–We’ll Uphold The Interest Of Our Members – President
The Post Graduates’ Union (POGRASU), University of Uyo has sworn into office its new Executive Council at the Town Campus of the institution, following a successful election conducted by the Comrade Godwin Akpan led Electoral Committee.
The inauguration which held at the Onyema Ugochukwu Hall on March 28, 2025 saw Comrade Tobby Ifiok take up the mantle of leadership for the next academic year.
Others who were sworn in include, the vice president, Comrade Okoroafor, Nnyenime; Comrade Friday Anietie, Secretary; Comrade Umana Affiong, Assistant Secretary; Comrade Martin, Macauley, Financial Secretary; Comrade Nelson Michael, Treasurer; Comrade Victor Anefiok, Director of Information; Comrade Ugochukwu Obiageri, Director of Socials/Sports.
Others are: Comrade Kufreabasi George, Director of Welfare/Transport; Comrade Destiny Obot, Auditor General; Stephen Sunday, Director of Academics; and Comrade Nsikanabia Udoka, Attorney General.
In his inaugural speech, the newly sworn-in president, Comrade Tobby Ifiok thanked God for a successful election and subsequent swearing-in. While thanking his family for their support, he commended the Electoral Committee for a job well done, adding that with the support of all, he will perform well in office.
He extended an olive branch to those who lost out, urging them to join hands with him to move the association forward.
While noting that every voice will be respected in his tenure, he maintained that the interest of the post graduate students will be paramount in the scheme of things.
Comrade Ifiok thanked the leadership of the University, faculty and staff members for their support and guidance, assuring that his EXCO will not disappoint them.
He solicited the support and cooperation of his EXCO, stating the need to work with dedication to achieve a common goal for the betterment of the association and institution.
To ensure the effective articulation of his policies and smooth administrative engagements, he appointed various Special Assistants whom he said will serve for a period of four months which will be subject to renewal based solely on their performance.
Earlier in his keynote presentation, Prof. Essien Akpanuko, described leadership as the ability to inspire others to grow in different fields.
While noting that a lot has been said about leadership in Nigeria, he decried the fact that “the problem is that, we are yet to get one”.
He emphasized the need to build bridges of unity to foster academic excellence, adding that visionary and critical thinking must be brought into the leadership equation of the country.
According to him: “You must commit yourself to lifelong learning because the day you stop learning, you begin to die”, he stated.
On his part, the chairman on the occasion and chairman of Onna Local Government Area, Mr. Kufre Umoren expressed his delight at being invited to the inauguration ceremony, urging the newly sworn-in officers to be mindful of their conducts.
The council boss who was represented by Mr. Nelson Nelson charged the Ifiok led EXCO to serve with diligence, adding that those who voted for them have high expectations. “Be mindful of your actions so you don’t create chaos so that at the end of your tenure, you will leave with your name intact,” he said.
Speakers at the occasion were Prof. Aniekan Brown; Prof. Etefia Ekanem; Prof. Ikpe, amongst others.
Prof. Aniekan Brown who described leadership as a process, called on the leadership of POGRASU to adopt a collective style approach to leadership, even as he frowned at the absence of the immediate past president of the association, Comrade Etimbuk Idiong.
Prof. Ikpe noted that the appointment of aides is a demonstration of the president’s readiness to promote team work.
Others, including the Secretary of Post Graduates’ School, Dean, Students’ Affairs abd Director, TETFUND Centre for Excellence maintained similar positions as they charged the new EXCO to run an all-inclusive leadership in order to succeed.
