ABSU Lecture: Eze seeks revival of oil palm mills to create employment, as Onuoha emerges new DVC of varsity

[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]

Professor of Analytical and Industrial Chemistry, Abia State University (ABSU), Professor Sunday Eze, has called on the Federal, State and Local Governments to resuscitate moribund palm oil mills across the country to create employment and re-launch the country towards economic recovery.

Professor Eze who made the call while delivering the 62nd Inaugural Lecture of the University with the topic; “The Chemistry of Palm Oil in Nigeria’s Economic Development: (The Righteous shall Flourish like Palm Tree)” at the University Auditorium, said with good leadership and good policies, Nigeria could still overtake Palm Oil giants like Indonesia and Malaysia in palm oil production.

He also recommended the proper funding of the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) to enable the institute to not just fulfill its basic mandate but to equally.

The Erudite Professor used the forum to commend the Abia State Governor and Visitor to the University, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, for his efforts in the distribution of over Ten (10) million Tenera Palm seedlings to prospective farmers as a way of boosting production of palm oil and other bi-products, noting that the step would stimulate the economy of the State within a very short time.

Health-wise, the professor explained that palm oil was rich in Vitamin A and E, Cholesterol-free and reduces the growth of Cancer in the body.

Earlier, while declaring the 62nd Inaugural Lecture open, the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Onyemachi Mawell Ogbulu, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor G. I. N. Emezu, said ABSU was noted for producing Professors of International standard that mentor students in character and learning.

Prof. Emezue thanked Professor Eze for demystifying the Chemistry of Palm Oil and used the forum to inform the public that admission was still ongoing in the University, urging Parents/ Guardians who wish their children to study in the University to take advantage of the opportunity.

In a vote of thanks, the Dean Faculty of Physical Sciences, Professor Chibuzor Igwe, thanked Professor Ogbulu for creating conducive environment for the monthly Inaugural Lecture to thrive and commended the Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Sunday Eze, for delivering a knowledge-filled lecture.

Highpoint of the event was the formal admission of the Lecturer into the class of “Distinguished Professors” of the University.

Meanwhile, Governing Council of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) has ratified the election of Professor Ogbonna Onuoha as the new Deputy Vice-chancellor (DVC) Administration of the University.

The Council ratified Onuoha’s election during its 148th regular meeting held on Thursday, 16th December, 2021.

Recall that the University Senate, in its 252th session held on Wednesday, 29th September, 2021, elected Professor Ogbonna Onuoha, a Professor of linguistics and Igbo, as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Administration of the University, pending ratification by the Governing Council.

Prof. Onuoha’s assumption office as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) completes the Management team of the University led by the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Onyemachi M. Ogbulu.

Prior to his election, Professor Ogbonna Onuoha has served the University in many capacities as

A former Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU- ABSU; Director, Institute of Distance Education; Director, Division of General Studies, University orator, among other different positions in successive administrations of the University.

Sources in ABSU testify that Prof. Onuoha, while occupying the listed positions, brought to bear, his wealth of experience and huge intellectual ability to promote the core mandate of the University in Teaching, Research and Community service.

Professor Ogbonna Onuoha is the 52nd Inaugural Lecturer of the University, largely celebrated for his unique presentation of the lecture in pure, unadulterated vernacular for the entire duration of the Inaugural lecture.

He is also a member of the Governing Council of the University, a very vocal member of the Senate, respected for his sound and intelligent contributions on issues at the floor of the Senate.