It is with deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty God I welcome the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council and members of Council (both External and Internal) here present at the Valedictory session organized by the 3^rd Governing Council of the University in my honour today as the outgoing Second Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja. I would like to specially acknowledge and appreciate the fatherly support given to the Professor Angela Freeman Miri – led Administration by the Chancellor of the University Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idriss, CON, the Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council of Chiefs; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council Senator Chris Iheanyichukwu Adighije and the entire members of the 3^rd Governing Council.

Also, I would like to express my profound appreciation to the outgone Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 2^nd Governing Council of the University Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs and the members of the second Governing Council for their quality guidance. Permit me to say, it is a rare privilege to have worked with you all as I have learnt so much from your wealth of experiences within the past five years.

I would like to pay glowing tributes to the Visitor to the Institution His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for given me the opportunity through my appointment as Vice-Chancellor to contribute toward human capital development especially for our country Nigeria and beyond.

There is no gainsaying the fact that this administration has gone through thick and thin within the past five years. Notwithstanding, the Almighty God has always been there sustaining and seeing us through day by day, and has brought us thus far.

I am particularly delighted to state that on assumption of office on 25^th February, 2016 I had embarked on familiarization visits to the Permanent site and Adankolo Campus of the University. I also had useful interactions with staff and students to aggregate the challenges confronting the University and armed with first hand knowledge of the state of our University, I then articulated my Vision in addition to the University (FUL) Strategic Plan for the rapid development of the University. I had presented same to the 2^nd Governing Council at its Inaugural Meeting held on 23^rd and 24^th March, 2016. Captured hereunder are some of the highlights of my Vision which include among others:

1.  To ensure that the Federal University Lokoja emerges as a University in the truest sense of the word – the University being a community of scholars and students engaged in a complex task to which humanity looks up for new knowledge, innovation, invention, ideas and the way forward for overall human progress;

2.  To develop a University that will live up its traditional tripartite function, research and community service and be distinguished locally, nationally and internationally;

3.   To develop and grow the University to a level that it would help to expand admissions and bring professional skills, expertise and modern research facilities close to city and rural dwellers and help talented students to obtain higher degrees;

4.   To have an ICT driven University through the development and strengthening of Computer-based Management Information Systems with emphasis on networking to enhance management efficiency and information flow;

5.    Rapid development and movement to the University Permanent Site within the shortest possible time.

I am happy to note that the 2^nd Governing Council had approved of my Vision and plan on how to place the Institution on a steady path of growth and progress.

The Vice-Chancellor’s strong resolve on tackling the huge and complex challenges towards making the Federal University Lokoja a foremost academic institution in the continent of Africa and beyond is what has brought this vision to fruition. 

Highlights of the Modest Academic and Administrative Milestones Achievements and Infrastructural Development of the Professor Angela Freeman Miri Led-Administration in Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State from February, 2016 to February, 2021.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Sir and members of the Governing Council, permit me at this juncture, being my last meeting with this honourable Council, to highlight some of the achievements recorded under this Administration despite the paucity of funds we are all aware of, as follows:

A.    ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEATS

Some of the Academic and Administrative achievements within the period under review are as highlighted, hereunder:

1.     A Strategic Meeting with Illustrious Sons and Daughters of Kogi State, the first of its kind was held in August, 2016 with a view to enlisting the support of the Stakeholders for the rapid development of the University.

2.     Staff Verification and proper Placement which the 2^nd Governing Council had approved and which outcome was diligently implemented.

3.     Re-Accreditation of all the Programmes in the Faculty of Science including Statistics with FULL ACCREDITATION marks by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

4.     Establishment of the School of Post-Graduate Studies and commencement of academic activities in 2019/2020 Academic Session.

5.     Successful Resource Verification of the Post-Graduate Programmes of the existing courses in the University at the PGD, M.Sc and Ph.D levels (with the exception of the Departments of Economics and Political Science that were denied approval to run Ph.D by the NUC. However, the Dean of the School of Post-Graduate Studies is following up on it with the full support of the University Management.

6.      Creation of additional Faculties from two (2) to five (5), namely; Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Management Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Education.

7.     Elections and appointment of Deans to oversee the Faculties were successfully done for the existing and new ones respectively.

8.   Creation of more academic Programmes from eleven (11) to forty one (41) with the appointment of Heads and Acting Heads of Departments.

9.     Establishment and commencement of Remedial Science Programme in the University.

10.   Installation of the first Chancellor for the University Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idriss, CON, the Emir of Fika and Chairman Yobe State Council of Chiefs.

11.  Successful conduct of the first, second, third and fourth Convocation ceremonies for the Award of Degrees to our deserving Graduating students.

12. Promotion of twenty six (26) academic staff to the positions of Readership and Professorship following the positive Reports of the External Assessments of their Publications. It is noteworthy that more Reports are being awaited from External Assessors of some Academic Staff whose publications have also been sent out for assessment.

13. Promotion of other categories of academic staff and non-teaching staff across board.

14. Recruitment of more academic staff to boost the quality and numbers of our academics in the University.

15. Increase in the population of students (intake) and members of staff of the University.

16.   Establishment of the Bindery Unit in the University Library.

17.    Establishment of the Centre for Research and Centre of Excellence in the University.

18.  Establishment of the University Liaison Office in Abuja, No.20A Mamman Kontagora Crescent, Diplomatic Zone, Katampe Extension, Abuja.

19.  Procurement of a Permanent Residence for the University Vice-Chancellor by the Governing Council, at the Government Reserved Area, Lokoja, Kogi State.

20.  Movement of the University Administration to the Felele Campus (Permanent site) on Monday, 5^th October, 2020.

With the completion and furnishing of the Faculty buildings constructed under the TETFund High Impact Intervention as well as the completed Faculty Buildings at the Felele Campus, the Faculties of Arts; Social Sciences; Education and Management Sciences should move to the Felele Campus and occupy those facilities without further delay.

I hereby inform the Council that the Kogi State Governor and all the Security Agencies in the State have been officially informed about our movement to the Felele Campus (Permanent site) on Monday, 5^th October, 2020.

B.    INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

This Administration under my watch, has also witnessed infrastructural development with the support of the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Federal Government Capital Projects Intervention and NEEDS Assessment of Nigerian Public Universities (NANPU)- Special Presidential Intervention at both Adankolo and Felele Campuses as shown, hereunder:

2014 TETFund NORMAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS - Year: 2016        

1.     Construction of Multi-Purpose Complex at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

2.     Construction of Departmental Office Block at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

3.     The Furnishing of Departmental Office Block at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

4.     The Furnishing of Block of Laboratories and Classrooms at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

5.     The Furnishing of Multi-Purpose Complex at the Adankolo Campus, 100% and In-Use

6.     The Construction of Block of Laboratories and Classrooms at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

7.     The Procurement of Computers and Printers at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

8.     The Procurement of Book Titles in Biology, Computer and Political Science at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

9.     The Procurement of E-Resources, Software and Journals at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

10. The Procurement of Library Furniture and Multimedia Equipment at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

11. The Procurement of Book Titles in Chemistry, English Language and Geography at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

12. Procurement of Book Titles in Economics, Geology, Mathematical Sciences & History at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

13. The Procurement of Reprographic and Bindery Equipment at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

2015-2016 (MERGED) TETFund MAINTENANCE/REHABILITATION INTERVENTION PROJECTS – Year: 2019                                                                                       

14.    Re-Roofing & Renovation of Senate Building and Council Chambers at the Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed and In use 

2017 TETFund ZONAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS – Year: 2019            

15.  Construction of Three (3) Blocks of Eight (8) Units Lavatory (Lot A) at the Felele Campus, 100% Completed

16.  Construction of Two (2) Blocks of Eight (8) Units Lavatory (Lot B) at the Felele Campus,  100% Completed

17.  Supply of One (1) Unit of Brand New 2017 Model 33-Seaters Yutong Coaster Bus (Diesel Engine) - Felele Campus, 100% Completed and In-Use

2018 TETFund ZONAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS – Year: 2019            

18. CONSTRUCTION & FURNISHING OF COMPUTER BASED TEST (CBT) CENTRE - 250 Seating Capacity at the Felele Campus, 65% Completed (On-Going)

2019 TETFund ZONAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS – Year: 2020                      

19. Procurement, Installation, Testing, & Commissioning of Office Equipment; 157Nrs HP Pro Desktop Computer at the Adankolo Campus, 100% (Delivered)

20. Procurement, Installation, Testing, & Commissioning of Office Equipment; 157Nrs 650VA UPS, 30Nrs HP LaserJet P2035D Printers, 20Nrs Sharp Digital Photocopiers AR6020 with Motorised Projector Screens, 9Nrs HP Omen 15 Gaming Intel Core i7.770hq, 2TB HDD, 16GB RAM backlit at the Adankolo Campus, 100% (Delivered)

21. Procurement, Installation, Testing, & Commissioning of; 100Nrs Solar Street Light at the Adankolo/Felele Campus, 100% (Delivered)

TETFUND 2016 - HIGH IMPACT INTERVENTION PROJECTS DETAILS 

22.    TWIN LECTURE THEATRES - 250 Seating Capacity - LOT 1, Felele Campus, 98% (Completion stage)

23.    DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE BUILDING - LOT 2, Felele Campus, 98% (Completion stage)

24.    FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES-LOT 3, Felele Campus, 98% (Completion stage)

25.    STUDENTS MULTI-PURPOSE CENTRE-LOT 4, Felele Campus, 73% (Completion stage)

26.    FACULTY OF EDUCATION-LOT 5, Felele Campus, 98% (Completion stage)

27.    BLOCK OF CLASSROOMS/ LABORATORIES-LOT 6, Felele Campus, 98% (Completion stage)

TETFUND 2015 - 2018 Merged LIBRARY INTERVENTION PROJECTS DETAIL

28.    Procurement of Sharp AR-6031 NV Sharp Photocopier, Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed 

29.    Procurement of Additional Books, Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed 

30.    Procurement of Assorted Books, Adankolo Campus, 80% (On-going)

2016 CAPITAL PROJECT DETAILS – Year: 2017                               

31.    Construction of University Drama Village, Felele Campus, 85% (On-Going)

2017 CAPITAL PROJECTS DETAILS – Year: 2018                 

32.    Site Clearing, Construction of Drainages, Culverts and Fumigation Works (LOT A & B Merged), Felele Campus, 100% (In-Use)

2018 CAPITAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS DETAILS – Year: 2019                      

33.    Dual Carriage Road, Backfilling, Drainages and Culvert, Felele Campus, 80% (On-Going)

          DITTO:  ADDITIONAL WORK, Felele Campus, 80% (On-Going)

2018 CAPITAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS DETAILS – Year: 2018                      

34.  Construction of University Gate, Gate House, frontal and Mini Perimeter Fence, Felele Campus, 100% Completed

          DITTO:  ADDITIONAL WORK, Felele Campus, 100% Completed

2018 CAPITAL INTERVENTION PROJECTS DETAILS – Year: 2018                      

35.  Procurement of official Vehicles for Principal Officers of the University; Supply of 5Nos of Toyota Camry and 1No of Toyota Prado Jeep, 100% Supplied

36.  Expansion/Remodelling of the University Health Services, Adankolo Campus, 100% (In-Use)

37.  Construction of One (1) Block of Four (4) Classrooms, Felele Campus, 100% (In-Use)

2014 NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES (NANPU)- SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL INTERVENTION  - PHASE II PROJECT DETAILS – Year: 2014              

38.  Construction of Two (2) Storey Classroom Block; 12Nrs Classrooms, Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed

UNIVERSITY REVITALIZATION INTERVENTION FUND - NEEDS Assessment Projects (Equipping & Furnishing) – Year: 2019                                                              

39.    Equipping of Chemistry, Physics and Biology Laboratories    (LOT I), Adankolo Campus, 100% (In-Use)

40.  Supply and Equipping of Geology, Mathematics, Computer Science and Geography Laboratories (LOT II), Adankolo Campus, 100% Completed (In-Use)

41.    Procurement of Furniture for 12 Nos of Classrooms (LOT III), Adankolo Campus, 100% (In-Use)

2017 MJ / OVER HEADs PROJECTS DETAILS – Year: 2017                    

42.    Overhauling and Repair of Generators; No.2(270KVA) and No.3 (220KVA),   Adankolo Campus, 100% (In-Use)

2019 MJ / OVER HEADs PROJECT DETAILS – Year: 2019          

43.  Landscaping/ Construction of Galvanized Chain Linked Fence at the Administrative Block of the University Permanent Site, Felele Campus, 85% (On-going)

44.    Construction of 2Nos Block of   Police Posts, Felele Campus, 100% Completed... Click here to continue reading