Aneto bids farewell as Iroye takes charge at CEM&GS

A smooth transition of leadership ceremony has marked the end-of-the tenure of Professor Gloria O. Aneto as the Director of the Centre of Excellence in Migration and Global Studies (CEMG&S), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Aneto has handed over the reins to Professor Samuel O. Iroye, who assumed office as the new Director of the centre.

The ceremony took place on Friday, January 16, 2026 at CEM&GS Conference Room, university headquarters, Jabi, Abuja.

In her farewell speech, the former director welcomed Prof. Iroye to the CEMG&S family and briefed him on the centre’s progress.

She encouraged him to build on the foundations laid and assured him of her availability to support the centre and its new leadership.

"I see migration and the Centre of Migration as a family, and I would love to continually be part of it and give the support I can," she said.

Aneto also emphasised the importance of sustaining the centre's initiatives, including its journal and thanked the staff for their commitment and support, which, according to her, has shaped her success at the centre.

Aneto further urged the staff to support the incoming director so as to sustain the foundation which has been laid and advance the centre’s mission.

In his welcome address, Prof. Iroye acknowledged Prof. Aneto's remarkable achievements during her four-year tenure (2021-2025), saying that she had left "big shoes to fill."

He expressed his confidence in her continued support and guidance as he embarked on his new role.

Iroye also expressed gratitude for the outgoing director’s willingness to support him in his new role, promising to carry on the work of his predecessor and lead the centre towards new heights.

The ceremony featured the handing over of keys and documents, followed by a send-forth celebration by members of staff, who shared goodwill messages and presented gifts to the outgoing director.

The event concluded with prayers for the outgoing director’s future endeavours, marking the beginning of a new chapter for CEM&GS under a new leadership.