By Simeon OSAJIE
In the academic corridors of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where the echoes of tradition meet the aspirations of the future, a significant chapter of reconciliation and restoration is being written.
At the heart of this narrative is Professor Anthony Ijewere, a distinguished scholar of Business Administration, whose journey from a decade-long hiatus back to the lecture halls of the Great Benin City serves as a testament to a new era of leadership.
The story of Professor Ijewere is one of resilience. In 2013, a sudden termination of his appointment at the University of Benin over trumped allegations halted a flourishing career at the institution. During the intervening years, he transitioned to Novena University, Ogume, in Delta State, where he continued to mold minds and contribute to the body of academic knowledge in Business Administration. Despite his successes elsewhere, the shadow of his abrupt departure from UNIBEN remained a lingering “what if” in his professional life.
That shadow was finally lifted this week. Following a thorough review and a commitment to administrative fairness, the management of UNIBEN, under the stewardship of Vice Chancellor Professor Edoba Omoregie, officially recalled Professor Ijewere to his post.
In an exclusive interview with broadtvnews.com.ng in Benin City, Professor Ijewere did not merely celebrate his return; he turned the spotlight on the leadership style that made it possible. He spoke with deep conviction about the transformative atmosphere currently pervading the “Ivory Tower.”
”What we are witnessing under Professor Edoba Omoregie is a masterclass in administrative sagacity,” Ijewere remarked. “It takes a leader of immense courage and unbiased vision to revisit the past not to find fault, but to find justice. His commitment to driving developmental changes is evident in how he values the human capital of this institution.”
Professor Ijewere highlighted several key pillars of Omoregie’s leadership that have revitalized the university community to include , Unbiased Leadership which is a departure from partisan academic politics, focusing instead on merit and procedural integrity,Restorative Justice: The willingness to correct historical administrative errors, thereby boosting staff morale across the board. And Developmental Drive: A clear, strategic focus on elevating UNIBEN’s status as a premier center for learning and research.
The recall of the seasoned professor o Business Administration ,Anthony Ijewere brings more than just one man back to a desk; it brings back years of institutional memory and expertise in Business Administration. For the students of UNIBEN, it signifies the return of a mentor who has seen both the private and public faces of Nigerian academia.
Professor Ijewere’s journey from UNIBEN to Novena University and back again reflects the circular nature of excellence when met with the right leadership. He noted that the Vice Chancellor’s approach has created a “healing effect” within the university, signaling to all staff and students that their contributions are valued and their rights protected under the current dispensation.
As Professor Ijewere prepares to resume his duties, his story stands as a beacon for administrative transparency in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. The “outstanding commitment” he observed in Professor Omoregie suggests that the University of Benin is entering a season of stability and growth. For the Ivory Tower, this isn’t just about an individual reinstatement—it is about the fortification of the university’s soul. With leaders who prioritize fairness and scholars who remain dedicated despite adversity, the University of Benin continues to live up to its name: Uncommon Excellence.