The newly inaugurated Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has appointed Prof. Samuel Olowo as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution.
According to The PUNCH, this development comes as the current Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sonnie Adagbonyin, prepares to step down from his position next week.
Olowo, who currently serves as the Provost of the College of Medicine at Ambrose Alli University, was chosen to assume the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor, a decision that aligns with the university’s ongoing transition plan towards appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor.
In a letter of appreciation dated August 28, 2024, and made public on August 29, Adagbonyin expressed his decision to step aside in light of the university’s transition plan.
Reflecting on his tenure and the future of the institution, he stated, “On Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University announced a transition plan towards the appointment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor for the university.”
Adagbonyin, who has served as Acting Vice-Chancellor since February 8, 2022, following the removal of Prof. Benson Osadolor, further elaborated on the change in leadership, “I will, by this arrangement, be stepping aside next week and handing over the office of Acting Vice-Chancellor to the newly elected Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Samuel Olowo, as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor.”
He also took the opportunity to extend his gratitude to key figures and colleagues who supported him throughout his tenure, particularly recognizing Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe. “I want to thank Governor Godwin Obaseki for the opportunity given me to serve, and our Commissioner of Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, whose support in various ways made it possible for my management team and me to make our modest contributions to the development of Ambrose Alli University, even as we navigated the turbulent waters,” he noted.
Expressing appreciation to his peers, Adagbonyin added, “Profound gratitude to you my colleagues in the education sub-sector, from whom I learnt so much. I thank you all for the warmth of your friendship and the undiluted camaraderie.”
Adagbonyin’s tenure has seen the university through a period of significant change, and as he prepares to pass the baton to Prof. Olowo, the institution looks forward to the next phase of its leadership and development.
