Random-Thoughts

The University of Africa Toru-Orua (UAT) has commenced discussions with the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Zone 4, on a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening security, intelligence gathering, environmental protection, research and capacity development across the University’s expanding institutional landscape.
The development followed a courtesy visit to the University by a delegation of the NFSS, Zone 4, led by the Zonal Commander ACG Ambakederemo Geregere.
Receiving the delegation, the Vice-Chancellor of UAT, Professor Solomon Tamarabrakemi Ebobrah, described the proposed partnership as timely and significant to the continued growth and development of the University.
Prof. Ebobrah explained that UAT, established about ten years ago by the Bayelsa State Government, has evolved into a rapidly growing public university with an expanding student population, academic programmes, infrastructure and institutional presence across different locations.
He stressed that the University’s strategic location has enabled it to play an important role in expanding access to higher education, particularly for students from riverine and previously underserved communities in the region.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, UAT’s impact goes beyond the provision of university education, as its presence has brought higher education closer to communities that previously faced significant geographical and financial barriers to accessing tertiary education.
While highlighting UAT’s achievements, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that the University’s rapid expansion and geographical environment also present emerging security challenges.
Prof. Ebobrah disclosed that several UAT facilities, particularly isolated and unfinished buildings, have experienced incidents of vandalism and theft. He noted that an uncompleted cancer research centre, university auditorium and other facilities within the University’s expanding physical environment had also been affected by vandalism.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that UAT already maintains security arrangements internally, while other security agencies also maintain a presence around the University. However, he noted that the persistence of theft and vandalism demonstrates the need for additional intelligence driven approaches.
He therefore welcomed the NFSS proposal, particularly its emphasis on surveillance, intelligence gathering and early warning, describing such approaches as valuable complements to conventional security measures.
Prof. Ebobrah disclosed that the University is also working with the leadership of its host community to document motorcycle and tricycle operators around the institution. The initiative is intended to improve accountability and enhance the safety of students and staff who depend on such means of transportation.
Beyond physical security, the Vice-Chancellor expressed particular interest in the proposed research and academic collaboration, noting that UAT’s academic and research expertise, combined with the practical field experience of the NFSS, could produce valuable solutions to security and environmental challenges confronting Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
He also welcomed the possibility of student internships, field research, lectures, professional development and capacity-building programmes through the proposed partnership.
Earlier, ACG Geregere had outlined areas in which the NFSS could support UAT, including campus and environmental security, protection of members of the University community, intelligence and early-warning systems, forest and environmental protection, security awareness and training, research collaboration, community engagement, and internships and professional development.
He said the NFSS recognizes that a safe and peaceful academic environment is essential for teaching, learning, research and institutional development, adding that security remains a collective responsibility requiring cooperation among government institutions, security agencies, academic institutions and host communities.
The NFSS commander expressed the Service’s readiness to establish a professional, lawful and mutually beneficial relationship with UAT, particularly in areas capable of contributing to the protection of lives and property, environmental sustainability and institutional development.
Prof. Ebobrah also highlighted UAT’s wider institutional footprint, noting that the University has facilities and operations beyond its main campus, including locations in Ofoni, Ebedebiri, Angalabiri and Bulou-orua. He explained that the expansion further underscores the need for innovative and comprehensive security arrangements.
While acknowledging the University’s financial constraints, the Vice-Chancellor said UAT was prepared to contribute its expertise and available resources to the proposed partnership, while jointly exploring funding opportunities for research and other collaborative initiatives.
He assured the NFSS delegation of the University’s openness to the partnership and invited the Service to engage with the appropriate University officials, particularly the security management team, to develop the modalities for implementation.

TGIF
Unwind responsibly

In the cause of my job I have come to understand that it is easier to prepare your list of recognitions written clearly maybe an hour before the event because it lets you memorize names more clearly and makes for an easy flow during the event.

Organizers of events often come in a haze in the middle of events giving the names for recognition and sometimes you end up pronouncing these names not too well and there are some situations where guests may not be too happy.

An easy fix to this problem will be to send a list of invited guests to the MC or compare a day before the event.

But then learning never stops and I'll keep doing my best to be better.

It's Saturday!
Dish the regular!!
Do something irregular!!!

How is the network at your end?????

Let posterity have it on record that you did the right thing

Guys my new Registrar

Welcome madam

Congratulations

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗨𝗔𝗧

The Vice Chancellor, University of Africa, Toru-Orua has on behalf of the Management, Staff and Students of the University, extended a warm welcome to Mrs Tare-ela Darlington Abite as she resumes office this week as the third substantive Registrar of the University.

Mrs Abite's appointment which was confirmed by the University's First Governing Council at its 17th statutory council, takes effect from Monday, 18th of May 2026 and is for a single tenure of five years.

With over 25 years experience in University administration accumulated largely from the Niger Delta University, Mrs Abite holds a B.Sc in Business Administration, MBA in Management and M.Sc in Management.

Prior to her appointment, the new Registrar was the Establishments Officer at the Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island, where she was also a one time Chairman of ANUPA NDU Chapter.

Holding office as the first female Registrar of the University, Mrs Abite expressed her willingness to do all in her power to move the University to greater heights. Mrs Abite hails from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and is married and blessed with children.

filed by
Aforka Faith Ebide-konyefa
Ag. PRO
University of Africa, Toru-Orua

Photo credit: Freeborn Akpos