ADSU VC MARKS FIRST YEAR WITH SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING
From Fidelis Jockthan
The Adamawa State University (ADSU) community joined the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Augustine Clement, in a grand Thanksgiving Service on Sunday at Grace Chapel Ministries Mubi, to celebrate a year of his transformative leadership.
The event, a convergence of academic, religious, traditional, and political leadership, was themed around gratitude and service.
Distinguished guests included Evangelist George Farauta, representing the State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta; the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Bishop Dami Manza; and the former Chief Judge/Wakili Alkalai of Adamawa.
The academia was well represented by the Vice-Chancellors of Modibbo Adama University and the Federal University of Agriculture Mubi, alongside heads of tertiary institutions in Mubi, members of the ADSU Senate and senior academics.
In an emotionally resonant address, Professor Clement, flanked by his family, recounted the blessings and achievements of his inaugural year.
He attributed his success to divine grace and the support of key figures.
“First, I give all thanks to God. I also extend profound gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri CON, and his Deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, for the trust placed in me,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, now the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, for establishing a solid foundation which his administration is actively building upon.
He further lauded the university’s management and staff for their unwavering support and collaboration.
Professor Clement reassured the university community of his continued dedication to advancing ADSU’s status as a center of academic excellence.
He emphasized the importance of unity, urging every stakeholder to work as a cohesive team to achieve greater institutional goals.
In a poignant moment, the VC shared his personal journey, revealing that he grew up as an orphan and that his family endured profound poverty and hardship.
He framed his ascension to the Vice-Chancellor’s office as a testament to God’s grace, and offered prayers for similar breakthroughs for all facing adversity.
A chorus of goodwill messages highlighted the Vice-Chancellor’s character and achievements.
Bishop Dami Manza commended Professor Clement’s deep faith and integrity.
Chief Alexander Barunde, who led a delegation from the Bille Kingdom and the Numan Cultural Association, celebrated his son of the soil for remaining humble despite his high office.
Representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and ADSU management echoed these sentiments, describing him as a purpose-driven leader whose single year in office has yielded the impact of many, thanks to his focused and inclusive leadership style.
The Thanksgiving Service was followed by a reception where guests were hosted to a buffet, fostering fellowship and celebration amongst the attendees.
The event underscored a year marked by stability, consolidation of past gains, and a hopeful trajectory for Adamawa State University under Professor Clement’s stewardship.
