RSU VC's Wellness Initiative : 'Management by Walking the Floor' Yields Free Medical Checks for Staff
RSU VC's Wellness Initiative: 'Management by Walking the Floor' Yields Free Medical Checks for Staff
Rivers State University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, has introduced a groundbreaking wellness initiative, offering annual free medical checks to all university employees. This innovative policy, announced during the third edition of the "Walk for Life" health, wellness, and fitness exercise, underscores the university's commitment to fostering a healthy work environment.
According to Professor Zeb-Obipi, the policy will enable staff members to undergo comprehensive medical check-ups on their birthdays, with reminders sent two to three days prior. As he noted in his address, "As academics, we spend more time sitting and working than engaging in physical activities, which isn't good for our health."
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the importance of active leadership, citing his "management by walking the floor" approach. "You don't just sit down in your office as a manager and make policies," he said. "Sometimes policies are products of interaction with employees, with their subordinates. You go to where they are working, you see their challenges, then you make pronouncements."
In his statement, Professor Zeb-Obipi emphasized that the "Walk for Life" initiative exemplifies this approach, promoting physical activity and wellness among staff members. "While interacting with members of the university community and doing this exercise, it occurs to me that it is necessary for us to check our vitals and do comprehensive medical checkups."
The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that tying medical check-ups to staff birthdays, with automated reminders, will ensure policy implementation and promote a healthy lifestyle. As he put it, "It will go a long way in ensuring that the things we preach find implementation and get manifested in the way we live our life."
Director of Health Services Department, Dr. Dagogo Cookey-Gam, urged the university community to prioritize malaria prevention, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Professor Joseph Vipene, Director of the University Sports Unit, praised the Vice-Chancellor for sustaining the monthly "Walk for Life" initiative, saying it has become a hallmark of the university's commitment to staff well-being. "The programme has come to stay and has placed the University in an enviable position for others to emulate."
This forward-thinking policy is set to enhance staff health, productivity, and job satisfaction, solidifying Rivers State University's reputation as a leader in promoting employee wellness.
By Destiny Tamunoala Emmanuel
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