The Vice Chancellor of
Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, top government functionaries, lecturers and other people of goodwill have applauded the recent promotion to the rank of professor of the former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU), NDU chapter, Prof. Beke Tuboukiye Sese by the university.
It would be recalled that the university recently appointed Prof. Sese as a Profesor of Animal Science and Environmental Toxicology, a feat that makes him the first professor in the entire Ekpetiama Clan of Bayelsa State.
Commenting on his promotion at a well-attended thanksgiving reception organised in his honour at Tamara Hall, Yenagoa last Saturday, Prof. Sese said while he was pursuing his academic career to become a professor, it never occurred to him that he was going to become the first professor in the entire Ekpetiama Clan, an achievement, he said, had humbled him, as he never knew that he had become part of the history of the area.
He further indicated that for the people of the area to deem it necessary to be part of his celebration, Ekpetiama Kingdom would henceforth produce many professors, stressing that his achievements in life were inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ in the Bible, particularly, where He stressed the need for the Jews to always go the extra mile.
Prof. Sese explained further that that portion of the Bible had always inspired him, as he took a decision early in life to adopt it as his philosophy, stressing that going the extra mile was the bedrock of success. He said his success story was intended to inspire and motivate others, especially young people to aspire to positions of their dreams.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of NDU, Prof. Humphrey Ogoni lauded Prof Sese for his achievements, saying, it was never an easy task for a union leader to combine both union activities and academic works, to attain the height of a professor.
He noted that the promotion of the former ASUU chairman to the rank of Professor was achieved by sheer dint of hardwork and commitment, adding that while he was engrossed in union activities, little did people know that he was also committed to his academics.
“For you to be a union leader and at the same time attain that level of academic height is unimaginable.  And for the university to recognise you and pull you up to that level is an achievement”, he said.
On his part, the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Prof. Edmond Allison-Oguru said becoming a professor was never an easy task, and commended Prof. Sese for attaining that academic height, stressing that it was a clarion call for him to render more service to his community, the state and the country.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Bayelsa State, Barrister Dein Benadoumene paid glowing tribute to the new professor for his achievements, saying, he was the type of people the state government was looking for.
A former lecturer of Prof. Sese at Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Prof. Boma Oruwari lauded the former ASUU boss for his elevation, stressing that it was an indication that the favour of God was upon him, and thanked him for always heeding his professional advice.
On his part, a retired Principal who taught the new professor in secondary school, Rev. N.J.P. Akanga recalled the childhood days of Prof. Sese, stressing that the level of brilliance he exhibited then was far beyond his age.
The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Church, Port Harcourt , Bishop Victor Uzosike while dedicating the new Professor said God, the author of knowledge, had given Prof. Sese the grace to attain his present academic height.
He further said the hands of God were upon him, stressing that the message of the extra mile was important in all affairs of life.

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