From Moshood Karim
Benin City- The outgoing Vice Chancellor of Edo State University, Professor Emmanuel Aluyor, was celebrated in a grand send-off party attended by notable dignitaries and members of the academic community.
The event, which was held on Tuesday in Benin City, marked the end of Prof. Aluyor’s distinguished tenure of eight and a 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.
“I appreciate it more when I visited the campus,” Dr. Oviawe remarked. “The way you manage the school, the programmes, and the innovations you introduced are commendable. Whoever takes over from you should continue the work of excellence. I wish the tenure is renewable; we would have been clamouring for renewal. I hope we will be able to call on you when we need you. We hope you won’t be like Mandela who said after service to his country, ‘Don’t call on me, I will call on you.'”
Dr. Oviawe also presented Prof. Aluyor with a certificate of appreciation, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the institution.
In his address, Prof. Aluyor reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude to those who supported him.
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 Professor Marsel, who has traveled abroad, and my wife, Dr. Mrs. Patience Aluyor, for their invaluable advice.”
In an interview following the event, Prof. Aluyor shared his emotions about the send-off ceremony.
“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.”
Prof. Aluyor also acknowledged the support of staff and stakeholders, urging the Edo State University (EDSU) community to support his successor.
He said: “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.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dawood Egbefo, praised Prof. Aluyor’s dedication and hard work.
“He does not believe in procrastination. When I came to Edo University, I was encouraged and supported by him. He is a perfect man who has achieved a lot and has shown patience with all his staff. I plan 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, Professor Aderemi Makanjuola, represented by Ayodele, lauded Prof. Aluyor’s hard work and dedication.
Justice Daniel Okungbowa, the Chief Judge of the State, also praised Prof. Aluyor’s achievements, noting the impressive assembly of friends and colleagues at the event. He prayed for Prof. Aluyor’s well-being and success in future endeavours.
The Pro Chancellor, Professor Thomas Audu, highlighted Prof. Aluyor’s achievements as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Edo State University.
According to him: “Governor Obaseki found it very difficult to let him go and kept extending his tenure. However, everything that has a beginning must have an end. He 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.
Uptown Press reports that Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor officially bowed out after serving as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Edo State University for eight and a half years, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and innovation.
