Rector, MAN Oron, moves to improve condition of service for academy

BY EDET OKPO

In line with Joshua Okpo’s sustained drive to reposition the Academy to meet the international best standards and place it on the path of accelerated growth, the Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Mr. Joshua Okpo at the weekend, inaugurated a 17-man committee to come up with an improved condition of service for the Academy.

Inaugurating the committee at the conference room of the Academy, which was watched by management staff, the Rector explained that the committee is mandated to propose a new condition of service to the Governing Council for consideration and subsequent ratification by the Federal Ministry of Transport.

He charged them to ensure that the yearnings, dream and aspirations of the citadel of learning were explored and exploited in the new condition of service, adding that it is his desire to see the staff of the academy being happy even after their retirement.

The Rector, who described the committee as a 17-wise men, hinted that the Academy as a special and regimented institution, deserves a better condition of service outside the public condition of service meant for conventional institutions and establishments in the country.

The Rector recalled that he came to see a backlog of staff who were not promoted for years even when they were due for promotion, disclosing that his staff-friendly administration had so far  cleared the backlog of such category of staff and were now senior lecturers, Chief lecturers, Deputy Registrars, Directors and Acting Directors.

He assured the staff of improved and enhanced condition of service throughout his administration and advised them to reciprocate the kind gesture through dedicated service.

The Rector reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment towards giving the Academy a degree-awarding status before the end of his administration.

Those inaugurated were: Engr. Jide Kupoluyi, Chairman, Capt. Felix Endonya, Member, Capt. Balogun, Member, Mr. Rasaq Egbebi, Member, Mr. Mkpandiok A. Mkpandiok, Member, Engr. (Dr.) Innocent Ezeala, Member, Capt. D. K. Dazi (RUC), Member, Dr. (Mrs.) Arit Mkpandiok, Member, Mrs. Odo Ansa Eno, Member, Dr. Chima Obioma, Member, Mr. F. A. Kayode, Member, Dr. Kevin Okonna, Member, Engr. Ogunsola Babawale, Member, Barr. Okon Asuquo Ntekim, Member, Mr. Siddi Mkpandiok, Member, Mr. John Amazie, Member, Dr. John Adeyanju, Secretary.

Responding, on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman of the committee, Engr. Jide Kupoluyi thanked the Rector for finding them fit for the task of drafting a new condition of service for the Academy, and promised to justify the confidence reposed on them.

Engr. Kupoluyi himself the Director of Works, said considering the pedigree and antecedents of the Committee members, a comprehensive condition of service would be packaged for the Academy.

Fielding from journalists shortly after the inauguration of the committee, the Deputy Registrar/Head of Public Relations, Mr. Siddi Mkpandiok stated that Mr. Joshua Okpo is the first Rector in the history of the Academy bent on improving staff welfare. He thanked the Rector for giving hope to staff of the Academy through the constitution of the committee.

It would be recalled that the Act establishing the Academy gives leverage to the Management of the Academy to establish a condition of service suitable for the peculiar services and needs of the Academy.