By Gabriel Enogholase

EDO State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has commended the Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, Prof. (Mrs.) Cordellia Agbebaku, for her efficient running of the institution in spite of the numerous challenges she faced when she took over the reins of affairs of the varsity. The governor also condemned the award of honorary degrees to people of questionable characters by varsities’ administrators in the country, saying that such awards go to the highest bidder.

Oshiomhole, who addressed the 19th Convocation of the varsity as the Visitor of the University, said under the leadership of Prof. Agbebaku, “the university has continued to enjoy stability and peace and has grown from strength to strength.” He added “before she took over, it was always one problem of students’ riot to staff protests, but she has demonstrated uncommon courage, fearlessness, prudence and accountability in managing the varsity’s fund and brought in so much peace and stability,

“She has defended the academic calendar of the varsity and has demonstrated that even where a man could not manage peacefully, a woman could do so peacefully.” Speaking on the caliber of Nigerians selected by the varsity for honorary awards, Governor Oshiomhole described the awardees, Messers Leemon Ikpea, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and Chief David Edebiri (Esogban of Benin) as honourable men who were worthy of the honour bestowed on them by the varsity.

He advised the graduating students 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 Leemon Ikpea, who rose from grass to grace. Earlier in her address, Vice- Chancellor of the University, Prof. Agbebaku, expressed gratitude to the Governor for confirming her appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor and the achievements so far recorded by her administration.

In his goodwill message, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, commended the management of AAU for internalizing quality assurance units and directed varsities’ administrators in the country to emulate same.