VISIONARY LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA’S TERTIARY EDUCATION

 Kalu Okoronkwo reckons that Charles Ogbulogo is well placed to lead Maduka University

Professor Charles Ogbulogo, the inaugural Vice Chancellor of Maduka University, possesses unwavering determination even as he is set to redefine the narrative of leadership in the country’s tertiary education sector, setting a precedent for visionary leadership that will emphasize inclusivity, academic excellence, and innovation.

Appointed as inaugural Vice Chancellor Maduka University in July, 2023, Prof Ogbulogo who attended the University of Calabar between 1981 and1985 and obtained B. A(Hons), English Education, MA. English 1986 -1987, and PhD English 1991 to 1995, respectively, can be described as an embodiment of intellectual and academic prowess.

For a man who has consistently displayed infectious integrity and dedication to education, and from a sound spiritual background, Ogbulogo’s leadership will herald a breaking away from the conventional norms and stereotypes that have often defined leadership roles as his appointment marked a transformative moment in the country’s educational landscape.

Prof, Ogbulogo has had a distinguished academic journey that makes him eminently qualified for his role. His academic qualifications, research achievements, and leadership experiences have prepared him for the VC position. As a man who has seen it all traversing major reputable tertiary institutions in Nigeria and having climbed the ladder from being an assistant lecturer, Lecturer II, and senior lecturer at the University of Lagos from 1988 to 1998, and also going through various leadership positions, such as sub-dean of the Faculty of Arts; acting head of the Department of African and Asian Studies, and chairman the Postgraduate Committee, he brings to the table a robust academic experience to his new role.

Prior to his appointment as VC, Prof. Ogbulogo held the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor at Covenant University in Otta, leading university in Africa, where he has spent 19 years working, further consolidating his profile as a top scholar and administrator.

His journey to the helm of Maduka University serves as a demonstration to the evolving dynamics of leadership in Nigeria’s tertiary education. As the first Vice Chancellor of Maduka University, he embodies not only academic excellence but also the spirit of progressiveness and inclusivity.

What sets Professor Ogbulogo apart is his leadership style, which combines the wisdom of tradition with the dynamism of the present. He recognizes the importance of retaining the core values of academia while also embracing the changing needs of students and society.

With Maduka University positioned as an ideal innovative university and having carved its niche as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to excellence and inclusivity, It comes as no surprise that the university’s choice for its inaugural Vice Chancellor was Professor Ogbulogo. His visionary leadership will propel the university to new heights.  Maduka University will witness a surge in research output, academic collaborations, and innovation as students and faculty members will be encouraged to pursue excellence in their respective fields.

Professor Ogbulogo is also known as an advocate for diversity in all aspects of university life. He will foster an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive, learn, and grow, while also recognizing the university’s role in the broader community, as he will be bound to initiate programs and projects aimed at uplifting the local community and addressing societal challenges.

Under his leadership, Maduka University will make giant strides on the global stage through partnerships and collaborations with international institutions as, Professor Ogbulogo’s vision is focused to put the Nigerian education on the map and create global citizens.

Maduka university came into lime light as a full-boarding modern hybrid school with the -state of the art facilities, highly professional administrative and dedicated academic staff who are equipped to bring out the genius in students pursuing academics, sports skills, and lots more.

The school is under the proprietorship of Dr. Sam Maduka Onyeisi (MON), Founder/Chairman, Peace Group, with a dream and vision of establishing a private university and a citadel of learning comparable to those obtained in developed countries thereby increasing the standard of education in Nigeria and the quality of its products.

Maduka already has a thriving primary and secondary sections of the institution which took off operation effectively, since the past two years.

Maduka University provides an enriching learning environment that fosters innovation, critical thinking, and collaborative opportunities, empowering students to thrive academically and personally.

In its maiden academic year, Maduka university offers extensive range of programmes, across four schools; the school of Business and Social Sciences will offer programmes such as; Mass Communications, Political Science/International Relations, and Transport Management.

The school of Engineering will offer programmes in Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Electrical/Electronics Engineering and Software Engineering.  The School of Health Science will provide programmes in Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Science and Nursing while, the school of Law will offer a comprehensive Law programme.

In his remark while announcing the appointment of Professor Charles Ogbulogo, as the institution’s maiden Vice Chancellor, Chairman Peace Group, Dr. Sam Maduka Onyeisi, said “Maduka University is honored to have Professor Charles Uzodimma Ogbulogo join the institution as the Vice Chancellor. Under his visionary leadership, we are confident that the university will continue to flourish and provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. Prof. Ogbulogo’s passion for learning and his dedication to excellence align perfectly with the core values of Maduka University”

“We extend a warm welcome to Professor Charles Uzodimma Ogbulogo as he embarks on this new chapter in his illustrious career. His appointment marks an exciting milestone for Maduka University, and we eagerly anticipate the valuable contributions he will make to our institution and the entire academic community” he said.

Okoronkwo writes from Lagos