By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Vice Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Professor John Aroye Okhuoya, and the institution’s Acting Registrar, Osasuyi Ogbeide, have commended the Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, Hon. Romeo, for combining public service with academic advancement.
The university authorities gave the commendation while speaking on the academic achievement of the council chairman, who recently graduated from Benson Idahosa University, where he obtained both his first and second degrees.
Professor Okhuoya expressed delight over Romeo’s achievement, describing him as one of the university’s products who has distinguished himself and is poised to make a difference in public service.
According to the Vice Chancellor who spoke during the institution’s 22nd Convocation ceremony, Romeo’s education at BIU has equipped him with the knowledge and values required to contribute meaningfully to society.
“We are so proud of him. His first degree and second degree he got there, and we are glad,” Okhuoya said.
He noted that the values imparted by the university go beyond academic qualifications, stressing that its graduates also benefit from spiritual guidance and prayers.
Okhuoya said he was not surprised by Romeo’s performance in politics, expressing optimism that his approach to public service would be different.
The Vice Chancellor urged politicians to regard public office as a call to service rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.
“The advice is that it’s a call to serve. And they must see that in the way that will bless our people,” he said.
He lamented the tendency to view politics as a means of self-aggrandisement, stressing that public officials have a responsibility to improve the lives of the people they represent.
“God placed you there to serve his people,” Okhuoya added.
He expressed hope that a new generation of young men and women would bring about positive changes in their communities through effective leadership and development.
He specifically advocated the provision of basic infrastructure such as good roads and potable water, while urging public office holders to focus on enriching the people rather than enriching themselves.
“When you enrich the people, God will enrich you,” the Vice Chancellor said.
Also speaking, BIU Acting Registrar, Osasuyi Ogbeide, described Romeo as a “wonderful student,” recalling his relationship with him from his undergraduate days at the institution.
Ogbeide said Romeo distinguished himself by remaining humble despite his status as an elected public official.
“Romeo, as most of us in BIU know and call him, has been my student from his undergraduate days,” he said.
He noted that Romeo never allowed his position as an honourable member or political office holder to create a barrier between him and the university community.
“He has removed from himself that he is an honourable is different from being a student. He has humbled himself as our student,” Ogbeide said.
According to him, Romeo maintained a cordial relationship with members of the university community, took instructions as required and was regarded by some members of staff as a friend.
Ogbeide congratulated the council chairman on his graduation, describing the achievement as worthy of commendation.
He also used the occasion to encourage politicians and other public figures to pursue further education irrespective of their age, occupation or position.
“One is not too old or too big to educate himself,” he said.
The Acting Registrar stressed that continuous education remains important for personal development and professional effectiveness, urging other politicians to emulate Romeo by making time to improve their qualifications.
He said that irrespective of one’s calling, occupation or position, there is always value in acquiring additional knowledge and qualifications.
