The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Dr Chinonye Abraham Ajie, has warned newly recruited non-teaching staff against poor work ethics, lateness and absenteeism, threatening disciplinary action against those found wanting.
Ajie gave the warning during a meeting with directors and deputy registrars in the conference room of the university’s Institute of Distance Learning on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Expressing concern over the conduct of the 400 new staff, the registrar urged senior registry officials to enforce discipline and lead by example to promote positive work attitudes among the recruits.
He questioned why no reports of unethical conduct had reached his office, asking whether directors and deputy registrars supervising the affected units were unaware of the alleged misconduct or had failed to take appropriate action.
According to him, some of the new staff either fail to report for duty or arrive at their workplaces at their convenience.
Ajie stressed that registry officials had a responsibility to protect the university’s image and prevent conduct capable of damaging its reputation.
He noted that the Rivers State Government was paying staff substantial salaries for services rendered, warning that employees who failed to take their duties seriously or were caught engaging in misconduct could face dismissal.
The registrar also announced plans for an in-house training programme for the new staff, to be conducted by heads of units. He directed directors to develop the modalities for the training before December 2026.
Describing the Registry as the university’s administrative engine room, Ajie said staff must remain committed to their responsibilities and ensure that administrative lapses were addressed across their respective units.
He also encouraged the officials to support one another and announced plans to introduce a Registry Day to celebrate and showcase the contributions of registry personnel.
In his remarks, the Director of Exams and Records, Barrister T. T. Minaiyo, thanked the registrar for convening the meeting and urged officials to demonstrate professionalism through their speech, dressing and conduct.
The Director of Senate, Dr Obi Wichendu, commended Ajie for his role during the recent promotion exercise, noting that no staff member was dropped. He also supported on-the-job training to familiarise the new recruits with the demands of working in a university environment.
Similarly, the Director of Council Matters, Wilson Ibokama, called for the establishment of a Protocol Unit, formerly known as the Passage Unit, with a director appointed to oversee its operations. The proposed unit would coordinate visits by university guests, including their accommodation, feeding and transportation arrangements.
The Director of Administration in the Academic Planning Unit, Dr Chima Cookey, supported the proposed Registry Day, describing it as a worthwhile initiative that could also provide an opportunity for staff to interact.
Meanwhile, the Director of Establishment, Dr Chioma Emejuru, appealed for vehicles to be assigned to directors to facilitate the discharge of their official responsibilities.
The university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Ngozi Okiridu, issued the statement.
