WHARC Holds Grand Reception For Professorial Associates In Benin

Professorial associates of the Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC) were recently honored at a grand reception organized by the center in Benin, Edo state. 

Delivering a keynote address at the event, Professor P.A Igbafe, a Professor of History at the Benson Idahosa University described professorship as the beginning of an academic journey which is interminable as long as the Professor remains in an academic career. 

Igbafe spoke on the theme "What it means to be a professor". He said a professor holds a university chair and occupies an exalted position in academic leadership.

"Being of the highest rank in an area of specialization puts the professor in an exalted position to offer academic leadership. This explains why everywhere, a professor must give an inaugural lecture to admit him formally into his office or mark the beginning of his tenure as a leader of knowledge in his specialty and department. This to a large extent justifies his appointment or promotion to the chair, to the university community, colleagues and the outside world," he said.

He then called sanity in the academia to enable professors to develop potentials for adaptability and change in the direction of relevance. He also advised professors to prevent being bogged down with administrative meetings as this militates against change and discourages initiative.

The event was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of Western Delta University, Professor P G Hugbo while the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Prof. Obehi Okojie, Emeritus Prof. J.O Ayanru, Prof. L.I Ojogwu and Prof. Mike Obadan all of the University of Benin were special guests of Honour. 

Distinguished honorees included Prof. Patrick Erah, Prof. Joseph Onakewhor, Prof. Michael Azikwen, Prof. A B A Ande, and Prof (Mrs.) Aisien. Others are Prof. Mike Okobia, Prof.Ohis Enabo, Prof (Mrs.) Obehi Okojie, Prof (Mrs.) Ngozi Alutu, Prof (Mrs) E. Uko-Aviomoh, Prof Waziri Erameh, Prof Charles Imarengiaye, Prof (Mrs) Felicia Ofoegbu, Prof (Mrs) C.N Ojogwu, Prof A.O Okukpon, Prof E.O Egbochukwu, and Prof M.E Enosolease.

The list also includes Prof (Mrs) B.O Ogonor, Prof.A Emorgbeme, Prof.A Afuanya, Prof S.E Omonigho, Prof Ray Ozolua, Prof.F.E Okoye, Prof. T.O Imoole, Prof. A Kazeem, Prof (Mrs) A.O Dawodu, Prof (Mrs) L.U Airaubi, Prof (Mrs) A.U Watgbasome, Prof (Mrs) A.D.A Ighorodje, Prof. O.N Ogbuekwe, Prof.A.N Ofili, Prof. J.U Aligbe, Prof. Omoigberale, Prof (Mrs) E.Isah, Prof (Mrs)A.E Omodi, Prof (Mrs) C.U Ukponmwan and Prof. Anthony Ogbeibu. 

They were all presented with WHARC-branded items as a mark of appreciation.