It was like a triumphant entry amidst goose pimples seeing jubilant students, staff and host community members of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Imo State, on Tuesday spontaneously came out in their thousands dancing, singing in solidarity and praises, beating gongs and drums just to welcome their globally acclaimed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnennaya Oti.
Oti was welcomed back to the University with pomp and pageantry after she served as the State Retuning officer for the Abia State Governorship Election which held on March 18 which was temporarily suspended based on perceived irregularities and manipulations.
The Returning Officer was quoted to had said at the state collation office in Umuahia, during the collation of results that as a mother and pastor, she won’t compromised the process no matter the level of intimidation and harassment.
She went on to declare Alex Otti of the Labour Party the Governor – Elect of Abia State, after the contentious results from the Obingwa Local Government Area was subjected to BVAS review by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s staff in Abuja.
Returning to the school for the first time since after the assignment, students, staff of FUTO and members of the institution’s host community trooped out in large numbers to welcome her for her bravery and audacity to stand for due process, fairness and justice.
Describing her as the “heroine of our democracy” by Mr. Chukwudi Obasi just as many struggled to beat the crowd to either touch, shake or hug her.
Some others rolled out drums, sang and spread wrappers on the ground in her honour.
Thousands of students intercepted her convey, sang and called her ” a mother with the heart of gold.”
Not even her security aides could stop the jubilant students and staff from having a glimpse of her as she waved and beam smiles of appreciation.
Surprisingly, her office complex called the Senate House, was also besieged by students and staff who sang songs of celebration and happiness.
A student who gave his name as Japhet Mgbo said ” we are here to welcome our big mummy. The heroine of our democracy. Her role in the Abia State governorship election will forever be remembered for good in the history of our democracy. Where other professors went and failed, our erudite and integrity personified vice Chancellor have truely distinguished herself.
“Personally as a student of this institution, I feel very proud of her accomplishments. She has put our university in the international news for the good reason. As a girl I am proud that it took just a woman, a mother of inestimable value to prove to the world that not all Nigerians are corrupt.”
Mrs Ndidi Okwuosa, a staff of the university said ” the FUTO Community is very proud of what she did in Abia State. She went there and exhibited the incorruptible nature of our university. Everybody is joyous, highly proud of her unquestionable characters. Characters of integrity, justice, fairness and honesty. The Vice Chancellor has done our school proud and she deserves every honour she is getting today.”
