The Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie,SAN has, on behalf of the Governing Council and Management, expressed shock at the passing of elder statesman and iconic leader, Chief( Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday 17th February, 2025, at the age of 97.
Chief E.K. Clark, as he was fondly called, was a frontline nationalist and patriot who championed many worthy causes.
As Commissioner for Education in the defunct Mid-Western region, he was a major catalyst in the establishment of the Midwest Institute of Technology which later metamorphosed into the University of Benin. Also, as Federal Commissioner, Chief Clark left no stone unturned in ensuring the successful takeover of the University of Benin by the Federal Government; a move that took the University to the frontlines of research and learning amongst the comity of universities globally. Little wonder that many years later, he established the Edwin Clark University in Delta State as a mark of his passion for education.
Even at old age, Chief E. K. Clark continued to demonstrate his love for Nigeria by his advocacy of equity for all Nigerians.
The Vice Chancellor reiterates the grief of the entire University of Benin community at the passing of one of the University’s founding fathers and prays God to accept his soul and comfort his beloved family.
Signed:
Benedicta Ehanire,Ph.D, mnipr.
Deputy Registrar/University PRO.