Outgoing Vice Chancellor of Edo State University Uzairue (EDSU), Professor Emmanuel Aluyor, was highly celebrated in a sendforth party attended by dignitaries and members of the academic community.
The event, held at the ISNO Hotel in Benin City, marked the end of Prof. Aluyor’s tenure of eight and half years as the university’s first substantive Vice Chancellor.
Speaking on behalf of the Edo State government, Dr Joan Osa-Oviawe, the Commissioner of Education, commended Prof. Aluyor for his exemplary leadership and innovative contributions to the university.
Dr Osa-Oviawe said she appreciated the former VC more when she visited the campus and saw the way he managed the school, the programmes, and the innovations he introduced, which are commendable, saying whoever takes over from him should continue the work of excellence.
“I wish the tenure was renewable; we would have been clamouring for renewal. I hope we will be able to call on you when we need you,” she said.
She however presented Prof. Aluyor with a certificate of appreciation, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the institution.
In his address, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dawood Omolumen Egbefo, said the occasion marked the history of the university to bid farewell and pay tributes to a leader whose tenure has left an indelible mark in the university.
Prof. Egbefo stated that the occasion is not only to acknowledge the accomplishment of our departing leader but a time for reflection, celebration and gratitude and to express our heartfelt appreciation for the dedication, vision and unwavering commitment Prof. Aluyor had demonstrated throughout his tenure.
He noted that under the leadership of Prof. Aluyor as the pioneer VC, EDSU has experienced remarkable growth and advancement in various spheres, saying the former VC had led with integrity, wisdom and a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, resources, innovation and community engagement.
“His visionary leadership have witnessed the transformation of our university into a beacon of knowledge, enlightenment and progress,” he said, noting that apart from all the achievement recorded under Prof. Aluyor, the hallmark of his tenure is the uninterrupted academic session in the university since its inception.
He narrated how he was encouraged and supported by him when he came to the university, saying Prof. Aluyor is a perfect man who has achieved a lot and has shown patience with all his staff.
“I planned to publish a book on his achievements and experiences at the university. He has helped the school gain global recognition, and I will strive to build upon or exceed his accomplishments”, he pledged.
In a welcome address, the Chancellor of the University, Dr Aderemi Makanjuola, represented, lauded Prof. Aluyor’s hard work and dedication.
Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the Chief Judge of Edo State, also praised Prof. Aluyor’s achievements, noting the impressive assembly of friends and colleagues at the event, and prayed for Prof. Aluyor’s well-being and success in future endeavours.
The Pro Chancellor, Prof. Thomas Audu, highlighted Prof. Aluyor’s achievements as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Edo State University Uzairue.
According to Prof. Audu, “Governor Obaseki found it very difficult to let him go and kept extending his tenure, however, said everything that has a beginning must have an end. Prof. Aluyor is not retiring but stepping down as Vice Chancellor”.
Other attendees who expressed their appreciation included the Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, the representative of the Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, and Hon. Kingsley Ugabi.
In his response, Prof. Aluyor reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude to those who supported him during his tenure as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university.
According to him, “During my time as Vice Chancellor, I often consulted with knowledgeable individuals after discussing matters with my management. I am particularly grateful to Prof. Marsel Okhakhu who has travelled abroad, and my wife, Dr. Mrs. Patience Aluyor, for their invaluable advice”.
Prof. Aluyor shared his emotions about the send-forth ceremony, saying, “I am deeply overwhelmed by the many words of encouragement I received from attendees. As Vice Chancellor for over eight years, I constantly reminded myself that there is always more to do. One of the lessons my father taught me is that once you think you have arrived, you lose the enthusiasm to aspire for more. This principle drove me throughout my tenure, even on the very last day when I handed over to the acting Vice Chancellor.”
He also acknowledged the support of staff and stakeholders, urging the EDSU community to support his successor, saying, “I am grateful to God for His help throughout my tenure. It was a difficult task choosing those who worked with me for the past eight years. We started from scratch, and together we achieved great things”.
It would be recalled that Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor officially bowed out after serving as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of EDSU for eight and half years, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and innovations.
