Ndoma-Egba’s appointment as FUL Governing Council Chair
By Michael Jegede
Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Majority Leader of the Senate, was among the prominent Nigerians who made the list of appointments for the Governing Councils/Boards of Federal Tertiary Institutions, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) and inaugurated on July 4, 2024.
Ndoma-Egba, an accomplished and cerebral lawyer, astute politician and silent philanthropist, who has contributed in no small measure to the growth of humanity, democratic sustenance, nation building and societal advancement, was listed as the Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University Lokoja (FUL).
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His appointment as FUL Governing Council Chair has been described as a good development for the 13-year-old University. He is believed to have a huge wealth of experience that will come to bear while carrying out the new role assigned to him by President Tinubu. There is the conviction that under his chairmanship, the Governing Council will work diligently with the management of the University to take the academic institution to an enviably high level of development.
Senior Partner in the Law Firm of Ndoma-Egba, Ebri & Co in Abuja, an erstwhile Board Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the ex-parliamentarian noted for his legislative excellence and outstanding performance in the Senate between 2003 and 2015, has never failed in any position of authority he was privileged to have held. Chair of the Faculty Board of Legum Consult, a Legislative/Public affairs consultancy outfit, he has over the years built an unblemished reputation of integrity, reliability and good conduct in public service.
A member of the Body of Benchers (the highest body in the legal profession) and a Life Bencher, one-time Commissioner for Works and Transportation, and Commissioner for Justice in the old Cross River State, he was Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, and President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce for an unprecedented period of three terms. He has chaired the Boards of Companies in the private sector with interest ranging from banking, construction to manufacturing.
Ndoma-Egba was President of the first ever Africa Legislative Summit held in Abuja in November 2013, a Summit that brought together the Heads of Legislatures from all over Africa. He was also leader of Nigeria’s Delegation to the Association of Senates, Shooras and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab world (ASSECAA) in Sanaa, Yemen in the sixth Senate as well as Pan African Parliament, Midrand, South Africa in the seventh Senate.
The ex-Senate Leader, acknowledged as one of the most dynamic, vibrant and super senators in his 12-year sojourn at the Red Chamber with numerous projects, motions and about forty bills to his credit, has done a lot to support and promote educational growth. As the senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Ndoma-Egba facilitated the building of the UNICAL Faculty of Law Complex named after him and commissioned by the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari. It was he who influenced the establishment of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre in Ikom Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, which is said to have been of immense benefit to the people of the community and its environs.
Indigent Nigerians who wouldn’t have been able to acquire education became graduates as a result of the magnanimity and benevolent gesture of the legal luminary, seen by many as an exemplary leader and quintessential administrator. His scholarship scheme sponsored over 700 students both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, while his free computer education programme has over 18,000 Nigerians as beneficiaries.
The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, while congratulating Ndoma-Egba when he met with him at his residence in Abuja shortly after the list of members of the reconstituted Governing Councils/Boards of Federal Universities, Polytechnic and Colleges of Education was announced, described the appointment as well-deserved.
According to a report on FUL’s website, “the meeting centered on charting a way forward for the thirteen-year-old citadel of learning. More importantly, it marked a new chapter in the history of Federal University Lokoja, as one of the fastest growing Universities in Nigeria is set to usher in the 4th Governing Council replete with eminent Nigerians with proven track records of outstanding service to the nation who would take the Institution to a greater height.”
The lawmaker representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Abang, hailed the appointment, maintaining that Ndoma-Egba won’t disappoint but would rather justify the confidence reposed in him.
Hon Abang, in a statement by his Personal Assistant (PA), Simon Abang, said: “I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations and that of the people of Boki/Ikom to you on your recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu as the Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University, Lokoja. This prestigious role is a testament to your exemplary service and unyielding dedication to the betterment of our nation.
“Your extensive experience in public service, coupled with your profound intelligence and unwavering integrity, makes you an ideal choice to lead the Governing Council. These qualities are paramount in fostering growth and excellence within our educational sector, and I am confident that under your leadership, Federal University, Lokoja will achieve new heights of academic distinction and innovation.
“Your remarkable career has consistently demonstrated a commitment to ethical leadership and progressive development. As you embark on this new chapter, I have no doubt that your vision and guidance will significantly enhance the institution’s capacity to nurture future leaders and contribute meaningfully to our national progress.
“Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved appointment. The people of Boki/Ikom wish you every success in your new role and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of your leadership on Federal University, Lokoja.”
The management of Start-Rite Schools Abuja founded by Ndoma-Egba’s late wife, Amaka and headed by Mr. Femi Akinlade, the Principal, said it was confident that the ex-NDDC Board helmsman will make significant impact in FUL as the Chairman of the Governing Council.
In a congratulatory message, the school where Ndoma-Egba chairs the Advisory Board, stated: “Dear Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba OFR, CON, SAN, It is with great pleasure that we, the Start-Rite community, extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your appointment as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) by His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“This prestigious appointment is a testament to your exemplary leadership, and dedication to the advancement of education in Nigeria. Your distinguished career, marked by significant contributions as an erstwhile Majority Leader of the Senate, ex-Board Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and your current role as Chairman of the Start-Rite Schools Advisory Board, has demonstrated your commitment to excellence and innovation in the educational sector.
“As you assume this new and vital role at FUL, we are confident that your vision, experience, and passion for educational development will drive the institution to new heights of academic excellence and societal impact. Your leadership will undoubtedly inspire both faculty and students, fostering an environment of growth, learning, and achievement.
“Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved appointment. We wish you every success in your new role and look forward to witnessing the impactful contributions you will make to the university community.”
The other members of the FUL Governing Council as appointed by the President include Hon. Adegboyega Basheer, Hon. Abubakar Abbas Dogara Wamba, Agboola Mojeed Olayiwola, and Ibrahim Haruna Gaidam.
Michael Jegede, a journalist, writes from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja
