Tribute: Prof. Aluyor: An Icon and achiever

From Lamai Cassius 

Bells ringing calling us together; songs heralding with hearty cheers, high gaiety with melody in our hearts as we celebrate an achiever and exemplary leader, Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, the Vice Chancellor of Edo University Iyamho, who recently marked his birthday. 

Words are insufficient to describe the man, Prof. Aluyor, the pioneer VC of Edo University Iyamho, a name that is well known in the educational sector in Nigeria and synonymous with excellence. In Penning the history of the university it will not be complete without mentioning the name,  Engr. Prof. Aluyor. 

Abel, Noah, Lot, Jesus, Mohammed, just a few names of men people either tried to kill or did kill for the simple fact that they were better than the rest. In Jesus' case, they even went as far as accepting the likelihood of a curse. It didn't matter. All people wanted was for the man to be dead. Hence, it is safe to say, the world hates good people. 

I will never forget the very first time I saw Prof., it was in the morning and the man had just concluded a round of meetings and was almost through with the last one for the day, all in preparation towards the first series of activities and matriculation of the University when I was taken in by Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Masajuwa, the then acting PRO/Dean of Students Affairs, and from that day onwards, I have never regretted meeting and knowing the man,  Prof. Aluyor. 

Prof. Aluyor has within a short period of time since his appointment as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Edo University Iyamho  achieved a lot with giant strides. Since his appointment, he laid the foundation for the University and has put it on the pedestal of world-acclaimed universities, as the school was ranked the third best by the National Universities Commission (NUC) Open Educational Resources (OER). 

He is a quintessential leader who leaves no stone unturned in ensuring that the right things are done always. He set up a workable structure at the University, commissioned so many projects and set up top-notch learning facilities and infrastructures to aid students' learning process as well as ensuring that the school has a conducive learning environment. 

As we speak, despite the COVID-19 pandemic which has adversely affected the educational system  in Nigeria and has halted school activites, Edo University Iyamho appears to be more steps ahead of others as the school is in session, and presently in the second semester with on-going lectures through the CANVAS LMS/AIS online platform for students, a feat that other universities in Nigeria and even West Africa seems to be strugling to achieve; all thanks to Prof. Aluyor for his foresight and being proactive in coming up with this wonderful initiative, thereby  making the University a world class university. 

For clarity sake and the avoidance of doubt, CANVAS Learning Management System (LMS) and Academic Information System (AIS) is a digital learning platform where both staff and students can interact same way they do in their conventional classrooms. It provides a computerized learning platform which enables students perform all academic activities online. 

Importantly, CANVAS LMS/AIS also enables parents to monitor and access their wards' performance and activities while in the school. 

Edo University Iyamho is the only University in the West African Sub Region with this Ivy League Learning Management System which is in use by 70% of the Ivy League universities in the world today and has been in use in the University for more than a year, with both lecturers and students enrolled fully on the platform.

Prof. Aluyor's career journey commenced in University of Benin, Benin City where he worked as a lecturer at the Department of Chemical Engineering in 1994 and later became a Professor in 2010.

Within these periods, Prof. Aluyor served in different capacities and also received several awards, amongst which are; the 'Award of Excellence and Meritorious Service', the Meritorious Award of Excellence as the 'Chairman of Technical Committee of the 2015 Annual Conference',  and the Award of Excellence as the 'Most Outstanding Best Performed Vice Chancellor in Nigeria 2017' amongst others.

These laudable achievements make him more spectacular. Therefore, it is imperative we felicitate with this phenomenal icon and trailblazer. He has aided in actualizing the vision of the University which is to "be the centre of excellence in quality teaching, research, innovations and community development". More so, it is highly commendable that he was able to achieve all these within three (3) years of appointment as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University. 

Today, Edo University Iyamho is one of the landmark, high-ranking schools in Nigeria, competing with other universities that have been in existence for over a decade. Indeed, Prof. Aluyor is not just a man with a vision, but also one with a direction and will-power to bring that vision to fruition. 

Importantly, he is a loving husband, a caring and compassionate father, not only to his biological children, but also to his 'children' at the University and in the society at large. A day is not enough to celebrate this exceptional personae as he has set so many legacies that will forever be remembered. His dedication to work is second to none, and this attribute robs off on those around him.

We are undoubtedly powerful when we empower one another, and this is one of the things Prof. Aluyor stands for. Besides being a man of honour, dignity, love, and tenacity, he has also empowered a lot of people, particularly the younger generation.We celebrate this tenacious leader, with a passion for work; his milestone achievements, particularly as the Vice Chancellor of Edo University Iyamho is so commendable and worthy of emulation. 

With merry in our hearts, we celebrate such a wonderful personality; his numerous impacts in the society will forever be etched in the hearts of many. 

With resounding cheers, we say a Happy Birthday to Engr. Professor Emmanuel Aluyor. It is our earnest prayer that he celebrates more glorious, beautiful years in sound health. Amen!