Okojie bows out of NUC, successor takes over

Prof. Julius Okojie on Monday in Abuja completed his tenure as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission after serving two terms of five years apiece.
Okojie handed over to Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, the Deputy Executive Secretary 1, who would operate in acting capacity.
Okojie was appointed on August 3, 2006.
In a farewell remark, he said he was able to achieve much because of team work.
He said the university system was better at present than he met it.
He said: “I came for the restoration of the glory of the Nigerian university system.
“NUC, as a regulatory body, has come of age and will continue to improve.”
Okojie said he was going back to the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State to teach.
In his response, Mafiana said he was delighted to serve as the acting executive secretary.
He said he had been working with the NUC since 2003 but formally joined the commission in 2007.
Mafiana said he was Director, Executive Secretary’s Office; Director, Quality Assurance; Deputy Executive Secretary 1; and Deputy Executive Secretary 11.
He commended Okojie for his meritorious service to the nation as the executive secretary of NUC.
He said: On behalf of my colleagues, we pledge to continue to regulate the universities with courage and carry all stakeholders along.
“Not much will change.
“I count on you to give me as much support as you gave Okojie while it lasts.”
The Deputy Executive Secretary 11, Ibrahim Daniya, described Okojie as a courageous and visionary leader.
Daniya said the staff of the commission would miss his benevolence and wisdom.
Constance Goddy-Nnadi, the Director, Office of the Executive Secretary, NUC, said Okojie came to the commission with an objective to improve the Nigerian university system.
Goddy-Nnadi said Okojie worked with passion and energy as he left an indelible mark in the university system.
Highlight of the event was the launch of the third-quarterly magazine of the African Centres of Excellence by Okojie.