Don Lauds FG’s Efforts in Curbing COVID-19 Spread

A former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Friday Faraday Osasere Orumwense has commended the Federal Government’s efforts in halting the spread of the rampaging Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The don, who made this known in a statement in Benin City recently, noted, “I really thank federal government of Nigeria for the efforts and approaches taken so far to halt the spread of Covid 19. The government is really trying in tackling this pandemic, they make sure the citizens are protected. They have done so well, NCDC, Ministry of Health even the President have all lived up to the task in waging war against the spread.”

The author and professor of Mechanical Engineering advised Nigerians to stay safe by obeying the instructions and information given to them by the government and healthcare providers.

“This issue is not a national issue but global one which national government can only try its efforts to make sure citizens are protected. Without people, there is no government and there should be a mutual understanding, Nigerians should understand that whatsoever information given to them is for them, stay at home, wash your hands always, use nose mask even if you must go out and leave the remaining one for the government.” He warned.

He also urged Nigerians to keep praying for our leaders, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, “this is not the time to blame government or nag over any issue, please let’ pray for the nation and our leaders to be able to do more, it’s not easy to run government, citizens cooperation is needed, let’s cooperate with our government,.

Orumwense, ascended the exalted position as the 9th vice chancellor on December 1, 2014. During his tenure, UNIBEN flourished under his watch with an avalanche of infrastructure and academic fortunes. The institution, under his leadership maintained the lead as the most sought after university by admission seekers both at the undergraduates and postgraduates levels. He left no stone unturned to create a conducive learning environment for students as they recorded indelible achievements both in learning and research, owing to the cooperation and unflinching support of the of the various unions and the University management team.

The energetic and soft spoken Orumwense whose tenure came to an end on December 1, 2019 has distinguished himself in his commitment to ensuring and promoting academic excellence by providing students of the institution the enabling learning environment to thrive. It is in this regard that students and teaching staff of the University have won several academic laurels and scholarships across various faculties and departments, as well as secured for themselves placements in international trainings and conferences.

Another demonstration of the deliberate efforts at improving operational and organizational efficiency of the university system is the stable and uninterrupted academic calendar as well as the relative peace enjoyed on campus as a result of the increased level of security surveillance, supported by the procurement of six patrol vehicles for the security department. Besides, Prof. Orumwense’s welfare oriented policies for staff and students of the institution has made possible the peace and industrial harmony being enjoyed by all at the ivory tower.

Obviously, the huge premium he placed on the welfare of staff has prompted the regular promotion of staff as at when due, conversion and proper placement of staff. It is for this and more that for the first time since the inception of the University of Benin, the Orumwense administration birthed the career progression for Porters’ cadre which hitherto ended in Grade level seven to Grade level thirteen. Indeed, Prof. Orumwense who is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineer (FNSC) and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has distinguished himself as an academic Don with high regards which has endeared him to the high and low in the society.

According to one of the students, Joseph Bright, he noted; “I see the former VC as a visionary leader who is hardworking, we are still seeing what his administration has successfully done. For a VC to successfully finish his tenure without any blemish, he needs to be praised and I believe that he will still perform if he has a better opportunities to serve Nigeria in any capacity in future.