AAU Appoints Second Female VC
Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, will now be led by its second female Vice-Chancellor after Governor Monday Okpebholo appointed Prof. (Mrs.) Eunice Ebioserehimen Omonzejie as substantive Vice-Chancellor, with immediate effect. The announcement was made via a statement by Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.
Her name was selected from among three nominations submitted to the governor by the AAU Governing Council.
Making History Twice
The first female to hold the substantive VC position at AAU was Prof. Cordelia Ainenehi Agbebaku, confirmed in February 2014 by then-Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Prof. Agbebaku had earlier served in acting capacity from 2011 before her confirmation. With Prof. Omonzejie’s appointment, AAU now adds another name to its short list of female substantive VCs.
Scholarly Credentials & Service
Governor Okpebholo described Prof. Omonzejie as “a distinguished scholar of French and Francophone African Literatures and a long-serving academic in the Department of Modern Languages at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.”
He further lauded her as “a prolific researcher and editor, with contributions to African and Francophone literary studies, gender studies, and cultural studies.”
Her past leadership includes serving as President of the AAU chapter of the National Association of Women Academics (NAWACS), where she has been active in mentoring, research support, and advocacy for female academics and students.
Her scholarly works include co-editing French Language in Nigeria: Essays in Honour of UFTAN Pacesetters and Language Matters in Contemporary West Africa, as well as authoring Women Novelists in Francophone Black Africa: Views, Reviews and Interviews.
Governor’s Charge
Okpebholo said the appointment “is a testament to her academic excellence, administrative experience, and commitment to the growth and development of Ambrose Alli University.”
He added: “The Edo State Government congratulates Professor Omonjejie on her appointment and urges her to bring her wealth of experience and leadership skills to bear in advancing the institution’s mandate of producing world-class graduates and driving research and innovation.”