Our Personality of the Week is the newly elected Deputy Provost of College of Education, Agbor; Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Chiedu Omumu. The sexagenarian and academic has in this exclusive interview revered academics, positing that anything that concerns academics is worth doing well, while also stating as part of her goal as the Deputy Provost of Education, to drive smooth academic programmes and calendars for the College.
Included also in this interview is her career life, painful pangs of fate in her early days, the love and support of her husband and many more intriguing topics of the second in Command in the College of Education, Agbor, organogram.
Enjoy reading.
Can we meet you madam?
I am Mrs. Florence Chiedu Omumu, from Ogbenmudien Community of Agbor kingdom, Delta State. I was born on 16th November, 1960. Although I was born in Agbor, I had to move to Ubiaja to live with my eldest sister as a little girl because my mum died when I was barely 6 years old. My sister was married at the time and she assumed the role of a mother to me for years.
I attended All Saints Primary school, Ubiaja and later on got admitted into Baptist Girls High School, Agbor, in January, 1973. I passed the Secondary school certificate examination, Division 1 ,and went ahead to teach for one session at Mary Mount College, before proceeding to tertiary school in 1978, where I graduated in 1982 with a degree in History Education.
On marriage
I got married in April, 1983 to Dr Shedrach Omumu, and together we are blessed with five (5) children; three daughters and two sons. Unfortunately, I lost my first son to the cold hands of death in 2013.My husband, Dr Shedrach Omumu, has been a soul mate, a brother, confidante and best friend .He has been a fortress behind me and has proven repeatedly to be a dependable father and head of our family.
I lost my elder sister, the very same week I graduated from the University, leaving behind six (6) children. My elder brother too died leaving behind seven (7) children. My Father too, passed on around this same time and it was a most traumatic time for me but my husband stood solidly behind me, encouraging and supporting me in caring for my family. Yes, despite leaving school to face such daunting responsibilities and challenges, with my hubby’s support, I was able to scale through .And even before my own biological children came around demanding attention, most of my wards had not only finished their academic programs but had attained independence. Undoubtedly, God has been magnanimous and most generous in presenting me with a husband who has proven to be a helper through the years.
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On how we met
Well, a mutual friend in the person of Barr Buzugbe told him about me. He (Shedrach Omumu) had on occasions sent cards to me but I still didn’t know him. However, during the wedding and marriage ceremony of the Tibis (Dr and Dr Mrs. Tibi, former Provost of the College of Education), we both happened to be at Abraka for the wedding, unbeknownst to each other. I left back to Agbor after the wedding with a cousin, while he drove some of my friends back to Agbor, it was then he was told that I had been in attendance at the wedding too, and suggested visiting my home. It was from this point that we started a long and interesting conversation, despite not knowing each other before then. The rest we say is history. It’s been a beautiful journey of fulfillment and love for both of us and our families.
Are the children following the same career paths of either parent?
Yes, two of my children are in the Medical field, my first daughter is a Pharmacist, and my last, a Medical Doctor .My son is an Engineer and my Second Daughter, a Lawyer. I am also a mother to many other children. The children of my late elder sister and brother are all educated and thriving in their respective endeavours, having passed through our home. One of them is my sister in-laws daughter who read Economics and went on to become a Banker in Port Harcourt and married too. One of my niece’s is a teacher too, and married to a Professor at Ekpoma, One of my late sisters son, (whom you met when we walked in) is an Architect and a practicing Engineer, another is a Mechanical engineer working in Cyberspace, another studied Computer Engineering and currently works in Lagos. The lady amongst them studied French and works with Zenith Registrars, also in Lagos.
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On her Sojourn into the Teaching Profession
I have always loved teaching and imparting knowledge, though I also had an avid admiration for the Nursing profession, particularly the uniform and general disposition of Nurses. I initially enrolled for two nursing exams, and passed. At this time, I had to go for eye test at the specialist Hospital in Benin .Upon completing the test; I sauntered over to see my cousin, Monica, a nurse in the hospital. On getting there, I literally had to comb from ward to ward to find her and in the process saw the horrifying conditions of patients, bloodied, bandaged, gaunt, frail all in dire need of constant attention. It was a rude awakening for me. And when my cousin announced how urine had mistakenly been spilled all over a nurse. That did it for me. I knew I wasn’t going to go through with the applications, and as soon as I got outside the hospital I quickly tore both results to deter me from ever contemplating the nursing profession in future. At that, juncture I resolved to focus and immerse myself in my teaching profession and it’s been a steady climb since then.
Life as a former Seamstress and now a Caterer
As a Guidance Counselor, I know that some professions are time – span based and as such despite loving to see and make beautiful bridal wears, when I turned Fifty (50), I knew it was time to step back from the business. Reason being that it was beginning to take a toll on both my physical and mental health, due to deadlines that had to be met.
Currently, I am into catering because it’s something I’ve always loved to do. I enjoy caring and taking care of others. At first, I cooked for free for friends and family and soon I began to make profits from it, and the business has grown exponentially over the years. To God be the Glory
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On successfully managing career, business and the home front
I have learnt to delegate responsibilities and duties to others. Fortunately for me, I have a very reliable and dependable team .They have proven to be very dedicated, efficient and above all educated..It takes a lot off my hands, and I am amazed at how successful they have been I am only involved in the planning, allocation and disbursement of funds for market runs and purchases, and other logistics. Occasionally however I come around to ensure everything is moving smoothly, proffering a few suggestions here and there. I prioritize and manage my time efficiently. For instance when I resume work in the morning by 8am, every other commitment and interests takes backseat until official closing hours. And when I leave work, and return home, my attention becomes fully riveted on my family and businesses.
Election as Deputy Provost Providence or Merit?
“In 2016, the Current Provost appointed me as Director of the Delsu Degree Program of the College and haven served in that capacity for the past four (4) years, I realized I needed to take a step further career wise. So when the position of the Deputy Provost became vacant, I stepped up, announced my intentions and contested amongst peers. Mind you, it’s an in- house Election and votes were cast by Senior Colleagues of the Institution, for any deserving candidate or contestant. It was open to the, all Chief Lecturers, Dean and Directors, numbering about one hundred and twenty (120). However, only a hundred and sixteen (116) voted and to the Glory of God Almighty, I emerged Victorious.
The office is for a two (2) year term and open for reelection for another two (2) years.
My Goals and Aspirations for the College
Firstly, to drive smooth academic programs and calendars for the College. I am a staunch believer that anything concerning Academics is worth doing well, and as such would do my utmost best to ensure continuity of the various academic programs. Secondly, to create a better working environment for not only the Academic staff but also for Non Teaching staff and students of the School community, ensuring that acceptable and ethical standards in teaching, examination and evaluation are adhered to, without compromise. Again, I will do my utmost best to ensure that both personnel and students achieve ICT Compliance, which is necessary for success in today’s world.
Life at 60, expectations and plans
“Coming from a low mortality rate family,(my mum died when she was about Forty to Forty two years (40-42) ,my elder brother died at thirty nine (39), my elder sister died at Forty one(41). I’ve always begged God to allow me live to a good old age). This He fulfilled and so today I’m 60 and thriving, very much beyond my expectations. It would be my pleasure to invite friends, family and well wishers to join me in thanking and appreciating Gods awesomeness in my life; to celebrate His goodness and benevolence on me and my family. It’s even more humbling, when I remember at that this time last year, I was critically ill and unsure of my next breath, but God made me come through and rewarded me with life abundance. Yes, He alone is the Giver of Life and worthy to be praised.
I also want to impact in the life of others who are less fortunate. There’s a lady who just had a major surgery and in need of help in paying off her medical bills and so many others because when people around you are happy, you also will be happy.
Membership of clubs (Church and Secular)
“I’m a member of some Professional Unions and Associations,. I also belong to the Ladies League, Agbor Daughters League (comprising women of Agbor descent), I am currently the Secretary of the Anglican Charity Ministry which helps not only indigent ones in the society but also runs an orphanage, to cater for orphans and vulnerable children. I am also a member Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship, International.
Your advice to Intending and Married Couples about the marriage institution
Marriage is a noble and Laudable institution. It is an honorable institution, but can only succeed if both partners are committed to putting God first in the course of their marriage. I personally had the privilege of hearing wise counsel from some Reverend Fathers who admonished me thus that forgiveness is the Hallmark of any Successful Marriage”. Also, do not let the sun set on your anger”. These words became embedded in my subconscious and have helped to mold my actions in the course of my marriage overtime. It helped me develop traits of patience, endurance and above all, tolerance which is the bedrock of any Successful marriage. A friend in Igbanke also encouraged me to treat my mother in-law, the same way I would treat my mother.
On relaxation and leisure time
“I rest a lot when I’m back from work, everyday and them I read as well .Books have calming effect on me and help me sleep better. It is a habit I developed over the years and I’ve continued to maintain it till date.
On Agbor Women
I’m proud to be an Agbor woman, because we are known to not only be hard-working but also very independent minded. An Agbor woman harmonised her life, is resilient and unafraid of tackling responsibilities single-handedly.
On Feminism
“I’m not a feminist”. God created a woman to be a helper and Man to be the Head of the home, any other arrangement outside God’s plan and purpose is an abomination and doomed to fail. Each party in the home is meant to complement each other for the smooth success of the family. Chauvinism and feminism negate God’s purpose for couples and as such should be discouraged.
Youths Restiveness
Youths should take each day as it comes, submitting their life plans before God and asking for his directions. They should always remember that money is transient and that there are more enduring virtues that guarantee ultimate happiness and joy, such as Love. Love yourself, your neighbor and above all Love your God with all your heart and mind. Get an education, because regardless of whether you eventually land a job or not, your education will give you a good leverage in the world of work and other business activities.
- On the agitation for the upgrade of the College of Education to a University standard
“Yes the College of Education Agbor, should be upgraded to a University of Education and Technology; the best a place where Entrepreneurship can be taught. Education is very dynamic and ever changing., therefore teacher education, especially at the middle level manpower is dwindling., today many teachers due to the sandwich program opportunities have earned even as much as a PhD .The least qualifications to teach at the primary school level now is NCE, no longer Teacher Grade Two. Government has not made provisions for NCE holders to be employable for quite some time, making the continuous enrollment into NCE programs a near dead end. Many are discouraged because of the futility of attracting viable jobs. An upgrade of the school standards will not only empower the school, but also elevate her to a degree awarding status rather than having to rely solely on Delsu, Abraka for the award of Degree Certificate. This will offer brighter opportunities for the graduands of The College of Education, Agbor.