Delta State Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu has appreciated all those that made it possible for him to bag the South-South Nigeria Outstanding Academic Mentor of the Year Award.
The award ceremony was organized by Global Skills Hub, United Kingdom in partnership with South-South Nigeria Excellence Awards, held at The Autograph, New GRA, Port-Harcourt in Rivers State.
Speaking shortly to newsmen after receiving the award, Dr. Ashibogwu appreciated the organizers for recognizing 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 to work harder.
“I want to specially thank the organizers 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, Prof. Stella Chiemeke, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, spoke on the importance of ‘Growth Mindset’ which, according to her, is key to meet up with the future demands.
According to her, as against those with fixed mindset, those with growth mindset are open to new challenges with a view to improve on their lives and the society at large.
Prof Chiemeke noted that embracing feedback mechanism, turning feedback into change catalysts, surrounding oneself with growth minded people, celebrating efforts and not only success were keys to growth mindset.
Other prominent awardees included; Professor Rowland Ndoma-Egba, Professor of Surgery, University of Calabar; Professor Lilian Salami, Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin; Professor Opudac Ekine, Professor of Animal Nutrition, Physiology and Production, University of Port Harcourt; Professor Allen Agih, Professor of Educational Management and Planning, Niger Delta University; Professor Paulinus Okwelle, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE); and Professor Stella Chiemeke, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delta.
Earlier, Dr. Akhere Akran, who spoke on behalf of the organizers stated that 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 popularity contest of the loudest votes. They are the product of rigorous, credible and bias free process. Only those whose work speaks the loudest are honoured here”. Dr. Akran stated.
