Geoffrey David Opio Okello, former deputy governor of the Bank of Uganda, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Lira University Council, the principal decision-making body of the public university.
Opio Okello’s appointment was accompanied by the selection of Nellie Florence Okullo, a former assistant commissioner in the Ministry of Education and Sports, as the vice-chairperson.
The governing council meeting, chaired by the university vice chancellor, Prof Jasper Ogwal Okeng, convened at the Ayere village campus in Lira City West Division.
To represent the public, two new members were introduced: Dr. Robert Omara, a veterinary officer at State House, and Bosco Onyik Ogwal, a former employee of Uganda Broadcasting Services and the National Council of Sports.
Opio Okello and Okullo’s appointment followed the conclusion of the term of office for Dr. Joel Okullo Odom and Dr. Florence Ebila, who respectively served two terms totaling eight years each.
Additional council members included former Dokolo LC5 chairperson Fredrick Odongo representing disabled persons, Lira city mayor Sam Atul, and Dr. Rosie Agoi, the secretary general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, among others.
Opio viewed the appointment as the start of a significant journey, emphasizing the need to contribute value to the university, established eight years prior. He acknowledged the challenges inherent in founding an institution, especially a university, highlighting the multitude of requirements, processes, and stakeholders involved.
As the managing director of Dara Christian High and Truth Fountain Primary in Lira City, Opio advised council members not only to participate in meetings but also to actively seek knowledge from various sources and implement best practices at the university.
Okullo urged council members to approach their responsibilities with seriousness, aiming to leave a lasting positive impact on the university’s history.
Prof Ogwal expressed satisfaction with the progress of infrastructure development at the university, particularly noting the resumed construction of the administration block, expected to be completed within nine months.
