By Lamai Cassius
It was the Late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s most engaging political thinkers, who once said that the greatest legacy a leader could leave behind is to have his or her name etched in the hearts and minds of the people.
In the last five years, I have observed the truism of Chief Awolowo’s statement with regards to the personality of a man who has distinguished himself from others and whose tenure in office comes to a glorious end on November 28, 2023.
There are two compulsory fates that must associate with every human being embarking on earthly pilgrimage, namely, Success and Failure.
I have heard some people say success and failure are the two options man must choose from. But, the question is, are there really options or imposed options which sometimes do not require human input?
These questions have become necessary because I have never seen anyone from the onset of his/her life that chooses to be a failure.
Also, if the good plans or intentions of men were to see the light of the day, failure would have been erased from human lexicon and every body would have become successful.
But at the end of every human endeavour, be it ephemeral lifetime, success or failure becomes the classifying word of our deeds.
It is therefore, at this point, I introduce to you a man of high repute, a successful and accomplished man, a beacon of hope and epitome of gentleness, soul comforter, a soft spoken man, a man with a profound sense of humility who is never seen to be angry, a man with a compassionate and beautiful mind.
A man whose tenure in office as Vice-Chancellor witnessed monumental and tremendous achievements beyond the expectations of the people, Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, is unarguably the erudite pioneer Vice Chancellor of the prestigious, Edo State University, Uzairue from 2016 to November 28,2023.
Showering encomiums on him based on his record of achievements is usually distasteful to him. Prof. Aluyor would rather advise that anyone wishing to felicitate with him should do so through concrete support to promote education in the land for the future generations.
As an avid admirer of him and his successes, I feel constrained at this point in time ‘to disobey’ him and blow his trumpet just a little on this special occasion of his glorious exit as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of one of the fastest-growing world class university in Nigeria, and to celebrate him as a great academic giant and achiever of the century.
It is refreshing to note that Engr. Professor E. Aluyor’s has put in an unblemished 5-year mandatory tenure as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Edo State University Uzairue which comes to an end on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) stipulation.
Prof Aluyor was first appointed on Acting capacity by the former Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in 2016 and later confirmed in 2018 by the State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki as the substantive Vice Chancellor after 2 years and 9 months.
Engr. Prof Emmanuel Aluyor started his civil service career with the University of Benin before becoming the historic pioneer Vice Chancellor of Edo State University Uzairue.
One thing that is very unique about the system of administration entrenched by Prof Aluyor as VC was his vision for a functional and viable institution in Nigeria. As pioneer Vice Chancellor, he built the image and structure of the baby university in a manner to ensure stability, equity, peace and motivation, by injecting qualified, competent intellectuals into the top echelon of the University to become a world class University.
Today, it is crystal clear that Prof Aluyor’s visionary leadership has propelled the institution to new heights, fostering an environment where innovation and intellectual curiosity flourish. His championed inclusivity, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, had the opportunity to realize their full potential. This was evidently when Emos Ishaku, Borno indigent, but an IDP located in Edo state was adjudged the overall best Graduating student during the 5th Convocation ceremony.
His tireless efforts in promoting research and academic vigor have elevated the university’s standing, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in various fields. His influence on the scholarly community will resonate years to come.
Let it be said that Engr. Prof. Aluyor knew the developmental challenges of a baby university and decided to tackle them decisively without fear or favour to the admiration of all men of goodwill, but in doing this, he probably incurred the anger of a few enemies who never saw anything good in human efforts.
While at the helm of affairs, Prof. Aluyor believed in the statement of James Oppenheim, which is ‘learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow’. Max De Orec added to this, which also fits Prof Aluyor that ‘The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality’.
In between the leader is a servant and to this end, one can boldly and proudly say that Prof Aluyor is a true leader in view of the fact that true leaders are known to build legacies, mobilize and harness resources by motivating people as well as groom successors.
Just as Journalism was the first draft of History, the deeds of Prof. Aluyor as Edo State University VC, championed uncommon transformation, a whole idea whose reach and depth has been felt across the length and breadth of the university’s landscape, changing attitudes and engendering a new spirit of “can doism” among students and staff.
I personally believe the pages that will be devoted to chronicling the achievements of Engr. Prof. Aluyor by Historians when the history of the university is finally written would be accordingly kind and Great.
This is because, apart from the massive infrastructural development of the institution, Prof. Aluyor is one VC who has succeeded in changing the stereotype and perception of a tertiary institution.
Little wonder, throughout the several inaugural lecture series that normally held at the Aliko Dangote Auditorium, each time his name was being mentioned the entire crowd roared into uncontrollable applause. It was always touching to see old men and women, traditional rulers and chiefs, management staff, workers and students clap excitedly anytime his name was mentioned.
One could easily see the excitement on their faces and begin to imagine what is going through their minds’, wishing if it were possible for the NUC to extend his tenure beyond November 28,2023.
This was also witnessed during the 5th convocation ceremony at the Aliko Dangote Auditorium when the Visitor to the university and Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki in his appreciation and joy asked the entire crowd to give a standing ovation to the man Engr Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, who has made the university a world class university and what it is today.
However, it has become obvious that when this uncommon transformer was appointed as VC, he immediately realized that the only way to emancipate mankind from the shackles of mental slavery is by quality education, a development that prompted massive construction of modern classrooms including the first to own Anatomage table in Nigeria for the teaching of medical students; first in Nigeria to deploy the CANVAS Learning Management System; among other achievements in the area of sciences and other departments in the institution.
For more clarity, Anatomage table is the most technologically advanced anatomy visualization system in the world for Anatomy education. It is both a virtual library of human and animal cadaver which has been adopted by many of the world’s leading medical schools while CANVAS Learning Management System helps parents to monitor their children and wards academic performance even at home.
The donation of the multi million naira molecular laboratory by the Chancellor, Dr Aderemi Makanjuola to boost learning and research in the higher institution, is also worthy of mention.
Prof Aluyor has also been able to provide conducive learning environment for the students with uninterrupted academic calendar and industrial harmony; He has also encouraged teaching and non-teaching staff to pick up enhancement programme in any of the higher institutions of their choice.
This resulted in the elevation of six Associate Professors to full Professorship and nine lecturers to Associate Professors and several other elevations as he believes one can only give what one has.
Despite some challenges from some individuals who never see anything good in one’s achievements, Prof. Aluyor has been able to write his name in gold in the history book of the university, leaving a legacy for students to see in years to come as his executed projects will stand the test of time.
Apart from the capital and infrastructural development, during his tenure, the baby university was ranked the best state university and 3rd best university in Nigeria by the NUC 2018 (Open Educational Resource (OER); Auchi General Hospital was upgraded to Edo State University, Uzairue Teaching Hospital; all the courses were accredited by the regulatory bodies such as Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Council for the Regulatory of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN); Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN); Council for Legal Education (CLE); Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) among others.
The University also graduated first and second sets of medical students in record time and for the first time, nine out of 14 successfully completed their PhD programs during the 5th convocation under the watch and leadership of Prof Aluyor.
Prof. Aluyor, has by the Grace of God, qualified himself as candidate for the noblest of federal government appointment.
As an embodiment of humility and amiability he has served in different capacities while he was at the University of Benin before he was appointed the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Edo State University, Uzairue.
Thus, he demonstrated that he is not only a capable and responsible citizen but also committed to the realization of his vision for the University. Therefore, this is an opportunity to acknowledge his sterling qualities, strength of character, consistency, humility and wisdom.
As VC, Prof. Aluyor was too clean to lie, too principled to compromise, too intelligent to be manipulated and too certain not to bow to pressure.
One can proudly recall his activities as the VC who has also shown he identified with the vision and aspiration of the students and staff. More importantly, his passion in charting a new course for the entire Nigerian students and the education sector will remain indelible on the pages of history.
Professor Aluyor is a man who believes his successes and achievements were as a result of the unwavering support and commitment of the University management and staff, for, as the saying goes, a tree can not make a forest. Hence, he always acknowledged this at every fora.
Prof Aluyor also insisted on the imperative of clear planning as a solid basis for delivery of good quality education and to bring the school to where it is today in Nigeria and Africa at large. He often reiterates the Maxim that ‘if you have not planned, you planned to fail’, hence, during his tenure, he always rolled out his vision and mission plans which today helped in his success story as the pioneer Vice Chancellor.
Understandably therefore, it is amazing that Prof Aluyor has ended his tenure as VC on a credible note never witnessed in Nigeria education sector, most especially as young institutions always find it difficult to find their feet, and decipher the right and clear direction to go.
What manner of man therefore is Prof Emmanuel Aluyor? It is a common knowledge to those who know him well that underlying his impressive profiles and record of achievements are his personal character traits and values which he brought to bear on the administration of the university.
Yet, beyond the confines of academia, his compassion and empathy have touched countless lives while his open-door policy and willingness to listen have created a nurturing environment, where students and faculty alike have found mentorship and support.
His personal relationship with outsiders especially the Media is second to none.
Without mincing words, Aluyor is a complete workaholic professor and a perfect gentleman with a good sense of humor, a down-to-earth man who never has any cause to hurt anyone except such a person seems reluctant to do his or her job. He has zero tolerance for lousy and unserious people
He always commended and appreciated hard work and never failed to express his feelings towards laziness.
I want to, at this point appreciate all the management and staff who have, in one way or the other, contributed to the success story of Prof Aluyor as VC.
Notable amongst them are Barr. Betcher Ekhosuhun, Public Relations Officer; Mr. Enoma Osarhuenwense, Secretary, Vice Chancellor’s Office; Mr. Kadiri Michael VC Personal Assistant; Mr. Salisu Maiza, VC driver; Mr Donatus Anakhaoya of the ICT Department and Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, the receptionist who is always the first to resume and the last person to close from office.
Those staff never knew anything like closing hours, weekends or public holidays but today, they are part of the success story of Prof Aluyor as Vice Chancellor of the university.
To Engr Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, as you bow out on November 28, I say Congratulations. It is my prayers that Almighty God continue to grant you the strength to carry on in life and continues to bless you and keep you alive in good health in order to continue to serve humanity, especially as the nation is genuinely seeking for men of proven character and achievers like you.
As you step down from this esteemed role, you have undoubtedly left behind a legacy of inspiration and progress. Your immense contributions will continue to shape the future of the University, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those who have had the privilege of being part of the institution.
As we celebrate a leader whose tenure has been marked by unwavering dedication, visionary insight, and an unyielding commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, it is my sincere hope that his would-be successor should surpass or maintain the exceedingly high standard which he has already set for the university in a space of his saddle. Kudos Sir!
