Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Gbenga Ibileye says communication is the backbone of every successful administration, declaring that no institution can grow in silence.
Prof. Ibileye stated this when members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi State Council, paid him a courtesy visit in his office and pledged support for his administration.
Prof. Ibileye explained that no institution can achieve meaningful growth in silence without communication, stressing that his relationship with the media has remained strong.
He traced his journalism background to his national youth service corps days in Abeokuta where he served with the Nigerian Television Authority and had reports aired on network news.
According to him, the experience shaped his belief that visibility remains critical to growth and development.
The Vice Chancellor also noted that the conviction informed his decision to establish the Directorate of Strategic Communication and Corporate Documentation as one of his first action in office.
He explained that the directorate has continued to promote the Institution both locally and internationally while meeting his core objectives.
The Vice Chancellor also spoke on funding, describing the university’s annual TETFund intervention of 2.5 billion as grossly inadequate.
He appealed to journalists to press the government for more intervention and urged investors to support the development of hotels, classrooms and other facilities within the University community.
He also revealed that the recent collaboration with Nasarawa State University could unlock European Union funding through the Erasmus+ programme.
The Vice Chancellor also invited members of the Correspondents’ Chapel to his 100 days in office celebration scheduled for later in the month.
Earlier, Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Segun Salami, congratulated the vice-chancellor of the Institution, describing the professor as an insider who understands the university’s challenges and operational realities.
He noted that Prof. Ibileyes emergence presents a new opportunity for institutional development.
Salami urged the vice chancellor to operate on an inclusive administration by carrying all stakeholders along, including those who did not support his emergence, while assuring him of the chapel’s readiness to positively project the activities of the university.
Other members of the chapel present during the visit included Richard Etegho, Yekini Jimoh, Atabor Julius, Mohammed Bashir, Bolu Obahopo, Joseph Amedu, Ibrahim Oyewale and Ibrahim Obansa.
