By Yaki Samson
The Management of Benue State University, Makurdi, has announced the passage on to glory of the University’s Bursar, Mr. Orinya Agbo Onazi, who died at the age of 52 years.
Born on 27th September, 1962, in Igumale, Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, Mr. Onazi attended Government College Makurdi, from 1973 to 1977, Methodist High School, Igumale (1979-1980), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1983-1985 & 1986-1989), leading to the award of Diploma in Accounting and B.Sc. Accounting respectively; and between 2011 and 2012, he was at the Nigerian College of Accountancy, Jos where he bagged Postgraduate Professional Diploma in Accounting.
The Bursar began his working career with United Bank for Africa Plc, Portharcourt during his NYSC service year (1989-1990). He was the Finance Officer, Benue State Sports Council (1988-1993).
He joined the services of the University in 1993 as Accountant I and rose through the ranks to become Deputy Bursar having served as the Financial Controller, College of Health Sciences (2010-2012) and Acting Bursar, February –July, 2013.
He also served the Bursary Department in various capacities including; Heads, Loans and Advances, PayRoll Section, Final Accounts/Reports, Budget and Expenditure Control/Stores, Budget and Expenditure Division and Finance Treasury Division.
Mr. Onazi served the University in various Committees, Boards and Panels which include: University Sports Committee, Students Insurance Scheme Board, Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee, Board of Trustee (Pensions), Tenders Opening and Screening Committee among membership of several Committees.
The late Bursar attended several Workshops home and abroad and contributed immensely to community service including: Hon. Sport Secretary, Makurdi Club 1930 (1994-1995), Hon. Treasurer, Makurdi Club 1930 (1998-2000), Hon. Badminton Coach, Benue State University, Makurdi (2002 to Date), Partner-Innercity Mission for the less privileged 2009 and member, National Badminton Association of Nigeria, North Central Zone (2006-2008).
He was an Associate member, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria and member, Association of National Accountants of Nigerian.
As the Bursar, Mr. Orinya Agbo Onazi was the Chief Financial Officer of the University responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the day-to-day administration and control of the financial affairs of the University.
He would be greatly missed by the University community for his diverse contributions to the growth and development of the Institution.