The late former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin and first Professor of Education in Northern Nigeria, Professor Adamu Baikie, CON, has been celebrated at a gathering of intelligentsia, business magnates, top government functionaries, technocrats ,teachers students, family, associates and friends at the nation’s capital, Abuja.

In his oration, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, described Professor Baikie as an academic of exceptional intellect, candour, and a pacesetter whose legacies were phenomenal and enduring.

Professor Omoregie recalled the many pioneering projects to the credit of the late former Vice Chancellor, such as the establishment of the Faculties of Law, Agriculture and the School of Postgraduate Studies, now College of Postgraduate Studies.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Professor Baikie in leading the University of Benin at a time when the institution was relocated from the Ekehuan Campus to Ugbowo and ensuring the birth of a modern Campus reknown for its scenic beauty and that is condusive for impactful teaching, learning and purposeful research .
Professor Omoregie added that the University of Benin will not forget Professor Baikie’ s insistence on quality publications and robust stakeholders engagements; actions which today mark out the University as a reputable citadel of learning.

The evening of tributes was Chaired by Nigeria’s elder statesman and former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma, GCON,who eulogised the sterling qualities of Professor Adamu Baikie. He said the education giant will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to lifting others and for his enduring legacies of hardwork and diligence in the education landscape of Africa.

General Danjuma enjoined all to emulate the late Baikie’s selflessness in the efforts towards the actualisation of a greater country.

Present at the event included the governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Muftwang, the Primate of the Anglican Church in Nigeria, Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba, Former Senate President, David Mark, former Secretary to the Government of the federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, former Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu and former Senator, Brig. General Tunde Ogbeha and his wife, Elsie.

The Uniben Vice Chancellor was accompanied to the event by his wife, Professor Ehimwenma Omoregie, the Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, Deputy Registrar and University PRO, Dr Benedicta Ehanire as well as the Deputy Registrar, Abuja liaison Office, Mr Lucky Ikharo.

The late Professor Adamu Baikie who died last December at 94, was Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin from 1978 to 1985.