Yesterday, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi led other Principal Officers and members of the University Management on a condolence visit to Ankpa to commiserate with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Abdullahi Emmanuel Bala over the passing of his beloved mother Iye Sarume Salamatu BALA, whose demise occurred on Monday, 13th March 2023 at the age of 95.

While expressing sympathy with the families of the deceased, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged them to take solace in the fact that the departed matriarch and nonagenarian lived a fulfilled life and died at a ripe old age having raised outstanding and hardworking children like Professor Bala who would continue with her good legacies. The VC who extolled the invaluable contributions of Professor Bala, a renowned Geologist, to his administration in particular and the University in general, thanked his late mother and the family for raising such a man of impeccable character, integrity, and good reputation who is adding value to the Institution and humanity at large.

Reacting to the Vice-Chancellor's remarks and visit, the family expressed profound appreciation to the University Management for finding time to commiserate with them at their family home in Ankpa. The elders of the family who spoke during the condolence visit also thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Senate for appointing their illustrious son as a Deputy Vice-Chancellor in November 2021 while praying for the success of the administration.

Similarly, Professor Bala joined members of his family to express deep gratitude to Management and members of the University Community for standing by him during the trying moment. During the condolence visit also, prayers led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor M.S. Audu were offered for the peaceful repose of the deceased who has since been buried according to Islamic rite.

Late Iye Sarume Salamatu BALA was born into the Idakwo Royal Family in Ojoku. She was married to His Royal Highness, Late Chief Bala Akpa, the Onu, Emere who passed on in 2008. She was also a trader and businesswoman, a devout Muslim who was survived by three (3) children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, elder sister, brothers, and sisters - her eldest child being Professor Abdullahi Emmanuel Bala.

Earlier, in a statement released by the University Public Relations Officer, Mr. Daniel Nwankwo to condole with Professor Bala, the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the Principal Officers Committee (POC) of the University, had expressed sadness over the news of mama's demise, urging the DVC (Admin) to be comforted knowing that his loving mother relished having him as a son. "The death of your mother is a huge shock, and the loss of a loved one, regardless of age, sends pain straight to the heart," the statement partly read.

May her soul rest in peace! Click to see more pictures of the visit