Good morning distinguished Colleagues and Members of the Congregation of the University of Benin.
A new dawn has risen in the University and we are presented with another golden opportunity to make a choice of Representatives to the Governing Council of this prestigious University.
It is an onerous task that should be taken seriously with the characters of persons to be voted as worthy representatives properly examined, the antecedents of individuals scrutinised in order to elect the best that will protect our collective interests, expound ideas that will lead to humane policies that will benefit staff and students; enhance the status of the University in global rating as a citadel of excellence.
To this clarion call, I humbly present myself to you for consideration.
I joined the services of the University in 2001. I was appointed Admission Clearance Officer of Faculty of Science in 2002/ 2003 and 2003/2004 sessions and was awarded Dean of Faculty of Science Commendation for the organisation of the Centre based on the Report of the Security Committee presented to the Senate of the University.
In the course of time, I was elected Vice-Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),University of Benin Branch in 2008.
It was during that period, an Acting Vice-Chancellor was illegally appointed by the connivance of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin and the Honourable Minister of Education. I exhumed the Universities Miscellaneous Amendment Act 2003 which was brought to the fore that terminated the illegality and restored constitutionality to the administration of the University of Benin in April, 2009.
In 2018, as the Congregation Representative to the Students Disciplinary Committee, I authored a Minority Report which justified the constitutionally guaranteed rights of students to engage in peaceful protest due to the poor living conditions and hardship they faced that was poorly managed contrary to the position taken by 10 members. The suspension of the students’ Union leaders collapsed after only two weeks in the face of the facts contained in my unbiased report.
In 2018, based on divine instruction, I got in touch with Miss Vannesa Osula and Mrs Sikirat Agbontaen both of Security Department who had their appointments unjustly terminated in 2013 despite being exonerated by the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee. I secured the cooperation of Professor Efosa Oviasu, then Provost of the College of Medicine and member of the Governing Council who spearheaded the recall of those innocent ladies. Finally, in October, 2019, both were recalled with full entitlements and without loss of seniority.
When their letters of recall were delayed, I informed the Registrar at a social function of the possible cause of action I may likely undertake. Within three days, the letters were released. There are others who also benefited in similar gestures that were recalled back to work.
As Congregation Representative in Senate, my voice has been loud and clear in defence of indigent students.
As the Head of Department of Chemistry, within a space of one year, with the full support of the University Management, the Glass Blowing Laboratory which was moribund for 20 years has been reactivated, made functional for teaching and research amongs others.
In the light of the above irrefutable facts which are only microscopic representation of my activities, I am fully persuaded that I can represent your interests fully, conscientiously and creditably.
I humbly solicit your vote and support.
Thank you.
Professor Emmanuel Enoguan Ighodaro Irabor department of Chemistry.
