The Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Timothy Anake, made a highly anticipated visit to the College of Management and Social Sciences (CMSS) to celebrate their achievements and address pressing concerns. The meeting, held at the Center for Entrepreneurial Development Studies (CEDS) Multipurpose Hall, was a blend of gratitude, aspirations, and candid discussions aimed at moving the University forward.

In his opening remarks, Professor Anake praised the college for its exceptional contributions to Covenant University’s reputation. Describing CMSS as the ‘signpost of quality,’ he expressed his commitment to working collaboratively with the college to overcome challenges and continue their upward trajectory.

Highlighting the University’s plans, the Vice-Chancellor assured staff and faculty that recruitment efforts were already underway and expressed optimism regarding the approval of honorarium increments by the Board of Regents.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lanre Amodu, re-echoed the Vice-Chancellor’s sentiments, commending the college for its hard work and urging staff to voice their concerns freely. We are here to listen, appreciate, and provide solutions he said.

The Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Igban, further emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting the college. He encouraged CMSS to outline areas where the university could assist in enhancing their operations.

In his welcome speech, the Dean of CMSS, Professor Rowland Worlu, shared recent milestones, including accolades from October 2024 when the departments of Accounting, Economics, Business Management, and Mass Communication secured various trophies in national competitions. He also mentioned the exploit of Six Accounting students who achieved chartered status, underscoring the college’s strive for excellence. He highlighted initiatives like faculty teaching workshops and reaffirmed the college’s dedication to Covenant University’s vision.

However, Professor Worlu didn’t shy away from highlighting pressing needs. He called for urgent recruitment of faculty to ease workloads, an increase in Staff welfare to improve retention, and an honorarium review for external examiners.

Other faculty and staff used the meeting to air grievances to which the management gave a listening ear. Additionally, the Head of Finance raised concerns over higher tax payments compared to other faculties in universities, offering to assist with the issue.

In his closing speech, Professor Anake assured attendees that their concerns had been noted and emphasized that the presence of key officials like the Director of Physical Planning and Development (PPD), Engineer Nelson Owoicho Aboche, and a representative from the Center for Systems and Information Services, Engineer Mobolaji Ariyo, signaled immediate action.

The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed ongoing plans to increase salaries, recruit more faculty, and address infrastructural deficits. He also promised to make such visits a regular occurrence to foster a culture of collaboration and progress.

The visit ended on a hopeful note, with faculty and staff pledging their continued dedication to Covenant University’s vision and mission.