Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo, on Thursday inaugurated its 7th Governing Council, appointing renowned academic and pharmacist, Prof. Ahmed Mora, as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council.
Mora, a former Chairman of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, has served on several university governing boards, including that of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Benin, was presided over by the university’s Chancellor, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who was represented by his son and Deputy Chancellor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion.
In his remarks, the Chancellor praised the outgoing 6th Council for its “uncommon diligence and commitment,” which, he said, contributed significantly to maintaining the institution’s status as a leading private university in Nigeria.
He highlighted some of the council’s key achievements, including the development of a five-year strategic plan, inauguration of an oil palm mill, establishment of a 70-room hotel, and the successful execution of the university’s 25th anniversary celebration.
“We are indebted to the sixth council for their invaluable contributions to the enviable position of Igbinedion University within Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
“This serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to the seventh council which we are inaugurating today,” he said.
According to him, every council member has been carefully chosen based on the antecedents and the value they bring.
Igbinedion announced Mora as the Pro-Chancellor and the council chairman, and Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan as deputy Pro-Chancellor.
In his acceptance speech, Mora expressed surprise and humility at his appointment, describing the appointment as a collective responsibility.
“Honestly speaking, I don’t know what to say. I was asking someone to pinch me to confirm I wasn’t dreaming,” he said.
“This is a collective responsibility. It’s just being one among equals. We will all work together,” he said.
Mora said he looked forward to working with the council and university’s management to build on its achievements.
“This is a private university. No ASUU. When we say we start on the 12th, we start on the 12th. That’s one of the beauties of this system,” he noted.