Nse Essien: Driving Change With Unconventional Thinking

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Nse Essien Example: Sociologists believe that man is the most pivotal agent of change. This view is held mostly by structural functionalist scholars who see society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.

The pivotal role of man in spearheading change was most profound during the Neolithic revolution (also known as the agricultural revolution) which witnessed wide-scale transition of many human cultures from a lifestyle of hunting and gathering to one of agriculture and settlement, making an increasingly large population possible.

Several other ingenious efforts by man abound, such as the industrial revolution in England and the evolution of organized political systems, among others.

If these revolutions by man shaped history, then his use of education as a tool for a better livelihood is commendable.

The importance of education to human development was resoundingly echoed by Nelson Mandela, a South African statesman and leader: “a good head and good heart are always a formidable combination.

But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” What the historic personage meant was that education is a veritable tool for attaining sustainable development.

Education, therefore, must be weaponized by man, to liberate man.  It’s in this consideration that the visionary leadership of Professor Nse Udo Essien, Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, deserves a critical assessment and reassessment.

Appointed Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University on August 03,2020 by Governor Udom Emmanuel Professor Nse Essien has proved his mettle- that he’s operating on a familiar turf.

He has brought leadership capabilities, experience in the academia and public administration to bear in the running of AKSU. Suffice it to say that Leadership is that single factor that acts as a catalyst in making all these workplace dynamics and realities happen inclusively.

Professor Essien is a sedimentologist of global standing, former Head of Department of Geology, University of Calabar and former Commissioner in the Akwa Ibom State State Executive Council, and could not have been better equipped for the onerous and destiny- shaping mission.

On assumption of duty as VC of AKSU, he chose to drive progress by a sense of adventure and unconventional thinking.

Prof. Nse Essien
Prof. Nse Essien

This approach, which aligns with Governor Udom Emmanuel’s educational development policy, has led to an unprecedented improvement in the material and immaterial (content) standard of AKSU, making it one of the most efficiently -run state universities in Nigeria.

First, the stabilization of the salary of staff of the university is pathbreaking and a commendable feat.

Before the appointment of Prof Nse Essien as VC, both academic and non-academic staff had threatened fire and brimstone on account of their agreed salary and other entitlements .

This unhealthy situation which resulted in incessant strikes and other forms of instability in the University, is now a thing of the past.

Prof. Essien has engaged collective bargaining and other forms of diplomatic engagement to give the University workers their due salaries, entitlements,  and a sense of belonging.

Secondly, Professor Nse Essien’s leadership has witnessed an improved University- Community relations. Responding to public expectations is a mechanism for sustainable peace building, and in this wise, the AKSU  VC represents a paradigm shift.

This is evident in his effective dialogue and integration of host communities. He is aligned with the truth that, leadership in 2021 and beyond is a departure from the traditional mindset or models.

In this respect, the University Czar is more diverse and vocal in his positions and opinions on social issues and protects employees of the University from the rapid change, complexities and ambiguities the world presents.

Thirdly, Nse Essien’s leadership style has earned him the confidence of the staff of AKSU. This is enabled through quality staff- management relations, an onboarding process and communication. In this regard,  the goal of onboarding is to immerse new hires into the culture of the University.

According to statistics, as much as 69% of managers are not comfortable communicating with their employees in general.

The problem here goes beyond lack of confidence by managers or the skill levels necessary to be successful leaders. Rather, it’s about the inability to cultivate the right communication culture.

This has direct negative impact on employee satisfaction, motivation, and productivity levels.

Conversely, Prof. Essien thinks with clarity, expresses ideas, encourages two- way communication, opens dialogue and disseminates information to a multitude of audience, and these have engendered quality management- staff relations and built trust, which has impacted on productivity.

Fourthly, the Akwa Ibom State University under Nse Essien’s stewardship as Vice Chancellor, has secured full NUC accreditation for 38 courses.

The importance of accreditation of  courses cannot be overemphasized: It gives an institution the needed legitimacy, globally, and its graduates, acceptability in the labor/ job  market.

Professor Nse Essien gives greater insight on this: “altogether, we have about 38 academic programmes. We have just moved from 38 to 42 academic programmes.

Faculty of Agriculture, Social Sciences, Management Studies, Art, Science Engineering and Science Education…

For the past year that we have been in the saddle of leadership, we have started three new programmes and the programmes are, Sociology and Anthropology, Department of Biochemistry and Department of Banking and Finance.

So, these new programmes will actually start in July, when the new academic session commences, that is 2020/2021 academic session.”

Perhaps, what this implies is that Prof Nse Essien is an innovative, strong and effective leader who traverses and navigates complexities to attain unconventional results.

Finally, other trailblazing achievements of the Nse Essien administration include, commencement of postgraduate programmes, infrastructural development such as internal roads, quality lecture theatre and the AKSU FM, among other projects.

One may ponder on how the AKSU Czar has been able to make such remarkable exploits in about a year and six months. How is Professor Essien able to nip in the bud, most of the challenges he inherited?

How is he able to earn the trust and  confidence of both the staff and students of AKSU? The answer to the above question cannot be sufficiently captured in this piece, as it bothers on a multiplicity of factors that traverse his upbringing, education, socialization, and philosophy of leadership.

These would be examined in another piece, but one thing is clear about Professor Nse Essien. He is a transformational leader, who is able to build a trust- based relationship with his people.

Uwemedimoh Umanah, PhD, a Development Scholar, writes this piece from Abak

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