Outgoing UNIBEN VC ends tenure with thanksgiving, memoir launch

Prof. Lilian Imuetinyan Salami, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), on Sunday ended her tenure with a thanksgiving service and the launch of her memoir in Edo.

It was reported that Salami would be officially handing over to the incoming VC, Prof. Edoba Omoregie on Dec. 2, 2024.

The thanksgiving service, which drew a host of dignitaries, staff, students, and well-wishers, was a moment of gratitude and reflection on her remarkable achievements during her five-year tenure.

The event resonated with songs of praise, prayers, and heartfelt speeches, celebrating Professor Salami’s impactful leadership.

In her remarks, Salami expressed profound gratitude to God, her family, the university community, and all stakeholders who supported her administration.

Salami highlighted the challenges she faced during her tenure, including the COVID-19 pandemic and funding constraints

She emphasised how collaboration and resilience helped steer the institution towards notable progress.

The high point of the ceremony, was the launching of her memoir, SO MUCH TO SAY, which provided an intimate glimpse into her journey as a scholar and as an administrator.

The book chronicled her life experiences, leadership philosophy, and vision for higher education in Nigeria.

It also captured her transformative initiatives at UNIBEN, including infrastructural development, academic excellence, staff welfare reforms, and innovations.

The event was attended by prominent members of the academia, government, and the private sector, including representatives from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other tertiary institutions.

Salami, who is also a distinguished Professor of Home Economics, explained how cabal within the institution sponsored students’ protest in the twilight of her administration to discredit her tenure.

According to her, to challenge the status quo, a leader need courage to embrace uncertainty and chart new paths with resolve and determination to succeed.

Salami noted that despite the challenges on her way coupled with paucity of fund among others, she left an indelible mark in the University as the 10th and second woman Vice Chancellor of the institution.

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, former Governor of the state, commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor for his remarkable leadership and contributions to the university’s development.

He said during the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure, the institution witnessed unprecedented achievements in various areas, including academic excellence, infrastructure development and research innovations.

Oyegun noted that the accomplishments had not only elevated the university’s standing locally and internationally but had set a high standard for successive administrations to follow.

He lauded the Vice-Chancellor’s vision, dedication, and ability to foster collaboration among stakeholders, which he said were instrumental in driving the university to greater heights.