Newly-elected President of Ritman University Student Leadership Team (SLT), Mr. Emmanuel Ndiok, has pledged to rekindle faith in the student government while running a truly democratic, selfless and open administration. He said this in his acceptance speech after being sworn in as President of the university’s student leadership on Tuesday 12th December, 2017. He praised the Vice Chancellor for allowing students to exercise their franchise and the Acting Dean of Student Affairs for ensuring a free, fair and credible election.
Registrar of the University, Mr. Tonny Dogun II, charged students to respect their leaders, while the student leaders should understand that leadership is not lordship, but servanthood. He urged them to work as a team, be close to Management and commit themselves to service, excellence, manners as well as relationship. He encouraged critical thinking, which he defined as the ability to dismember a problem until you understand and solve it. The Registrar wished SLT a tremendous success. Other members of the new SLT Executive included Pearl Abasita of Accounting Department as Vice President; Enwongo-Abasi Umoren of Chemical Sciences as Secretary; and Udeme Effiong who studies Management as Financial Secretary. Melody Dodoh Baridule of Personnel Management was inaugurated as Treasurer; Divine Jacob Ottong of Biological Sciences came in as Public Relations Officer; Precious Barikula Gbiu from Sociology was Director of Sports; Donald Kelvin of Sociology took the post of Director of Socials; while Stephanie Mbachu of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board programme emerged as IJMB Representative. This new student leadership is second in the history of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene. The SLT leaders were elected on 6th December, 2017 after a debate and manifesto presentation the previous day. Eligibility criteria included a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) for presidential and vice presidential aspirants and 2.5 for other positions, in addition to a clean record devoid of cultic affiliations. Vice Chancellor of Ritman University, Prof Celestine Ntuen, had said that through SLT (an equivalent of Student Union Government), Management wanted to prepare students for future leadership. He remarked that leadership qualities needed for the future are learnt through agents of socialization such as the SLT, hence, leading students were to be of good character. The VC emphasized a need for morals and good behaviour, urging students to impeach any leader that fails the character test. Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Mrs. Rita Umoh, had noted that Ritman University recognizes a need for students to organize themselves in a democratic manner. She described the SLT as a medium by which collective desires of students get communicated to Management for better service delivery. Emmanuel Ndiok who was the only contestant for presidency had promised to bring leadership, commitment and creativity to bear on his job. He declared his belief in RU’s potentials and declared that through collaboration, he would consolidate on progress the university is making. Ndiok – a student of History and International Studies – also promised to work towards quicker release of examination results, better campus accommodation and more conducive learning environment. Pearl Abasita, in her manifesto had said she would be accessible to everyone, help maintain good sanitary condition and encourage regular fumigation of hostels. The only position in contention was Director of Socials contested by two students of Sociology – Livinus Baloga and Donald Kelvin – while other aspirants were elected unopposed. Kelvin emerged winner. Also inaugurated on that day was the executive of Ritman University Entrepreneurial Club. Director of the university’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, Dr. Godwin Essoh, said the club trains students on how to generate and implement business ideas for wealth creation. John Ime Mendie had been elected as President and Ifeanyi Stephen Akidike as Vice President. Blessing Emaido Essien was inaugurated as Secretary; Mitchel Chiebuka Abaebu as Treasurer; and Ini-Abasi Aniefiok Okon as Financial Secretary. Also inducted into the exco were Etini David Umoh, Public Relations Officer; and Gbarade Baradilo Friday who had won the position of Welfare Officer. They took over leadership of the club from its pioneer executive after taking their oath of office.
Edidiong Esara 13/11/17
Bình luận