When Comrade Ewelu Otu Okoi (Great Ewelu) made his farewell speech as the President of the Postgraduate Students Government (PGSG), University of Cross River State, it was a silent end to an administration that is largely perceived to have been well structured, consistent, and reform-oriented.
Instead of an emotionally charged speech, the moment was characterized by results – and the systems abandoned.
FINANCIAL TURNAROUND
Ewelu disclosed that his government only succeeded to his administration 10,500 accounts in PGSG. This had increased to more than ₦200,000 by handover, which is a measure of what are known as disciplined financial management and accountability by insiders.
The point of focus, as he said, was very straightforward; it was not how much is spent, but how well the resources were managed.
Construction of a more orderly PGSG.
Through his leadership, PGSG experienced significant institutional empowerment, which entailed:
Implementation of a good parliamentary system.
Construction of a Mace as a sign of power.
Effective registration of PGSG at the national level.
PROJECTS that have the visible effect.
The administration noted some student-based interventions as well:
Facilities: Renovation and upgrade of the PGSG Secretariat.
Pushed for over 100 solar lights to unicross through NDDC in 2024.
Better signage of the Postgraduate School.
Placement of confidence mirrors in student areas.
Organization of a popular Dinner and Award Night at the Hogis Royale.
ADVOCACY of school fees.
Among the most prominent interactions of the administration was the administration-university management contact regarding postgraduate school fees where the administration was said to be working towards a reduction of up to 50% on fees.
The style was predominantly diplomatic as it was based on negotiation and maintained interaction instead of open conflict.
LEADERSHIP STYLE
The tenure of Ewelu can be said to be systems-driven and controlled. Although he admitted that not all decisions that were made by the leaders were popular, his administration upheld the principle of stability, continuity, and institutional order.
He even sent an apology to any who feel offended in the course of his service solidifying a theme of reconciliation at departure.
FINAL NOTE
With his departure as President Emeritus, Ewelu leaves behind a PGSG that numerous observers claim is more organized than he had found it.
The sustainability of the systems that are already established is, however, the question that the next leadership must always consider, not only in terms of continuity, but also in terms of how well they can maintain the systems that are already established.
