Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, has commended the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli (AAU), Ekpoma, Professor Cordellia Agbebaku, for what he described as her efficient running of the institution, in spite of the numerous challenges the University faced, when she took over affairs of the institution. Oshiomhole, who spoke in his capacity as the visitor to the university, during the 19th convocation ceremony, said the vice chancellor had demonstrated uncommon capacity and had managed the students well.
Members of the academic community, the diplomatic corps, corporate Nigeria and others said thank you to Professor Cordelia Agbebaku, Vice Chancellor of the university – who- embodied respect, admiration, gratitude.
Glowing tributes flowed – all commending Prof C. Agbebaku’s “humility”, “sensitivity”, “approachability”. Hon Ediagbonya, Commissioner for Sports referenced comments made of Moses “no more a humble man in Israel”, and credited Prof Cordelia Agbebaku with the development of “a very positive working relationship between the Government of Edo and the AAU”. He spoke of Professor Agbebaku’ trustworthiness, honesty, and willingness to listen. He hailed the vice chancellor’ ability to achieve unanimity, her patience and commitment to AAU and Edo State.
Acknowledging the difficulties of administering the AAU with two campuses serving Edo, the Governor said Prof Cordelia Agbebaku is posed a lofty but realistic vision for the university – a vision which embraced the centrality of its role as the pivotal and premier Edo tertiary academic institution serving the governments and people of the former Bendel State and dedicated to the substance rather than the rhetoric of excellence”.
Prof Cordelia Agbebaku tenure as Vice Chancellor is a period of worldwide financial crisis which severely affected the fortunes of funding by Edo State Government, she led the AAU during a period of robust growth and development, driven by the campus’ determination to lessen their dependence on government financial resources.
Under Professor Agbebaku’s watch, the institution’s students enrolment increased and the expansion and modernisation of the two residential campuses kept pace with the quality needs of a 21st century university.
Describing the individuals the university awarded honorary doctorate degrees, Governor Oshiomhole said the recipients of the awards-Mr Leemon Ikpea, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and Chief David Edebiri the Esogban of Benin are honourable men, worthy of the honour bestowed on them. The governor spoke during the 19th convocation of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, where three Nigerians – the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri; a philanthropist and businessman, Dr. Lee Ikpea; and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of the Believers Love World, a.k.a Christ Embassy, were honoured by the institution
Turning to the graduating students, he advised them not to give up on the country in spite of the unemployment challenges facing the country, and urged them to emulate one of the honorary awardees, Chief Ikpea, who he said, rose from grass to grace.
Governor Oshiomhole said, “The University has continued to enjoy stability and peace and has grown from strength to strength.”
Earlier in her address, Professor Agbebaku expressed gratitude to Governor Oshiomhole for confirming her appointment as substantive Vice Chancellor and the achievements so far recorded by her administration. Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Cordelia Agbebaku, lauded the state government’s support in ensuring that good learning environment was provided for the students. She also noted that the institution would continue to provide policies that are aimed at improving its academic profile. A total of 7, 882 first degrees, 239 higher degrees and 46 certificates were awarded at the ceremony.
Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, has commended the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli (AAU), Ekpoma, Professor Cordellia Agbebaku because the university has recorded several achievements and progress in the following areas Appointment of a substantive vice-chancellor for the university on 8th February, 2014 that has stabilized the school.
Swearing in of sets of medical doctors of Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma Laying of foundation stone of the centre science laboratory block by the alumni association Inauguration of various government intervention projects in the University by the Comrade Governor on the 29th of September, 2014.
Inauguration of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Ph. D. 600 Capacity Lecture Theatre on the 27th of January, 2014.
Provision of solar light by the University from the Main gate into the university Delivery of coastal Toyota buses and hilux vans through the TETFUND intervention scheme.
Signing of agreement between the university and eight contractors in respect of project being financed with the N500 million grant to the university by the Comrade Governor, ADAMS ALIYU OSHIOMOLE C.B.N intervention in provision of infrastructure to the tune of N1 billion
Donation of 20million to the Department of Theatre and Media Arts by the Comrade Governor
On going construction of a befitting auditorium as university pavilion Near completion of the administrative building, etc. At our own level, the university management will continue to put in place policies aimed at improving the academic profile of the university. We will redouble our efforts in order to make AAU your (alma mater) a university to be proud of.
Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, has commended the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli (AAU), Ekpoma, Professor Cordellia Agbebaku specially place on record the massive support the University has received from the Vice Chancellor, University staff and students in their determined effort to make the University second to none.
The University considered the 19th Convocation as historic in many respects. In the history of the University, this is the first time the University celebrated her Convocation with a woman and an alumnus of this University as a substantive Vice-Chancellor. For this and other reasons, the Vice Chancellor is determined to do all within her ability to complement the comrade Governor, the Governing Council, Senate, Staff and Students in moving the University to its next level of being an Ivory Tower that is the pride of Edo State.
Mr. Inwalomhe Donald, a public affairs analyst, writes from Benin City, Edo State [email protected]
