DELSU To Commence Dentistry, If …VC

By Ben Nwanne

The Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU), Professor Andy Egwunyenga has assured the National University Commission (NUC) that the institution was fully ready to commence its Dentistry programme, if given the approval to do so.

Receiving a three-man NUC Resource Verification team in his Conference Room on Monday, Professor Egwunyenga seized the opportunity to pay tribute to the NUC for its contributions to the development of the university system in Nigeria,particularly the on-going curriculum development initiative. He noted that eventhough some persons had criticized the Commission for over centralization, nevertheless,he lauded it for what it was doing with quality assurance, insisting that “the efforts of NUC to strengthen the university system is commendable.”

The Professor of Parasitology and Entomology explained that if the request was approved, it would be a good complement to the University’s robust programme in Medicine.

“That is why we are fully prepared. We have assembled the staff. We have the political will,” he told the team. “We have the resources, in fact, all that is required to establish the programme.”

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Speaking on behalf of the three-man (NUC) team, the leader, Professor (Mrs) Linda Obi-Okoye of the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) explained their mission to be that of assessing the University’s level of preparedness to commence the Dentistry programme. In her words, “we were sent by the NUC to DELSU because we learnt that you have interest to commence, a very interesting, very capital – intensive programme. We are glad that you have made up your mind that you want to do it.” The respected Dentist explained that they would do their job painstakingly and see the facilities and manpower on ground.

“We would go round and see what you have and advice you on what to do,” she told the Vice-Chancellor, members of his management team and some senior academics of the university. “We want you to do it and do it well.”

Present at the occasion were the Registrar, Mrs. Rufina Ufiofio; the Bursar, Mrs Otimeyin Ekakite-Omojuwa;the University Librarian, Professor Stephen Uwaifo whose tenure expires on the 19th of this month; Professor Lawrence Omo-Ahoja, the former Provost College of Health Sciences; Professor Emmanuel Odukoma, Provost College of Health Sciences;Dr Harrison Abedi,Ag Dean, Faculty of Clinical Medicine;Dr Jude Uchendu,Ag Dean,Basic Clinical Sciences; Professor Kingsley Nwangwa, Dean of Basic Medical Sciences; Professor Hilary Owamah ,Director of Academic Planning, among others.