By Ikenna Nwokedi
The University Workers Multipurpose Cooperative Society (UWMCS) on Tuesday, 25th June 2024 paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu.
The eight-member team led by the association President, Mr. Emeka Egwuatu stated that the essence of the courtesy visit was to introduce the members of the Executive Management Committee of the UWMCS to the institution’s new sheriff.
Egwuatu in his remarks, gave a brief history of the UWMCS which was formed in the early 2000s with her pioneer president as Prof. Samuel Okeke who was succeeded by Mr. Chinedu Eliyahs before his emergency as the third President of the society. He revealed that through the cooperative society, most staff of the institution have been able to build their houses as well as acquire assets and engage in other ventures.
Egwuatu lamented that the cooperative society which has over 6000 members is currently challenged by the advent of IPPIS which has led to the difficulty in having a hitch free monthly deduction of thrifts and monthly payments with the association unable to recover the sum in the region of N950 million from loan defaulters. Egwuatu, a Deputy Bursar of the University, however, stated that the society is ready to partner with the University in the area of staff welfare and sustainable projects such as business ventures as well as procurement of commodities at competitive prices and interest rates.
Responding, the institution’s Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechebelu thanked Mr. Egwuatu and his team for finding time to pay him a courtesy visit. Prof. Ikechebelu affirmed that the cooperative society is top notch in her services and have given members of staff of the institution a soft landing in achieving their financial needs and aspirations.
The Ag. VC revealed his short term goals encapsulated in the acronym ‘BLESSED’ translating to Beautiful UNIZIK, Light-Up UNIZIK, Excellent UNIZIK, Safe and Secured UNIZIK and Digitize UNIZIK. The scholar averred that his administration is interested in giving the institution a residential status where staff members can reside inside the University to make it a complete University Community.
Prof. Ikechebelu advised the cooperative society EXCO to look into the area of staff accommodation while also suggesting that the society should consider engaging an Investment Officer/Secretary who will aid the President in attracting more investments to the cooperative and strengthen its daily operation. He assured the EXCO members of the support of his administration regarding the affairs of the UWMCS.
Others that were present during the courtesy visit were the Vice President of the Cooperative Society, Dr. Gloria Chukwuemeka; Secretary, Dr. Olisa Maduka; Assistant Secretary, Ms Chigozie Chukwuleta; Financial Secretary, Mrs Ogoo Nduka and Ex Officio II, Mr. Bonny Chukwukaelo.
