By Goodluck Ikiebe.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof Asomwan Sunnie Adagbonyin, has formally handed over the reins of authority to the new Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Sunday Olowo at a ceremony presided over by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, Dr. Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen.
In his opening speech, the Pro-Chancellor said “the immediate past Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunnie Adagbonyin and his management team have played their roles that were assigned to them in the context they worked in, in the University. 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 clarify, here and now. Prof Adagbonyin was never sacked, as widely reported, but had to step aside in the wisdom of the Governing Council that there is a need for renewed energy for the race ahead of the next level.
Dr. Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen further said, “The new Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Sunday Olowo, 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, would be the lot of the Acting Vice Chancellor for the duration of his tenure in office.
In his valedictory speech, the immediate past Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Asomwan Sunnie Adagbonyin said his team has “been able to bring stability into different facets of the University, ranging from sustainable academic calendar, payment of salaries at a monthly date which is now sacrosanct.
While accepting the responsibility to serve as the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Samuel Olowo said: ” I wish to thank the visitor to the University and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for the wisdom in constituting the Governing Council for the University, chaired by a highly revered Medical Practitioner, Dr. Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen.
“This is a move that has brought joy to the entire university community.
“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 hope and the pride of this great University.”
The highpoint of the ceremony was the exchange of handover notes and signing of relevant documents.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
