From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Professor Joe Tor Iorapuu, Vice Chancellor of Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi, has challenged graduating students from the Faculty of Management Sciences to remain positive ambassadors for the university and promote its reputation wherever they go.
Iorapuu addressed the students during a dinner and award night organized by the Association of Masters of Business Administration Students (AMBAS), the umbrella body for all postgraduate students in the Department of Business Management at BSU’s Faculty of Management Sciences.
Represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Timothy Alaba, the VC noted that customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal for any successful businessperson. He expressed pride in the “products” the faculty has produced – its graduating students.
While offering blessings for their future endeavours, Professor Iorapuu urged the graduates to continue promoting the positive aspects of the university’s Faculty of Management Sciences.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Professor Alaba elaborated on the VC’s message. “Most of our students are graduating this term,” he said. “We have students in the PGDM, MBA, MSc, PhD programs, and PhD students. The VC asked me to come and wish them well for all their academic work and the support they’ve given to the Faculty of Management Sciences.”
“He’s very impressed with them,” Alaba continued. “He says they’re a highly respectful group, the most respectful group of postgraduate students he’s ever encountered in any institution. He asked me to tell them to keep it up.
“A satisfied customer is a walking advertisement for a business,” Alaba said. “The VC believes that many new students are attracted to our program based on the positive experiences of past graduates. He urged the graduating students to continue promoting the good work of the Faculty of Management Sciences at Benue State University, so the outside world can understand what we’re doing here.
“We’re here to impart valuable knowledge in management and ensure a rigorous academic experience,” Alaba explained. “We’re doing a good job, and the VC is impressed with the students in the Faculty of Management Sciences. He wishes them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Alaba highlighted the faculty’s commitment to timely graduation under his leadership. “Students in PhD programs typically take three years to complete their studies,” he said. “MSc programs last for one year and three months at most, MBA programs take two years or three semesters, and PGD programs are two semesters long. Hardworking students can complete their programs and graduate on time. We haven’t had any students come back to complain about delays.”
“In fact, we’ve been getting a lot of new student applications thanks to referrals from our current students,” Alaba continued. “So there are no delays in the Department of Management Sciences.”
Alaba expressed his appreciation for the Vice Chancellor’s support for the faculty. “Right now, we have a new faculty complex built by TETFUND, thanks to the VC’s efforts,” he said. Alaba concluded by expressing hope for continued academic stability to allow the faculty to run its programs smoothly.
Earlier, the Head of Department, Professor Ipuele Ochugudu, described the graduating students as the best class he’s ever had and said he would never forget them. He expressed his gratitude for their gift of a generator set, saying it would have a lasting impact on the entire faculty, and offered his blessings for their success.
The President of the Association of Masters of Business Administration Students (AMBAS), Engr. Mike Onaji, expressed appreciation to the VC, department heads, and lecturers for their hard work and dedication in shaping the graduates into who they are today.
Onaji remarked that this was the first time he had attended a school where students and lecturers interacted like family. He pledged that the graduates would surely spread the word about the positive aspects of the university.
The students presented awards to four outstanding lecturers and students in recognition of their exceptional performance during their academic careers. The awardees included Prof. Timothy Alaba, Prof. Ipuele Ochugudu, Prof. Joe Sev, Dr. Wombo, Hon. Michael Inalegwu, Musa Dauda, Michael Abah, Samuel Ojike, and Charity Orchir.
Photo:
1. The Dean of Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Timothy Alaba, being presented with an award at the event
2. Former Commissioner of Information in Benue State, Michael Inalegwu (in yellow dress) receiving an award.
3. Dean of Faculty, Prof Alaba presenting an award to a student