The 9th substantive vice chancellor (VC) of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Chris Ekong, has warned both academics and non-teaching employees of the institution against complacency in the implementation of his reforms agenda to reposition the school as a centre for teaching, research and manpower development.
He said more changes were in the offing to instill best practices in the institution and urged the workforce to show diligence in their duties to transform the system for positive resultss.
Addressing conferees during a one-day workshop for protocol staff in his office on the theme; ” Excellence in Protocol Communication and Service Delivery: Supporting Visionary Leadership in the University of Uyo,” Ekong explained that the training was to reposition the protocol staff to align with his vision for the university.
Ekong, who was represented by the deputy vice chancellor (DVC) for Administration, Prof. Enobong Ikpeme, said the changes expected in the institution would be equivalent to that of Harvard University, in the next three years and charged the workers to prepare for the new order.
“This training shows that the protocol staff are the face of this university. This workshop should not be taken casually because we must know this new vice chancellor, though he smiles and speaks softly, but is strict in discipline and will not take lightly any misbehaviour especially from the protocol unit.
“I will not waste time in recommending to the council for staff to be relieved of his position. So, we should not think that the workshop is just casual .
We should take it seriously,” the VC stated, and urged protocol staff in his office to understand their duties and carry out personal research concerning their roles and responsibilities.
“Understand your duties, and if at the end of this workshop , you don’t understand, do a personal research and stand out in whatever duty you are assigned to do.
” I am sure you have seen the newness in the institution. Now that we have two female Deputy Vice Chancellors in this university , it shows that old ways of doing things have passed away.
“Against all odds and whatever it needs for change to occur even if it means breaking the rules not the real rules . It won’t be as it was in the beginning. Change is dynamic. That is what we would experience with this administration. Your attitude, dress code and relationships with colleagues and outsiders must change”
The Registrar of the University, Mrs Blossom Okorie observed that the university was portrayed negatively in public which necessitated the training workshop for protocol staff to change the narrative .
” A mistake by one person can caused embarrassment to the entire university.
The responsibilities entrusted to protocol officers demand dedication, discretion, sound judgement and unwavering commitment to excellence,” she stated.
In his paper presentation titled; “Critical Issues in Protocol Management,” the lead Resource Person at the workshop, Dr. Udeme Nana, advised protocol personnel to be careful and pay attention to details regarding their duties.
Nana, a Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Founder of Uyo Book Club and former Director of Press Affairs to former Governor, Obong Victor Attah, listed the philosophies behind public affairs to”include giving honour to whom honour is due, organising people and things, to establish structure, ensure procedural respect and accountability.”
Dr. Nana, stated that the purpose of protocol involves enhancing administrative consistency and order, as well as managing public affairs.
“Protocol Management focuses on norms or rules of engagement in the conduct of public affairs, the philosophies behind public affairs include organising things and establish structure, accountability and ensure procedural respect,” he added.
