Father Adasu varsity VC hosts Alumni leaders, calls for unity and transparent leadership

By Benedicta Aboh

Father Adasu varsity VC hosts Alumni leaders, calls for unity and transparent leadership

The Acting Vice Chancellor of Father Adasu University (FAU), Makurdi, Prof. Emmanuel Kenen, has hosted the National President and Benue State Branch leadership of the Father Adasu University Alumni Association (FAUAA), stressing the critical role of alumni in the growth and development of the institution.

In a statement by the Benue State branch Publicity Secretary of FAUAA, Martins Kajo, the Vice Chancellor described alumni as indispensable partners in university development, noting that their contributions often shape the progress and reputation of institutions worldwide.

Drawing lessons from the University of Lagos, the Vice Chancellor observed that alumni leadership should be driven by service and capacity rather than rivalry. He lamented the persistent crises that had trailed the alumni body of the former Benue State University, now Father Adasu University, and questioned the motives behind recurring leadership disputes.

“Is it the interest to serve the university or self-interest? Over time, this abnormal situation has persisted,” Professor Kenen remarked.

He, however, expressed satisfaction with the relative stability being restored under the national leadership of FAUAA led by Comrade Mrs. Comfort Ashilu Abaivo, noting that the successful election and inauguration of state branches and local chapters signaled a new era for the association.

Professor Kenen urged alumni members to serve as worthy ambassadors of the university through transparent and accountable leadership, while calling on the Benue Branch to align closely with the national secretariat for collective progress.

Earlier, the FAUAA National President, Mrs. Abaivo, CNA, who was accompanied by the National Assistant Secretary, Comrade Terkula Yaakugh, and the National Financial Secretary, Dr. Stephen Gwar, formally presented the Benue Branch executives to the Vice Chancellor. She commended the university management for its support, which she said facilitated the smooth take-off of the association’s activities.

Mrs. Abaivo disclosed that her leadership had engaged graduating students on campus to identify their concerns and expectations, with a view to presenting them to the university management for improved welfare and learning conditions. She also praised the Benue Branch for its proactive approach in conducting elections and inaugurating local chapters, while briefing the Vice Chancellor on the proposed non-elective national convention scheduled for December 29, 2025.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the FAUAA Benue Branch, Comrade Prince Terna Akpe, lauded Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for appointing Professor Kenen as Acting Vice Chancellor, describing the decision as widely applauded by stakeholders.

Prince Akpe expressed confidence in the Vice Chancellor’s leadership, noting that early indicators suggested a promising tenure. He informed the Vice Chancellor that the visit was to formally notify him of the election of new Benue Branch executives a few months earlier, with himself elected as chairman.

He revealed that the branch had since constituted an election committee, leading to the successful election and inauguration of executives in over 18 chapters out of the 24 chapters of the association, including the university community.

The Benue Branch Chairman pledged the alumni’s support and partnership with the university management to sustain and enhance the quality of graduates produced by the institution. He concluded by praying for divine wisdom, strength and courage for all stakeholders to effectively deliver on their mandates.