VC, OTHER PRINCIPAL OFFICERS GRACE STAFF GET-TOGETHER AT THE POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, on January 9 2024, graced a staff get-together organized by the Department of Political Science. The get-together which was also attended by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Olushola J. Saliu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Daniel F. Atidoga, and the Registrar, Barr. Yahaya S. Alilu, provided an avenue for social interaction among the staff members of the Political Science Department.

The Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrar and other attendees

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor declared that she was proud of the Department for their impressive outing during the last accreditation exercise which witnessed among other Nigerian professionals in the field of Political Science, the visit of the President, Nigerian Political Science Association. The Vice-Chancellor while commending the Department for their preparation for and performance during the accreditation exercise noted that indeed, when one prepares, God crowns the efforts with success.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Head of Department, Dr. MacDave Agaba, for his leadership of the Department and expressed confidence that with the current pace of personal, academic, and professional Development of staff members sustained, the Department will boast of a good number of Professors in the nearest future. Admonishing members of staff who are currently researching towards their PhDs, the Vice-Chancellor added that with commitment and consistent efforts, everyone can succeed.

The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the leadership and members of the Department to promote the academic culture of seminar presentations, conference attendance and paper presentations, collaborative research, and publications in reputable Journals.

She appreciated members of staff for the support they have given to their Head of Department, noting that under such an atmosphere of cooperation, growth is inevitable. The Vice-Chancellor further tasked the staff members to prioritize the students and encourage them to be good ambassadors of the Department and the Prince Abubakar Audu University at large.

Department of Theatre Arts Holds Induction Ceremony for New Students

The Department of Theatre Arts has conducted an induction ceremony for new students admitted into the Department. The induction ceremony which was held at the New Arts Theatre on Tuesday, 16^th January 2023, is according to the Staff Adviser of the Department, Miss. Blessing Ikwuji, a customary event during which new students of the Department are welcomed to the world of Theatre and Performance in their capacity as students. The event also provided an avenue for the new students to learn from the staff members of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Department of Theatre Arts about codes of conduct, ethics, and expectations.

The Head of the Theatre Arts Department, Professor O.P Egwemi, thanked all attendees and congratulated the new students on their admission into the Theatre Arts Department. He emphasized that the Department of Theatre Arts holds dearly the values of discipline, hard work, decency, punctuality, and diligence in study. The HoD noted that being a practice-based Department, the students must imbibe good ethics, positive interpersonal relationships, and good attitude to learning. The Head of Department encouraged the students to take advantage of the on-campus hostel accommodation which provides them with adequate security and easier access to facilities that will aid learning. He emphasized the need for the students to attend all their lectures and manage their time appropriately.

The Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Professor W.S Onogu who is also a Professor of the Theatre Arts Department cautioned the students to be of best behaviour and be law-abiding. He advised the students to befriend the University handbook and their Departmental handbook which spell out acceptable conduct, mode of work, and behaviour on campus. Professor Onogu tasked the students to begin at this early stage of their academic journey to carve a niche for themselves and make the best of the Theatre Arts training which is already positioned for self-reliance.

Speaking at the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor S.I Ige, admonished the students on the need to maintain prompt and appropriate payment of their school fees throughout their years of study. Professor Ige noted that such prompt payment will enable the students to settle early enough for their academic work and avoid last-minute rush that could affect their preparations and readiness for examinations. Noting that the Faculty of Arts and Humanities is the home of religious leaders and religious Departments in the University, he encouraged the students to remain guided by the good principles of their faiths and religions as well as the rules and regulations of the University which are all targeted at good moral conduct, character, and discipline. Professor Ige noted that these values are essential to the certificates the students shall receive at the end of the University training, which is issued in character and learning.

As part of the lectures during the programme, Dr. Godwin Onuche, a lecturer in the Theatre Arts Department drew the consciousness of the students to the many dangers in social vices such as cultism, theft, fighting, and belonging to any other prohibited group. He reiterated the zero tolerance of the University for indecent dressing and all forms of unwholesome behavior.

Other highlights of the program were orientation on course registration, examination conduct, and theatre etiquettes. The program also included a social aspect during which new and returning students of the Theatre Arts Department presented various performances.