The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako has charged newly-employed laboratory staff of the Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), to be patriotic, dedicated and committed while discharging their duties in the University. Speaking at the two-day orientation and training workshop, organised for them, the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the Acting Director, DITTECS, Dr. Julius Amira for the training workshop, stressing that the programme was in tandem with the vision of the University Management in terms of training of staff.
He enjoined the staff to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations of the University, to avoid unethical practices, while revealing that majority of University staff do not seem to know the rules guiding the affairs of the institution. He stressed that they should avoid fraudulent activities such as stealing, collecting money for practicals from students, roaming about the school campus unnecessarily, and using fake laboratory equipment, noting that they should be disciplined and always endeavour to do the right thing. Prof. Salako further advised them to be patient and careful while dealing with students, stating that when offended by them, they should document it properly and avoid attacking the students.
The Vice-Chancellor added that they should never stop learning, stressing that every knowledge gained would become their personal property for life. He enjoined them to be careful with laboratory chemicals and obey safety rules and regulations. Speaking on the objectives of the Directorate, Dr. Amira stated that it was established in 2011 with a vision to provide highly-efficient laboratories; both in teaching and research, to function according to world-class standards. He added that DITTECS was aimed at providing professional support through motivated scientists, technologists, and technical staff with the aid of modern tools and equipment to facilitate teaching, research, and extension service.
Dr. Amira, who assumed office less than one year ago, highlighted the achievements of the Directorate under his leadership, to include the establishment of technical and training committee, establishment of ethics and disciplinary committee, development and implementation of schedule of duty, facility and staff development with four laboratory scientists/technologists bagging Doctorate Degrees in various disciplines; 15 scientists and technologists attending various professional workshops and training programmes locally and internationally; and the recruitment of 28 laboratory personnel, among others.
He appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for approving and sponsoring the programme for the new staff, stating that the workshop would expose them to University rules and regulations, their rights, as laboratory personnel, work ethics, how to prepare and plan for their career progression, laboratory working environment, and safety practices. He noted that participants would also be made to tour round laboratory facilities around the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), to appreciate the commitment of Management towards making FUNAAB a world-class University.
