The new acting Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Samuel Olowo, has said that he would work with the Governing Council to restore the hope and pride of the institution.
Olowo, who stated this on Tuesday while being ushered in as the new helmsman of the institution, said the constitution of the Governing Council brought joy to the entire university community.
He said, “We all know that the university has been going through various challenges, which has brought the institution to negative limelight.
“I want to assure you that I am determined to work tirelessly with the Governing Council and all of you, to restore the hope and the pride of this great university.
“I wish to thank the visitor to the university and the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, for the wisdom in constituting the Governing Council for the university, chaired by a highly revered medical practitioner, Dr Omo-Ehijele Odafen, a move that has brought joy to the entire university community.”
In his opening speech, Odafen said the immediate past acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Sonnie Adagbonyin, and his management team have played the roles that were assigned to them in the context they worked in.
He said, “In my candid opinion and that of the council, they have played their roles to the best of their abilities, and that is what is important.
“This issue must be clarified, here and now. Prof Adagbonyin was never sacked, as reported in some media outfit, but had to step aside in the wisdom of the Governing Council that there is need for a renewed energy for the race ahead.
“The new acting Vice Chancellor, who is also the elected Provost of the College of Medicine assumes leadership of the university today. He is expected to work with the Governing Council in its quest to source for a substantive Vice Chancellor that would be presented to the Visitor of the university. This, along with the day-to-day running of the university, will be the lot of the acting Vice Chancellor for the duration of his tenure in office.”
In his valedictory speech, Adagbonyin said his team was able to bring stability into different facets of the university, ranging from a sustainable academic calendar to payment of salaries at a monthly date, which is now sacrosanct.
