From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CRPA) Abuja in conjunction with Cruise Point Publishers on Wednesday presented Prof. Peter Aka, former Acting Vice-chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU) with an award of Exemplary Leadership.
Aka is a Senior Lecturer and former Head of Department, Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
He was appointed acting VC
of IMSU by Gov Hope Uzodimma of Imo State from January 2021 to March 2022.
Presenting the award in Nsukka Mr. Daniel Irodinso who led the team from the Abuja CRPA Office said the award was in recognition of Aka’s immense contributions, efficient and effective administration in IMSU as well as his strategic contributions in pharmacology and Toxicology.
“The centre assessed Aka’s achievements in the university from January 2021 to March 2022 when he was acting VC at IMSU.
“The VC shows himself as an exemplary leader because, within this short period in office, he solved the problem of medical accreditation in IMSU which had left many students in the medical section stranded for some years before he was appointed VC.
“Established Pharmacy School in the university which is the first of its kind in the southern part of the country.
” Established IMUS University Primary School, upgraded the University’s Medical Centre from its one-room status to a standard Medical Centre, ensure quality teaching and learning among other achievements,” he said.
Irodinso said that the peculiar thing about CRPA as a Civil Society Organisation is that it hardly gives awards to leaders while in office but after the leader has finished his tenure.
“This gives us the opportunity to assess and evaluate his/her achievements thoroughly without any influence.
“After this assessment and evaluation the centre sees Aka as one of the best among equals, as a dedicated leadership, and decided to honour him with this leadership award,” he said.
He said that the centre wants Aka to see the award as encouragement that would spur him to render more selfless and quality service to humanity.
“CRPA will continue to recognize and honour all who excel in rendering quality service to humanity as a way of encouraging hard work and patriotism,” he said
In a remark, Prof. Chukuemeka Nworu, a Former Head of Department in Pharmacology and Toxicology UNN commended the centre for the award which he said Aka merited and deserved because of his excellent leadership and immense contributions to education especially in pharmacology and Toxicology.
“I commend CRPA for the award to Aka, the erudite professor had supervised many masters and PhDs, postgraduates, and many of his PhD graduates are professors in various universities, and to the glory of God, I am one of them.
“I am not surprised by this recognition and award of exemplary leadership to the former IMSU VC.
“His numerous achievements as acting VC of IMSU within a short period have been attracting applauds, recommendations, and awards from people from different walks of life,” he said.
Responding, the former VC said he was humbled and overwhelmed that the centre found him worthy of an award for exemplary leadership.
“I don’t even know that people are watching and recording my performance.
“Is God’s uncommon wisdom that made it possible for me to excel in my department as well as acting VC IMSU.
“I express my appreciation to the centre for finding me worthy for this award as the former acting VC of IMSU from January 2021 to March 2022, I give God all the glory,” he said.
He said it was not an easy task to establish Pharmacy School in IMSU, upgrade the Medical Centre, establish the University Primary School, resolve the issue of medical accreditation among other things within that short period.
“Is because I wanted my administration to leave a good indelible mark at IMSU that I will be remembered for since I am an indigen of Imo State.
Aka said the award will serve as encouragement to offer more selfless service to humanity as well as continue to maintain integrity, accountability and transparency in all ramifications.