A Close-up with the new Deputy Rector, Administration
History was made on Tuesday, 8th March, 2022, when Dr Uzoma Friday Ibeaja was confirmed as Deputy Rector (Administration) of the foremost polytechnic in Nigeria, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri. FEDPONEK GAZETTE recently had a close-up with the scholar turned administrator. The chat was quite illuminating as it was instructive.
Born 27th May, 1967 in Obiohia Nvurunvu Uturu in Abia State, Dr Ibeaja had his first degree in Accountancy (Abia State University) and Master of Business Administration (Banking and Finance) from the same university. Thereafter, he proceeded to Imo State University, Owerri, where he earned a Master of Science Degree (2001) and Doctor of Philosophy Degree (2009) in Accountancy.
Dr Ibeaja is a member of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and Nigerian Institute of Strategic Management (NISM). He is also a fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN).
The new Deputy Rector (Administration) had held numerous administrative positions in the polytechnic prior to his appointment. He was Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (2012 – 2016). He also served as Deputy Director, Evening Programme (2011 – 2016), Deputy Director, SERVICOM (2016 – 2017). In addition, Dr Ibeaja served as Dean, School of Business and Management Technology (2017 – 2019) before serving as Director, Evening Programme from 2019 until his appointment as Deputy Rector (Administration).
Symbolically, the Deputy Rector (Administration) has as his personal motto “Service to God and humanity.” Perhaps, that might have propelled his foray into activism and unionism, at the end of which he served first as Financial Secretary of ASUP and later as its Chairman for four unbroken years.
