28 October 2009.
•    Workshop on Provide ACT Consortium Project- “an equity and cost-effectiveness analysis of alternative strategies for the deployment of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) at the community level” organized by Health Policy Research Group, Nigeria in collaboration with London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine on 25-27  November, 2008 in Enugu, Nigeria.
•    Workshop on Social Health Insurance in Cape Town, South Africa organized by Health Economics & Policy Network in Africa (HEPNet) on 26-31 May 2007.
•    West African Health Economics Network (WAHEN) workshop on Developing and Sustaining Health Economics and Policy Research, and Training in West Africa, held at Dmatel Hotel and Resort Enugu, Nigeria on 14 – 17 August 2007.
•    National workshop on state-level business environment organized by National Planning Commission and African Institute for Applied Economics at Rockview Hotel Wuse II Abuja on July 6-7 2006.
•    Workshop on 2006 State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS) benchmarking exercise organized by National Planning Commission (NPC), Abuja/Support to Reforming Institutions Programme (SRIP), European Union held on 19 -26 November 2006 at Bolingo Hotel, Abuja.
•    Workshop on “research on financial risk protection” held by the Consortium for Research on Equitable Health Systems (CREHS) in Cape Town, South Africa on 26–29th September 2006.
•    Inter-Agency National forum on competitiveness and private sector growth:  Promoting Evidence-Based Advocacy and Decision –Making, organized by the African Institute for Applied Economics, Enugu in collaboration with the Presidency at Nicon Hilton Hotel, Abuja, on 1– 2 July 2002.

coming soon

Research Interests:
 Healthcare financing, Universal health coverage, Malaria prevention & control research, Access to HIV/AIDS treatment.

OPENING REMARKS BY THE PRO-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA, SIR DR. EMEKA ENEJERE, AT THE 232ND MEETING OF THE COUNCIL ON MAY 24 AND 25, 2013 AT NSUKKA CAMPUS

The Vice-Chancellor
Principal officers of the University
Fellow Council members
Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen

I welcome you all to the 232nd meeting of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the inaugural meeting of the 14th Governing Council of the University, holding at Nsukka Campus, Friday and Saturday, May 24 and 25, 2013.  

You will recall that on April 9, 2013 Professor Ruquyyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, OON, Minister of Education, inaugurated the Governing Councils of 21 Federal Universities at the NUC Auditorium in Abuja.  Since then, it has not been possible for us to meet until now, in order to enable the Senate, Congregation and Convocation representatives of the Council to be determined.  That process was concluded on May 16, 2013.  The Council is therefore now properly constituted.  

For the benefit of those who were not at the inaugural in Abuja by the Minister on April 9, 2013, it is necessary to inform you that the Minister, in her address, clearly spelt out the terms of reference for the work of University Governing Councils.  Although I have passed a copy of the Minister’s speech to the Registrar and Secretary to Council, to make copies for all our Council members, I have tried in my opening remarks today, to summarize the salient points; which are as follow:

-    To ensure that the education system is in a position to produce those with skills and competences to drive diverse sectors of the economy.

-    To ensure that the institutions have good governance structure and quality members in the Governing Councils.

-    To at all times, be in consultation with management of the Universities to be abreast with current Laws, Government Policies, White Papers, Circular, Gazettes and other relevant documents that will help in decision-making, without undue interference in the day-to-day running of the institutions.
  -    Governing Councils are expected to be concerned with policy issues, adoption of best practices, monitoring institutional projects and getting more funding outside government, to improve the facilities and infrastructure to promote teaching, research and learning of the institutions.

-    To checkmate present challenges facing the education sector which include inadequate human resource and physical infrastructure, unstable academic calendar, general insecurity, examination malpractice, inadequate space for the teaming population seeking admission, decline in academic standards, poor management of funds and human resources, and many others which have impacted negatively on development of tertiary education in the country.

-    To come up with ideas that will improve the ability of the institutions to generate more revenue outside government allocations, by looking outwards and enlist support of philanthropic organizations and individuals for additional funding, as well as exploring other sources of revenue generation through endowments.

-    To address the issue of appointment of three (3) Deputy Vice Chancellors, which is alien to our system, and violates the statutes establishing the Universities.  This exercise must be in line with established positions in the Universities.

-    Other areas to be addressed include:

a.    Respecting the Principle of Federal Character in the Appointment of Staff. (The Honourable Minister of Education said, and I quote: “some Universities have become parochial enclaves and the concept of universalism in education has been localized, especially in matters regarding staff employment. The Federal Character Commission and National Universities Commission (NUC) have both been requested to work with Councils to ensure compliance”).

b.    Creation of bogus Political Portfolios for the Aides in the Office of the Vice Chancellor. (The Honourable Minister said, and I quote: “Vice Chancellors should respect the approved Scheme of Service for the Federal Universities and desist from creating bogus political portfolios for their Aides (Personal Assistants, Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, Advisers; etc) who duplicate the duties of schedule officers.  This action has put unnecessary burden on the Wage Bills.  Councils and Management have been directed to correct this aberration immediately”).

c.    Creation of unnecessary Directorates.  (The Honourable Minister said, and I quote “some Vice Chancellors have resorted to the creation of unnecessary Directorates in the attempt to find duties for their Aides or friends of University Administration.  For example, the creation of the Directorate of Personnel Management not only distorts the Organogram of the University for the Statutorily Established Registry Department, it undermines the Registrar and all other staff who are employed in the first instance to carry out that duty.  NUC has been directed to monitor and ensure that erring institutions revert to approved Organograms while the Council should ensure compliance”).

d.    Borrowing from Custodial Funds.  (The Honourable Minister said, and I quote “Governing Council members must never betray their honour to borrow from custodial funds belonging to the University.  Management must ensure that funds not required for immediate use is deposited in Government Securities or in interest earning accounts.  Vice Chancellors must not be complacent in bringing such cases from over-bearing Councils to the attention of the Ministry”).

-        Councils to address the issue of streamlining educational     programmes in their respective Universities in line with core     mandate of those institutions to meet national and     international standards by ensuring that only accredited     courses and programmes by regulatory agencies and     professional bodies are allowed to run.
-        For relevance to the needs of the economy, Councils should     refocus on institutional mandates of teaching, research,     training and community service should be encouraged.

-        In the course of their tenure, Councils should tackle the     appointment of Principal Officers by ensuring that proper     attention and priority are accorded the relevant Universities     Laws, and Government Guidelines in appointments.  Councils     should ensure transparency, probity and due process followed     in     the selection and appointment processes for emergence of     best and right candidates in positions.

-        Merit should be the guiding principle in selecting Chief     Executives or Principal Officers, rather than conceiving      ideas     that they  should  come  from the locality, which is alien to     the     system. Councils should not allow such conception to     becloud their decisions.

-        Maintenance of peace and harmony should be employed as     activities that would disrupt teaching, research, community     service and meaningful learning process should be avoided.      Councils should adopt best practices and comply with     statutory guidelines in their supervisory functions.  Council     should encourage responsive     and responsible unionism and     arrest problem of cultism and drug     abuse. Councils should     adopt effective strategies for early detection and eradication of     social vices such as cultism, theft, kidnapping, extortion,     sexual     harassment, inducement, examination malpractices, drug abuse     etc.

-        Councils should see to the effective implementation of     Government     Views (White Paper) on Visitation Panel     Report, and seek Federal Ministry of Education’s assistance     when the need arises.

-    Governing Council members to take note that this appointment     is not a means for self-aggrandizement and enrichment, but a     call for service to humanity, and not to be lured to turn award     of “Honourary Degrees” or “Fellows” to chieftaincy affairs,     as the sanctity and integrity of the institutions should be     foremost in deciding these awards.
-    In addition to the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman and four (4) other     external members appointed by Government, Governing     Councils should include Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice     Chancellor, one (1) person from Federal Ministry of Education,     four (4) persons appointed by the Senate from among its     members, two (2) persons from the Congregation from among     the members, one (1) person     by Convocation from among its     members and Registrar as the Secretary to the Council.

As your Chairman, let me emphasize that It is vitally important that, at all times, Council will be guided by this policy statement.  Permit me, also, to observe that I see this Council as one, and with a common objective, which is to uphold good governance structures and to improve the quality of output in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. I therefore do not accept the dichotomy between “external” and “internal” members on the Council.  

We shall succeed or fail as a Council in the discharge of the responsibility of general superintendence and management of the affairs of the University, in the proper control of its finances, appointments, promotions, welfare and discipline of the entire staff of the University, through the Senate.  In all our deliberations, Council members must be guided by this objective.  

I have therefore, no doubt that as rational individuals, we shall be able to avoid being bugged down by subjective and mundane considerations in all matters before the Council.

COMMITTEES OF GOVERNING COUNCIL:
A Council performs its functions through statutory and various Committees it creates; and it appoints members of Committees from within the Council, as well as from non-Council members in the University’s Senate or Academic Boards, where applicable.  


Some of the major committees are as follows:

•    The Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC);
•    The Tenders Board;
•    The Appointments and Promotions Committee (A&PC);
•    The Senior Staff Discipline Committee;
•    The Search Team for the appointment of Vice Chancellor;
•    The Joint Council/Senate Selection Board for the Appointment of Vice Chancellor.

As a Council, we may also need to create a Petitions and Appeals Committee to process petitions before us for consideration and disposal action, as the need may arise.

The main function of the Finance and General Purpose Committee is to exercise control over the property and expenditure of the institution, and to deal with any financial and other general matters not covered by any other committee which may arise between meeting of Council and require urgent attention.  
It is the responsibility of this committee also to ensure that proper accounts of the institution are kept and that accounts are audited annually by approved independent firms or auditors, and that an annual report, together with certified copies of the audited account, is published by the University.  

The Committee is also to ensure that all expenditures are approved in compliance by the rules and regulations governing the institution.  In addition, the Committee is responsible for examining the annual estimates of the institution for the purpose of presentation to the appropriate authority.

The Tenders Board is responsible for the award of contracts in respect of projects in the institution, and in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Public Procurement Act. The membership of a Tenders Board, as well as the modalities of operation are clearly defined in the Act.

The Appointments and Promotions Committee has two Sub-Committees.  One is responsible for the appointment and promotion of senior staff, and the other is responsible for junior staff.

The Disciplinary Committee’s function is to ensure discipline.

The Governing Council’s Search Team for the appointment of Vice Chancellor functions as its name implies, while the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board carries out the exercise to its logical conclusion.

I am optimistic that this Council, in all its actions, shall function within the legal requirements and the instruments under which it is established.  The tenure of the Council is 4 years from the date of its inauguration, provided it is not found to be incompetent or corrupt.  The Visitor to the University can dissolve the Council at any time.  The Council is expected to generate policies for the good management and growth of the University.  This should guide all our actions at all times.

Let me remind all of us that the founders of this University intended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to be the Varsity of Excellence in Nigeria, Africa and the world.  It was set up in collaboration with Michigan State University, USA and the founders intended the University to be a beacon of hope for growing young men and women which shall seek knowledge and skill in the valley of the soft green hills of Nuskka, with an environment second to none, for contemplation.  The founders also hoped that the products of this Varsity shall be dedicated to teaching and preserving truth in the service of humanity.
 
The graduates of UNN were also expected by the founding fathers to be in the forefront of the awakening of the great potentials of Nigeria, as well as in promoting the renaissance of the African continent, while actualizing the possibilities of the black race.  

The philosophy and the noble purpose of the University is to seek truth, teach truth and preserve truth.  Its motto is… To Restore The Dignity of Man.  Its emblem, the black lion, embedded in the green, white and green colour of Nigeria defines the black centric nature of its challenges and tasks in a world of races.  

The University has lived up to its bidding, but has also become affected by the general malaise and decay of the educational system in our country; and the Honourable Minister of Education has challenged Governing Councils to ensure that our tertiary institutions are restored to their pride of place in the world.
I, therefore implore this Council to project this responsibility with all the attention it deserves.
In its 2011-2012 annual Report of the University, the Academic Planning Unit, under the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bartho Okolo, stated the Vision Statement of the Unit to be that of creating a globally functional, competitive and research-focused University responsive to the mode of society, while delivering world-class education and knowledge.  In the same Report, the Mission Statement aims at placing UNN in the forefront of research, development innovation, knowledge transfer and human resource development, and in the promotion of core values to ensure the restoration of the dignity of man.

Let me therefore congratulate all of us for this well deserved appointment, and implore us to brace up for the challenges ahead, by placing the interest of the University above all other considerations, and to be guided by equity, justice and deep sense of honesty at all times.

Thank you.