Senator Joseph Waku: A life of service to the fatherland

SIR: For distinguished Senator Joseph Kennedy Waku service to fatherland and the development of one’s environment should be the main defining characteristics of men and women who want to add value to their countries. And so all through his adult life, he gave his all to project Nigeria and he died in active service to the fatherland as the Pro Chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA. The 72-year-old Waku hailed from Guam Local Government Area, Benue State but due to dint of hard work, warmth, camaraderie and his penchant for peace building he built bridges across ethnic, religious and social divides and he became a pan Nigerian in whom there was no guile. He was elected senator representing Benue North West District of the National Assembly in 1999, on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Waku took office on 29th May, 1999. After taking his seat in the Senate in June 1999, he was appointed to Committees on Senate Services, Works and Housing, Health, Establishment, Water Resources and Privatization. He served his people and Nigeria to the best of his ability in the Red Chamber. He never allowed his political leaning to becloud his patriotism. The good of the fatherland and the development of its people informed his submissions and positions throughout his stay in the upper legislative chamber He spoke truth to power and became one of the voices of reason in the Nigerian Senate. After his stint at the Senate he continued to work behind the scene to stabilise the ship of state and was an advocate of good governance and people centered policies and projects.

As fate would have it he was appointed as Pro-chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State by President Muhammadu Buhari on May 9, 2017. Waku became Pro-chancellor at a critical time when the university was engulfed in a seven-month crisis. He brought his astute leadership skills to bear in resolving the crisis thus stabilizing the university. Peace returned as Waku and his team promoted cordial relationship among all stakeholders in the university, especially the management and the unions. He provided the balm that healed a sore wound. The late Pro-chancellor contributed significantly in the smooth appointment of a new Vice-chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape. The process was completely merit driven and unlike the case in some other universities, there was no dispute whatsoever as all agreed that the Waku led Council did a good job and the best candidate was picked for the job.