ABSU walkways enwela oku o! ABSU walkways enwela oku o!!” (meaning ABSU walkways now has light), a final year student of optometry kept repeating over and over in a monotonous soliloquy as she gazed into the skies obviously in gratitude to God that this happened during her time as a student of the University.
As I stepped further, I saw another person but this time a popular food vendor on campus, dancing alone despite the absence of any music being played. Obvious joy all over his expression and demeanor.
Still down the road, a group of about four to five students, in a progressive discussion about Prof Ikonne’s developmental stride, couldn’t hold their joy; they kept echoing “Our story has changed, Our Story has Changed for Good.”
Beholding these sights, I said to myself, this is what leadership is all about. This should be the entire essence of seeking leadership positions – to be able to impact the lives of people in a transgenerational manner such that long after you are no more in office and indeed, no more on this terrestrial plane, your legacy will still speak volumes.
When in the Holy Bible, St. Matthew in chapter 5 verse 16 states, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven,” many may not understand the true meaning of this verse. The positive answer of the above teaching exemplifies in it’s true light the good deeds of Prof Ikonne’s personal life and official practice as Vice-Chancellor, Abia State University.
In December 2015, when Prof Ikonne took over the mantle of leadership as the Seventh Substantive Vice-Chancellor’s of the University, he outlined his mission, vision and strategies towards improving the infrastructural outlook of the University, including the Re-illumination of the University walkways with a more substantive lighting system, considering the importance of light to the university community more especially at night.
At this point, I am pleased to inform you that he has fulfilled his promise of RE-ILLUMINATING the entire University walkways.
Of a truth, Professor Ikonne is re-inventing ABSU. He is certainly not a saint, but his administrative headship of ABSU is a challenge he has taken personally and works round the clock to make indelible imprints.
At this juncture, let me salute our Eminent Scholar in Governance, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu Ph.D for the choice of Prof Ikonne as Vice Chancellor of Abia State University and his unalloyed support to the University.
It is also wise to encourage staff and students to continue with the support they are giving to him.
The revolution that has taken place under his watch no doubt places the institution on the map of world center for academic excellence. By the end of his five years tenure, Abia State University will indeed be the best
