By Martin Nwoko
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) which is the umbrella body of all Nigerian students in tertiary institutions yesterday conferred a meritorious award on the Bursar of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Mrs. Helen Onyege Onuoha as the best university Bursar in Nigeria 2020/2021.
In his welcome address, the current SUG president of FUTO Comr. Timothy Eberechukwu thanked the leadership of NANS and all stakeholders of the association for finding the Bursar of their institution worthy to be so honoured. He described the Bursar as mother that shows concerns in everything that affects FUTO students.
Speaking at the occasion, the Dean of Student Affairs in the institution, Prof. Chikwendu E. Orji, applauded the effort of the leadership of NANS in ensuring that the last SUG election in FUTO was conducted in a most peaceful manner.
Prof. Orji noted that FUTO Bursar operates an open door policy and also a prudent manager of resources. He also commended the eagle eyes of NANS leadership in fishing out Mrs. Onuoha as the best university Bursar in Nigeria.
Leading the delegation, the National Public Relation Officer of NANS Comr. Victor Ezenagu, disclosed that as an organization they respect individuals, institutions, and organizations that have distinguished themselves in terms of improving the society especially towards students. He maintained that the award is aimed at encouraging other individuals in the society occupying one position or the other to do their best in the discharge of their duties knowing that one day they will be appreciated.
The FUTO Bursar, Mrs. Helen Onyege Onuoha is an Accountant with over 30 years post- graduation experience in her discipline. Before joining Federal University of Technology Owerri, Mrs. Onuoha had worked in the banking sector for years. Prior to her appointment as the University Bursar in April 2018, she had headed different units in the bursary department of the institution and was also a onetime Deputy Bursar in charge of salaries, advances and pensions unit of the bursary department.
Responding to the honour bestowed on her by NANS, Mrs Onuoha stated that she is overwhelmed by the award conferred on her. She noted that one of the reasons she received the award was that FUTO students conduct themselves in a peaceful manner. She further thanked the student body for recognizing her efforts and good work in the university, the and pledged to continue to do her best in discharging her duties stressing that she will always support NANS in all their programmes and activities.
