Acting vice chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, Professor Patricia Lar, has remained focused on her core mandate, stabilising the university and preparing it for a future defined by integrity, merit and institutional harmony despite distractions, an Abuja-based public affairs analyst, Tabitha Goselle, has said.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Sunday yesterday, Goselle said Prof. Patricia Lar had demonstrated that leadership in crisis is not just about occupying an office, but about responding with wisdom, justice and vision.
Speaking against the backdrop of recent developments at the university, Goselle said Prof. Lar had listened with empathy and swiftly corrected injustices, as long-denied staff promotions had been restored, and students who had been muzzled were now finding their voice with a credible democratically elected representative students’ leadership in place.
“Her familiarisation tour across faculties and departments unearthed years of neglect, favoritism in promotions, accommodation racketeering and the complete erosion of students unionism. She did not arrive with blaring sirens or lofty promises,” Goselle said.
She said under Prof. Lar, a well-organised election was carried out in the university senate where people of integrity emerged victorious to represent the university community in positioning it with a renewed sense of purpose.
“She listened, consulted and made tough but fair decisions. Her calm, firm and inclusive style is gradually restoring the institution’s pride and institutional balance.
“Even as political undercurrents continue to swirl and some actors attempt to muddy the waters, it is clear that the majority within the university now look to the future with cautious optimism. The distractions of petitions, real or concocted, cannot erase the visible results of the acting vice chancellor’s leadership,” Goselle said.
She added that Professor Lar may have come into office in the heat of adversity, but was steadily turning turmoil into triumph, and her stewardship was signifying a breath of fresh air.
