Department of Science Education organises send-off for retired staff

The Department of Science Education, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has organised a send-off ceremony for its two staff who officially retired from the services of the university. 

The ceremony, held on Sunday, May 7, 2023 via zoom, was in honour of the former Director of Kaduna and Gombe Study Centres, Prof. Nuhu Garba as well as a senior lecturer, Dr. Morilat Afolabi.

 Head of the Department (HOD) and chairman of the occasion, Dr. Marcellinus Anaekwe, in his opening remarks, appreciated all staff present for the ceremony and thanked the retirees for their dedication to duty and relentless push for the growth of the department.

Anaekwe stated that retirement is a thing of joy and should be looked forward to, celebrated, and enjoyed.

While wishing the retirees a wonderful retirement, he emphasised the need for current staff to remain steadfast, as the power to be remembered for good could only be decided by themselves.

 In his brief speech, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Bamikole Ogunleye, commended the HOD for the rare and significant gesture of giving honour to the very deserving retirees, saying that it was an honor to have worked with and be mentored by them.

According to Ogunleye, "Prof. Garba and Dr. Afolabi were trailblazers and transformational leaders, and particularly commended Afolabi for the work she put in to make the last accreditation a success.

 He added that retirement was not the end of the road but a new chapter, urging them to enjoy this new chapter.

During the presentation of gifts to both celebrants, Prof. Mercy Bandele and Prof. Chibuogwu Nnaka thanked the duo for the dedication, commitment, love, and resilience they both showed in their years of service.

 In their responses, the retirees thanked everyone for the honour and love shown to them and encouraged them to stay dedicated and transparent in everything they do.

 The high point of the event was the prayers and commendations given by their colleagues and friends, thanking them for their exemplary service and a job well done.