By Raphael Okhiria
The Ag. Vice Chancellor of Edo State University, Prof. Dawood Egbefo has been bestowed with the award of academic excellence by the Northern Council of Nigeria for his legacy of administrative dexterity, competence in character and visionary leadership during his time at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) University, Lapai, Niger State. The confirmation of credence as the Garkuma Matasan Arewa, which means ‘Icon and Cynosure of Educational Transformation’ was presented by the President and Vice President of the Council, Dr. Isa Ododo and Mallam Abdullahi Bilal, respectively at the Senate Chambers of the University on October 14, 2024. In his remarks, the President extolled the virtues of the Ag. Vice Chancellor’s endearing academic impact, action oriented ideas, unmatched grit, discipline, flexibility in discharging academic and administrative duties, with a focus on building greater future in young adults while he was at the IBB University. He stated that Prof. Dawood Egbefo emerged the best amongst other notable academics, noting that his indiscriminate attitude stood him out. Ododo expressed that the Council is elated to identify with him and will continue to subject to his leadership style. Commending the Vice Chancellor’s current unrelenting steps in building a collaborative effort to produce best leaders, he said that the quality of students produced by the institution so far speaks of the quality of character invested to ensure positive impact leading to quality education. “As far as quality administration is concerned you have paid your dues and invested rare strength in grooming young people and you have been counted amongst great achievers”, he stated. Also speaking, the Vice President of the Council stated that the ability to handle the Intellectual inadequacy of young persons with fatherly hands stood him out. “The fact that he is not from the northern extraction, but worked there with utmost humility, youth friendly disposition, and being kind by giving all the necessary support students needed. Again, his impactful publications that have impacted those of us who are in the field of history and international relations, which we have continued to use as reference points and the massive academic development in Edo State University”, he expressed. Responding, the Ag. Vice Chancellor who started his lecturing career in 2005 at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University expressed his excitement over his little effort in Lapai that have grown to be meaningful and impactful. While thanking the Council representatives for tracing his track record he prayed God rewards them for the noble recognition and award and prayed God gives him the strength, wisdom and ability to do better in this crucial time where young people struggle with unimaginable distractions. The high point of the event was the presentation of the iconic portrait with creative and colourful symbol of the image of the first and only premier of the Northern Region, Sir Amhadu Bello GCON, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was a conservative Nigerian statesman and one of the leading northern politicians in 1960. The Northern Council of Nigeria and her Patron, His Excellency, Senator George Akume, Secretary of the Government of the Federation, have traced track records of great and notable personalities known for their strong characters and uncommon integrity, in the thematic areas of advocacy for quality education, campaign against drug abuse and inclusion of women and youth in governance. Other guests present at the event were Special Adviser to the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Muniratu Maliki; Registrar, Habib Ekhalefo; Bursar, Dr. Osagie Osifo; Dr. Otun Pius and other management staff of Edo State University Uzairue. In his vote of thanks the Registrar on behalf of the Ag. Vice Chancellor, management and the entire institution thanked the Council representatives for the visit, and recognition accorded them.
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