The late former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and first Professor of Education in Northern Nigeria, Professor Adamu Baikie, CON, has been celebrated at an Evening of Tributes and Orations held in Abuja.
The event drew a distinguished audience comprising academics, business leaders, top government officials, technocrats, teachers, students, family members, associates, and friends, all gathered to honour the life and enduring legacy of the renowned education icon.
In his oration, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, described Professor Baikie as an academic of exceptional intellect, candour, and visionary leadership whose contributions to education remain profound and enduring.
Professor Omoregie highlighted several landmark achievements credited to the late former Vice Chancellor, including the establishment of the Faculties of Law and Agriculture, as well as the School of Postgraduate Studies, now known as the College of Postgraduate Studies.
He also recalled Professor Baikie’s pivotal role in leading the University of Benin during its relocation from the Ekehuan Campus to Ugbowo, a transition that laid the foundation for the modern campus widely admired for its scenic beauty and conducive environment for teaching, learning, and impactful research.
According to Professor Omoregie, the University of Benin continues to benefit from Professor Baikie’s firm insistence on quality scholarly publications and strong stakeholder engagement—principles that have helped position the institution as a reputable citadel of learning.
The evening was chaired by Nigeria’s elder statesman and former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Danjuma, GCON, who paid glowing tributes to Professor Baikie, describing him as a man of sterling character and uncommon dedication to the upliftment of others.
General Danjuma said the late educationist would be remembered for his hard work, diligence, and lasting contributions to the education sector in Nigeria and across Africa. He urged Nigerians, particularly those in leadership positions, to emulate Professor Baikie’s selflessness in the collective effort to build a greater nation.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Muftwang; the Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba; former Senate President, Senator David Mark; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed; former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana; former Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu; and former Senator, Brigadier General Tunde Ogbeha (rtd.) and his wife.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin attended the event with his wife, Professor Ehimwenma Omoregie; the Registrar, Mr. Ademola Bobola; the Deputy Registrar and University Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire; and the Deputy Registrar, Abuja Liaison Office, Mr. Lucky Ikharo.
Professor Adamu Baikie, who passed away in December at the age of 94, served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin from 1978 to 1985, leaving behind a legacy widely regarded as transformative in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
