Ex-Globethics director lauds UNN on ethical policy document

By Agency Report

Prof Obiora Ike, former Executive Director, Globethics.net  Geneva Switzerland has applauded University of Nigeria Nsukka for presenting Ethical Policy handbook for staff and students.

Globethics.net, the largest digital provider globally for online ethics, an Economic and Social Council Member of the United Nations, promoting global consortium for universities network and linkages for ethics ranking.

Obiora, a Catholic Monsignor made the commendation in Nsukka during the presentation of the 21-page UNN Ethical Policy booklet to staff and students by the directorate of Strategic Contacts, Ethics and Publications (STRACEP) of the university.

He said UNN had once again demonstrated that the institution is the premier university in the country by being the first university to produce and present an ethical policy booklet in the country.

"I commend  UNN management for this historic feat, which will not only help with sound reasoning but good conscience on staff and students.

"No organisation or institution thrives without adherence to good ethical conduct on humanity.

"Our teachings, behaviours, technologies, and everything we do should focus on humanity ethics and not gender," he said.

Speaking, Prof Charles Igwe, the Vice Chancellor of the University said that the ethical policy handbook would be a  moral conduct guide for staff, students, and associates of the university.

"The ethical document is to implement the core values, mission and motto, regulations, and the extent laws of the university.

"It will also guide alumni, stakeholders as well as our programmes, curricula, business operations, and everything concerning our university.

"We give ourselves these sacred and noble documents that the dream and labour of our founding fathers will not be in vain and to bequeath to the future generation a world-class university.

"Producing graduates that are worthy in character and learning with exemplary global citizenship conduct," he said.

The VC who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Prof Pat Okpoko commended STRACEP and the university's ethical policy committee for a job well done.

He urged STRACEP to ensure that the handbook was made available to staff, students of UNN.

Also speaking,  Dr. Ngozi Nnebedum, UNN Registrar said that the primary purposes of regulation and discipline in a university were to protect the image and well-being of the institution.

She urged members of the university community to study and abide by the ethical policy, noting that it would enhance the university's good image and performance in all ramifications.

In a remark, Prof Edith Nwosu, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, said that the policy was premised on the motto of UNN which is' to Restore the dignity of man" and its philosophy" To seek the truth,  teach the truth and preserve the truth" as well as core values of the university.

Nwosu who was Chairman of the occasion and also Chairman of the UNN Ethical Committee said the need to adhere to ethics and values had become more important as many people globally now turn the truth upside down as good had become relative term instead of absolute term.

"I am grateful to UNN management who finds me worthy to chair the Ethical Committee as well as members of the committee for their commitment and cooperation," she said.

Also in a remark, Prof Sabinus Ofoefule, the Director of SERVICOM in UNN urged staff and students of the institution to strive to achieve excellence through the adoption of best practices appropriate to the vision, mission, core values, motto, and philosophy of the university.

"Staff should at all times maintain a high level of customer service, quality delivery, trustworthiness, and commitment to the highest standard to effectively meet the needs of the public," he said.

Earlier Dr. Casmir Ani, commended Prof Benjamin Ozumba, the former VC of UNn whom he said,  it was during his administration that SRACEP was established.

Ani said his directorate would continue to work in Synergy with SERVICOM and other relevant organisations in UNN and outside to ensure good ethical conduct in the university.

"I commend the Ethical Committee members led by Nwosu for their dedication and sacrifices to ensure that this booklet is presented to the university community today," Ani said

The  director expressed special gratitude to Igwe (VC)
and UNN management for their wonderful support which he said made the presentation of the booklet a reality.

NAN reports that highlight of the occasion was inauguration of Ethics Desk Officers of all the departments in UNN by the Vice-Chancellor.