A university’s red carpet for Oshiomhole

September 29 will remain a memorable day for Professor Cordelia Agbebaku, Vice Chancellor, the staff and students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State (AAU) when Governor Adams Oshiomhole visited the institution.

He commended the management for the judicious use of the funds provided by the state government,describing  Agbebaku “as the best manager  of all time”. He also praised her for the prevailing peace while promising  more funds for  infrastructures in the university.Oshiomhole similarly promised N20 million for the Department of Media and Theatre Arts, in appreciation of its dramatic display at the event.

The Pro-chancellor, represented by Prof. Theophilus Audu, lauded the governor for his  determination to move the university to the next level in infrastructural development.
The Governing Council Chairman, who expressed gratitude to the governor for the N500 million grant to the university, itemized eight projects to be executed with the fund, adding that the governor would return soon to commission the projects.

The vice-chancellor, Agbebaku, in her speech, said the governor had demonstrated his love for the university with the projects executed by his administration.
She, however, called for his intervention towards the accreditation of the Department of Medical and Laboratory Science programme in  AAU College of Medicine.

Responding, the governor threatened to revoke the contract for the construction of the administrative building of the university following slow pace of work. The governor commissioned during the visit two 500-capacity lecture theatres, one on the main campus and another at the Emaudo Annex of the university; and a block of lecturers offices executed by the state government at the cost of N250 million.

Known for her goal-oriented approach to educational management, Agbebaku’s achievements at tAAU have continued to earn her the respect and love of the university’s management, the staff, students as well as parents.

But those aware of the Vice Chancellor’s pedigree have never been surprised by her promises of yesterday which have become the reality of today.

Agbebaku, in collaboration with the academic and non academic staff of AAU, has worked assiduously to make sure the university achieves its mandate, but the bar of academic excellence is being raised by the VC through exemplary leadership, rapid addition to the infrastructure of the institution and staff motivation.

TETFUND projects  she has attracted to the varsity include the 300-capacity lecture theatre at the permanent site, the construction of the Faculty of Social Sciences Building Complex at the permanent site, procurement of 969 volumes of books in 26 subject areas for the university Central Library, procurement of an ambulance  for  the university Health Centre, and procurement of equipment for water supply and standby generators.

Edo State government also executed the following projects, among others, at AAU: 500-capacity lecture theatre at the main campus,  construction of lecturers office block at the main campus, construction of 500-capacity lecture theatre at Emaudo Annex, 500 KVA generator, provision of two luxurious buses (42 seater) and rehabilitation of the provost Lodge, Ogbeha Quarters.

When she assumed office early 2014, the Vice Chancellor had said one of the major constraints faced by the university was inadequacy of hostel accommodation, coupled with the near absence of houses to rent  which adversely affected the number of students who accept offers of admission. ‘’We needed to appeal to stakeholders and individuals as well as the state government to help in the provision of affordable accommodation within the university community so that the institution can attract the very best students and staff alike”, Agebaku said.

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