Paul Varsity Vows to Sack Indolent Staff, Inaugurates New Governing Council

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka 

The Bishop of Awka Diocese of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and proprietor of Paul University, Most Revd Dr Alex Ibezim, has warned staff that the church-owned institution would no longer tolerate indolent staff.

Ibezim, who stated this while installing a new pro-chancellor and inaugurating a new governing council for the institution, said henceforth, the university would sack staff found to be wanting.

He said, “It took me time to assemble this team (members of the governing council). Henceforth, our standards at this university will be high. The members of the governing council of the institution which we are here to inaugurate are men and women of high repute. 

“We have people from academia, government, captains of industries, and many others.

Addressing university staff, Ibezim stressed that “we have not gathered here to play.”

He warned, “If you know you are not competent, please resign before we sack you. Time for politics in this university has gone. I will come in here anytime to see how things are going. I am not a proprietor that is far. 

“I can come in anytime on supervision. I can also come into any of the lecture halls to listen to lecturers teach. Once we notice a compromise, you’re gone.”

Ibezim inaugurated Prince Dr Emeka Eze, a medical practitioner from the royal family of Ukpo, as the pro-chancellor and a 25-member governing council.

In his acceptance speech, Eze said, “Members of this council were distilled and from all walks of life. We have come together to build a university that will be an icon for the next generation. Paul University will create a better Nigeria and build human resources. Let’s work with zeal, clean heart and forthrightness. 

“This business will not be easy. It will require time and intellect. We will mobilise a huge amount of funding to be able to move the university forward, and I trust that we have men and women who can drive it.”