Desmond Iwuchukwu
The Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Prof. Nlerum S. Okogbule has charged student leaders in the institution to see leadership as an opportunity to serve others and not for personal gains.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof Nlerum Okogbule gave the charge while declaring open a two-day Workshop for the Post Graduate Students Association (PGSA) and the Students Union Government (SUG) officials at the University’s Amphitheatre.
Prof. Okogbule called on the Presidents of the PGSA and SUG to carry other officials along, stating that their Constitutions spell out the functions of all leaders.
He commended the Dean of Students Affairs for initiating the Workshop Programme, noting that the goal of the exercise is to ensure that the various arms of the PGSA/SUG understand what they are expected to do as student leaders.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara applauded the Management of the University for providing the platform for the students to lead themselves in a democratic setting.
Rt. Hon. Opara who was represented at the occasion by Hon. Barr. Jones Ogbondah called on the student leaders to apply the knowledge gained from the Workshop, adding that the training will be useful to them after graduation.
In his Keynote Address, the Guest Lecturer, Hon. Barr. Kingsley Chindah stated that the three Arms of Government of the Students Union Government are expected to work in synergy to improve the students’ welfare.
Hon. Barr. Chindah warned against the unhealthy practice of antagonizing other Arms of Government, through making laws targeted on individuals, refusing to approve funds in the budget, or giving unfair judgment.
He recommended that laws should be made for posterity and that leaders should treasure transparency and accountability, adding that there should be severe punishment for corrupt practices.
Earlier in his address, the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Bright Opara said that the Workshop was put together to bring past student leaders to share their experience with the PGSA and SUG officials.
