By Ali Hope

The newly elected Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Okechukwu Oji, has promised to improve staff welfare, strengthen discipline and promote partnerships to advance the faculty as he assumes office today.

Oji made the commitment during an interview with ESUT Monitor following the handover ceremony on Friday

The new Dean said he was coming into office with “lofty dreams” and a determination to leave a lasting mark on the faculty stressing that his experience at the Directorate of Consultancy Services, would help him bring new ideas and innovations to the faculty.

He disclosed that during his time at the Directorate, he attracted 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), with nine already signed and two expected to be signed in the coming month

The new Dean commended the outgoing Dean, Prof. Nicholas Attamah, for creating stability, peace and cooperation within the faculty.

He, however, said his administration would build on the existing foundation while introducing a broader and more global outlook.

“I’m coming in with a global idea and welfare of the staff as my key priorities. Discipline will also be enhanced because an undisciplined society doesn’t make progress,” Oji said.

He also promised to ensure that staff promotions were processed when due, noting that the outgoing Dean had already made significant progress in that area.

“We want to ensure that dress code is maintained. We want to ensure that the excesses of lecturers are contained. And we want to ensure that the lecturers are responsive to their duties,” he said.

Oji stressed that the development of the faculty would require cooperation among lecturers, students, university management and other members of the university community.

He said his administration would promote teamwork and collective effort to ensure that decisions and activities were in the interest of everyone.

The new Dean also revealed plans to build stronger partnerships between the university and people and organisations outside the institution as he intends to connect the university with its friends and partners by bringing together the interests of the “town and the gown.”

He added that meetings would be held to develop a work plan that would guide the administration towards achieving its goals.

“As we move in, we’ll have a few meetings, and from there, we’ll be able to draw up a work plan through which we can realize our ambitions,” Oji said.

He expressed confidence that through teamwork, partnerships and collective responsibility, his administration would leave a lasting legacy in the Faculty of Social Sciences.