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| REV. FR. PETER DANJUMA UCHU |
Fr. Uchu who made this declaration in an exclusive chart with African Drum Magazine in Jos recently added that we are in a precarious situation as the hardship induced by the economic recession but commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for its efforts aimed at finding solution to the quagmire.
Rev. Uchu who is the former principal of the prestigious St. Murumba’s College Jos further admonished the virtues of Old Boys of the college for their immense contributions they gave when he was there, which has changed the fortunes of the college. He lamented the demise of GNS Pwajok, (another old boy) he described as somebody who loved the institute with passion stressing that late Pwajok was a man of his words and was fond of fulfilling all his promises.
He further said that it was not an easy task for him as principal of the college despite his previous experience in a school set up. According him, “yes, it was not really easy. When I assumed, I realized that indeed, being a principal is more than teaching in classroom. It means co-coordinating both the academic and non academic staff as well as the students and beyond that. I realized I had so much in my hands, so, I decided to go into extensive reading and research to know more about administrative procedures, strategies and trends. I also realized that with that responsibility, I have to be determined and concentrated and the five years I spent in the college was worthwhile and I really enjoy what I did”.
Clarifying more on the secret of his success, he said that when he resumed, he had at the back of his mind that the basic principle of success for any leader is the involvement of all in the scheme of things.
“Consequently, I involved all in the scheme of things. I involve the two principals: that is, academic and non academic, deans, HOD’s and all the management staff in decision making. I make sure we work as a team because no person can claim monopoly of knowledge. In the light of this, I believed that the only way success can be achieved was through bringing on board the management staff and tap from their various knowledge and discipline. I have also realized that by bringing all on board, their experiences in different fields also broadened my perspective and provided me with opportunity to encourage them appropriately. With this approach, we excelled as a team”, he said.
According to the clergyman, two great things happened within the period he was in charge. The first was the increase of number of students from 290 to 430 and according to him, that figure is close to the main target of 500, adding that this was made possible through the introduction of a boarding house in the college for all students which hitherto, was a privilege for students in SS3. The second issue is that the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) voted him as the best principal of the year 2014/2015 and according to him, it boosted his morale and ginger the performance of students which was evident in their WAEC performance that year as the college came 3rd best in Plateau State.
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