As someone who has always believed in the importance of purposeful leadership, genuine service, and the power of vision to drive real progress in our institutions, I cannot remain silent when a man like Chief Dan Osi Orbih, the current Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, is not just doing the work expected of him, but going far above and beyond the call of duty in a way that truly deserves to be acknowledged, celebrated, and deeply appreciated.
It is no longer news that our great university had suffered terribly from many years of neglect, silence, and indecision, where things were done without direction, policies were implemented without proper consultation, and the future of thousands of students, staff, and alumni alike hung in the balance-until a change came, and that change came through a man who understands what it means to be a father, a mentor, and most importantly, a statesman in service to education, Chief Dan Orbih.
What makes Chief Dan Orbih’s leadership special is not just his name or reputation, which has been built over the years as a leader of men and a voice for the voiceless, but the fact that he came into Ambrose Alli University at a time when so many had lost hope, and he chose not to make excuses or play politics with the crisis, but to roll up his sleeves, listen carefully to all sides, consult widely, act boldly, and inspire confidence, which is what every institution in distress needs to rise again.
One example that stands tall in his record is the way he prioritised peace and reconciliation among the various stakeholders, including the unions, the students, the alumni, and the host community, knowing fully well that a university cannot move forward when there is disunity, misunderstanding, or bitterness, and this he did not just by holding meetings, but by personally sitting with the people, hearing their stories, and reassuring them with action rather than empty words.
In addition, his push for the revival of academic integrity, staff welfare, and student support services is not something that any honest observer can ignore, because these are the very foundations of a good university system, and Chief Dan Orbih understands that when lecturers are motivated, when students are guided, and when the right policies are made, the university naturally begins to breathe again, and that breath of life is what many are beginning to feel again in AAU under his watch.
Furthermore, what has amazed many of us as alumni is how Chief Dan Orbih continues to carry everyone along, respecting the input of those who have gone through the system, and showing open doors to all who want to see Ambrose Alli University return to the path of excellence, whether you are in government or opposition, clergy or youth, technocrat or grassroots, he believes in one team-Team AAU.
To me personally, as an alumnus and the Public Relations Officer of the AAU Alumni Association Lagos Chapter, I have witnessed a lot of leadership styles, but the one Chief Dan Orbih has brought to the Governing Council is both humble and firm, visionary and practical, and this is the kind of leadership that our universities need across Nigeria if we are truly serious about rescuing education and restoring public trust in our institutions.
Therefore, this is more than a commendation-it is a celebration of hope, a salute to courage, and a call to all AAU lovers across the world to stand behind this new dawn, to support the Council, and to tell the world that we are proud of Chief Dan Orbih and the work he is doing to rebuild the legacy of Professor Ambrose Alli, who did not just build a university but laid a foundation of dreams.
Let it be known that in this moment of history, when the story of Ambrose Alli University is being rewritten, Chief Dan Orbih will be remembered not just as a Chairman, but as a father figure, a restorer, and a true statesman who chose to serve with heart, wisdom, and results.
E-Signed:
Rufus Alele Ccfr
Public Relations Officer (PRO)
AAU Alumni Association – Lagos State Chapter