The 28th day of January, 2021 was a remarkable day in the history of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua as the University honoured her first Registrar, Mr. Francis Owusu-Mensah as he bows out after successfully completing his tenure as the institution’s pioneer Registrar, Mr. Owusu-Mensah, who meritoriously served the University from October, 2017 to January 2021.
The grand ceremony was presided over by UAT’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kingston Nyamapfene, in the presence of the other Principal Officers of the University, namely, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Iwekumo E. Agbozu, the University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs) Rose B. Okiy and the University Bursar, Mr. Yerindide Konyefa. Other dignitaries that graced the occasion were all Deans of Faculties, Directors, Heads of Departments, Registry Staff, as well as professional colleagues from sister Universities, notable among them was Dr. Akpoebi Adesi, Registrar of the Bayelsa State Medical University (BMU) and his team.
The, DVC (Admin), Prof. Agbozu described the outgoing Registrar as a Registrar with “Administrative Fibre” whose indelible footprints would speak through time. General remarks from staff and colleagues eulogized the Registrar as a mentor and a father to all, without discrimination.
In an emotional speech, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kingston Nyamapfene, said Mr. Owusu-Mensah would be greatly missed as he is one Registrar, who played his role very effectively as both the “rudder and radar” of the institution. The University presented a cash gift and a plaque to the outgoing Registrar. The Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), UAT Chapter, presented a plaque to the outgoing Registrar who was their patron. Mrs. Stella Akinola, a lecturer in the Faculty of Arts and Education read a poem in honour of the Registrar.
The outgoing Registrar expressed gratitude to the University for the love, hospitality and cooperation he received and enjoyed during his tenure. He thanked the University community and guests for their presence and presents. Typical of him, Mr. Owusu-Mensah advised the incoming or acting Registrar to carefully distinguish what is in existence from what ought to be and act appropriately in all matters. He emphasized that decisions should be based, as much as possible, on consensus. The ceremony ended with group photographs. He will be dearly missed and so, perhaps, we say to him, not a simple “good bye”, but more like the German and Dutch auf wiedersehen/tot siens (till we see each other again)!!
