By Steve Oko
The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, Prof. Amadike Ugbogu, has banned birthday parties, award presentations, courtesy visits and portrait gifts in his honour throughout his tenure.
The directive, which also prohibits the acceptance of birthday cakes and honours from individuals, organisations, churches and communities, is aimed at discouraging unnecessary ceremonies and official visits.
The university announced the decision in a notice issued by its Media and Public Relations Unit, directing faculties and departments to discontinue courtesy visits to the Vice-Chancellor’s office.
Ugbogu, while appreciating members of the university community for the goodwill and support extended to him during his inauguration, said he would rather visit the various faculties and departments personally to interact with staff and familiarise himself with their activities.
According to him, the visits would provide opportunities to understand the achievements, operational challenges and needs of the different units, rather than having delegations troop to his office for courtesy calls.
The Vice-Chancellor also made it clear that he would not entertain birthday parties organised in his honour or accept birthday cakes from individuals or groups.
Similarly, he directed that no awards, portraits or other forms of recognition should be presented to him by individuals, organisations, religious bodies or communities during his tenure.
The university community, including students, staff and members of the public, was urged to respect and cooperate with the directives.
Ugbogu, who assumed office barely two weeks ago, reaffirmed his commitment to purposeful leadership, academic excellence, institutional development and the overall progress of the university.
The directive signals an early attempt by the new university administration to discourage ceremonial engagements and prioritise direct interaction with staff, institutional challenges and the core responsibilities of the university.
