His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK has congratulated Professor Charles Egbu, on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, UK.
The issues around why Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people, are underrepresented in senior roles at UK universities have been of concern to many for a while. It is against this backdrop that the general public have received the appointment of Professor Charles Egbu, as the Vice Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University as good news.
Congratulatory messages have continued to pour in from many quarters for this history-making first Black Professor to be appointed as Vice Chancellor of a UK University. An official letter of commendation from the Nigeria High Commission London was addressed to Professor Charles Egbu who is of Nigerian descent on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Government and the entire people of Nigeria.
In a congratulatory letter dated 23rd July 2021, signed by His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK said, “I write to felicitate with you on your appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the prestigious Leeds Trinity University, United Kingdom.
This great achievement, as the first Black Professor to head a University in the United Kingdom, is a testament of your hard work, diligence and commitment to service.
The over twelve (12) books that you have authored and your contributions to more than three hundred and fifty (350) publications in Project Management, Construction Management and Sustainable Subjects, as well as your proven track records in the supervision of over twenty-five (25) PhD (Doctoral) students, attest to your pedigree as an academician with the hallmark of excellence, a trait which defines the Nigerian spirit.
I have no doubt in my mind that this is just the beginning of greater heights and more deserving successes for you. In addition, I urge you to keep the flag flying as a shining light for other Nigerians aspiring to such a position in the United Kingdom”.
During a recent online event organised by Leeds Trinity University to mark the anniversary of George Floyd’s death and provide a platform for Black staff, students and alumni to share their lived experiences.
The event, offered participants the opportunity to reflect on the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.
Professor Charles Egbu, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: “At Leeds Trinity University, we have taken positive steps forward towards race equality in higher education, but acknowledge the progress we still need to make. Following our achievement of the Race Equality Charter Bronze award last year, we are committed to holding ourselves accountable and continuing the conversation internally and across the sector in order to drive real change.
“I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts on race inequality at this event, but more importantly hearing from Black students, alumni and colleagues about their lived experiences.”
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