By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
College of Education (COE) Oju in Oju Local Government Area (LGA( of Benue State has started taking steps aimed at regaining its lost glory.
The downturn in the school’s fortunes was attributed to mismanagement which almost rendered the institution comatose.
The college had started losing a number of lecturers, skilled and unskilled labour, who left the institution unannounced for greener pastures, with this blamed on non- payment of salary, lack of motivation and decaying infrastructure.
Prof. Odeh Boniface Ogbu, the Provost/head of the college’s new management, is doing his best to re-direct the college to its core mandate in all ramifications,it was learned.
The Provost while speaking during a courtesy call by members of the State Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) at his office in Oju, expressed appreciation to Gov. Alia for finding him worthy of the appointment and assured that he was not only determined to reposition the institution but to place it among the well respected Colleges of Education in Nigeria.
Prof. Odeh added that on assumption of office, he ensured that the entire environment overgrown with bushes and reptiles was cleared and made habitable for staff and students even as he also reached out to the National Council on Colleges of Education, (NCCE) for accreditation of courses in the school.
According to him, the 29 courses at the college, including Special Education, Agricultural Education and Extension and Political Science, presented to NCCE for accreditation, were approved.
Other achievements of the management as disclosed by the Provost include resuscitation of seven boreholes, restoration of a 33kva electricity line, repair of six broken down vehicles and renovation of some dilapidated structures in the school.
Prof . Odeh said that the number of students, old and new, has risen from less than 200 to over 300 since his assumption of office but lamented the lack of adequate staff even as the management has officially requested approval from the Governor to recruit new staff.
The Chairman, NUJ, Benue State Council, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, earlier in his comment, appreciated the Provost for the achievements so far recorded by the management of the institution.
The NUJ Chairman noted that Prof. Odeh’s appointment was not only a recognition of his academic excellence and administrative competence but also a testament to the confidence in his capacity to lead the institution to greater heights.
He assured that the union would continue to project the college following the cordial relationship the union has with the college.
*PHOTO CAPTION: The Provost (in white) and the NUJ Chairman.
