By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has approved the appointment of Prof. Emmanuel Ayangarumun Kenen as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Fr. Moses Adasu University, Makurdi, (FAUM), formally Benue State University.
The Governor, who is the Visitor to the state-owned institution, made the appointment following the recommendations of the Governing Council of the University, which nominated Prof. Kenen to serve in an acting capacity for an initial period of six months, in accordance with the provisions of the law establishing the University as contained in Gazette No. 3, Vol. 45, Part III, 16 (11 & 12).
The Governor congratulated Prof. Kenen on his appointment and urged him to bring to bear his wealth of academic experience, administrative competence, and visionary leadership in steering the affairs of the University during this transitional period.
He further charged the new Acting Vice Chancellor to uphold the core values of excellence, discipline, innovation, and moral rectitude, which are the hallmarks of Fr. Adasu University, Makurdi (FAUM).
Governor Alia emphasized that the institution must remain a center of knowledge and character formation, producing graduates who will contribute meaningfully to the development of Benue State and the nation at large.
While assuring the University community of his administration’s continued support, the Governor reiterated his commitment to repositioning tertiary education in the state for global competitiveness through improved infrastructure, staff welfare, research development, and quality academic standards.
In his farewell message, outgoing Vice Chancellor of Moses Adasu University, Professor Joe Tor Iorapuu highlighted the achievements made during his tenure.
He mentioned the expansion of the University with new faculty programs, leading to an increase in student intake capacity.
Additionally, he added there is significant growth in the post-graduate program, with student enrolment rising from less than 400 to over 3,566.
Under his leadership, the backlog of communication was cleared and infrastructural renovations were carried out with a campus of the University established in Adikpo, further enhancing the institution's presence.
Professor Iorapui expressed his optimism for the University's future, predicting an explosion of innovations in the coming years.
He also shared his plans to return to University of Jos and his involvement in a national assignment through the VC of Uni Jos for the upcoming NUGA games.
Professor Iorapui thanked individuals, groups, and organizations, including the UNDP, for their investment in the University's development during his tenure.
He expressed his regret for not being able to secure the JS Tarka Foundation and ADC for the University, which could have brought additional funding opportunities.
"The purpose was to start an Institute for Middle Belt and Minority Rights. That would have been our Arewa House. Unfortunately, that didn't work out as the place was taken back by government".
Professor Iorapui mentioned his upcoming book, a memoir on leadership detailing his experiences and encounters during his time in leadership roles.
In his parting words, he emphasized the importance of owning and understanding the purpose of the Moses Adasu University, the first State-owned university in Northern Nigeria with untapped potential.
He called for the exploration of the institution's founding principles and goals.
