The University of Benin Alumni Association, North America (UBAANA), on Monday 29th August conferred the posthumous “distinguished service award” on a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Emeritus Osayuki Godwin Oshodin.
The award was received by Mrs Otasowie Adefunke Oshodin, wife of the late UNIBEN first indigenous Vice Chancellor, who is also the immediate past Registrar of the institution.
It was an emotional moment for the family as Mrs Oshodin was presented with the award, exactly three months after the demise of their patriarch, Professor Emeritus Oshodin.
UBAANA’s President, Alex Imuetinyan Eronmwon, who presented the award in Benin City, said Prof. Oshodin was honoured “in recognition of his many years of exceptional service as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin.”
He recalled how the late Prof. Oshodin, during his time as VC, established the UNIBEN’s Directorate of Alumni Relations to strengthen relationships with the university’s Alumni bodies, amongst others.
President Eronmwon said the late Prof. Oshodin’s death had created a huge vacuum; describing the deceased as a “trailblazer and academic colossus”, while asking God for the fortitude for those left behind to bear the irreparable loss, and repose of the soul.
Responding, Mrs Otasowie Oshodin, who received the award for his late husband, Professor Emeritus Oshodin, described the honour as a privilege, adding that his late husband would be proud.
She expressed profound gratitude to UBAANA, the executive team led by President Alex Imuetinyan Eronmwon and members of the Alumni body, that even after her husband’s death, he was still remembered and honoured.
