DELTA State Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, has appreciated all those who made it possible for him to bag the South-South Nigeria Outstanding Academic Mentor of the Year Award.
The award ceremony was organised by Global Skills Hub, United Kingdom, in partnership with South-South Nigeria Excellence Awards, held at The Autograph, New GRA in Port-Harcourt.
Speaking to newsmen after receiving the award, Dr Ashibogwu appreciated the organisers for recognising his efforts in the academic world, as he also acknowledged the roles of many towards his success in the academic field.
“The award today is not entirely my effort. Many contributed to my academic pursuits. I want to appreciate my Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, my family and my students for giving me the enabling environment, support and necessary critical challenges, which made me work harder.
“I want to specially thank the organisers for finding me worthy among the numerous others who are eminently qualified in the South-South. This is a call for more work, and by God’s grace, I will do more,’’ Ashibogwu said.
In a keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, spoke on the importance of ‘Growth Mindset’ which, according to her, is key to meeting the future demands.
According to Prof Chiemeke, ‘’as against those with a fixed mindset, those with a growth mindset are open to new challenges with a view to improving their lives and society at large.’’
She noted that embracing a feedback mechanism, turning feedback into change catalysts, surrounding oneself with growth-minded people, celebrating efforts and not only success, were keys to a growth mindset.
Other prominent awardees included Prof Rowland Ndoma-Egba of the University of Calabar; former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof Lilian Salami; Prof Opudac Ekine of the University of Port Harcourt; Prof Allen Agih of the Niger Delta University; Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof Paulinus Okwelle; and Prof Stella Chiemeke, Vice-Chancellor of UNIDEL.
Earlier, Dr Akhere Akran, who spoke on behalf of the organisers, said the awardees were selected based on their tireless support and contributions towards the growth of education over the years.
“Today, we stand here to celebrate the very best of the South-South. These awards are not a popularity contest of the loudest votes. They are the product of a rigorous, credible and bias-free process. Only those whose work speaks the loudest are honoured here,” Dr Akran said.
