Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede has just been
inaugurated as the 11th Substantive Vice Chancellor of Obafemi
Awolowo University (OAU) on Wednesday, 7th June, 2017.
The Pro-Chancellor of the University, Dr Yemi
Ogunbiyi, expressed great delight in the smooth transition of the Acting
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Anthony Elujoba, to Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede.
“I am particularly delighted that this day has
finally come to pass, a day in which we all present to witness the peaceful
inauguration of a substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede,” Dr
Ogunbiyi said.
He further expressed satisfaction that the
selection process was adjudged fair, transparent and accepted by all. Dr.
Ogunbiyi said that in spite of the tremendous pressure from the political arena
and the influential people in the society, the council did not yield to their
pressure.
“The council decided to do the best and resist
the oppressors, who came to influence the selection,” he said.
The pro-chancellor commended the efforts of the
out gone acting vice-chancellor for creating a conducive atmosphere for the
exercise.
According to him, the inauguration of the new VC
marked the beginning of new era in the history of the institution. The
Pro-Chancellor congratulated the new VC for his doggedness during the selection
exercise, while congratulating him, charged him to sustain the confidence of
both the members of staff and students on him.
The chairman appreciated the search team and the
members of the council for the success on the emergence of the new VC.
In his valedictory speech, the gone acting
vice-chancellor expressed heart-filled appreciation to all the members of staff
for the overwhelming acceptance that led to his election by the Senate of the
university to act, as directed by the Federal Government.
Prof. Elujoba charged the new VC to enforce
obedience and absolute compliance to rules and regulations “with the principle
of doing things right, thereby encouraging discipline in both staff and
students.”
He declared: “I did not steal one kobo of anybody
rather I donated personal cash into the endowment fund of the university and
settled all my bills before leaving the office as the acting VC.”
“I was picked up to be acting VC like David and
fished out like Moses and I am handing over to the Joshua of the moment, Prof.
Eyitope Ogunbodede.
“And as he is John the Baptist, God will use him
in double portion of my own anointing while like Gideon, I say to you Prof.
Eyitope Ogunbodede “go in thy might”, Elujoba.
The new VC, Prof. Ogunbodede, appreciated those
who contributed in ensuring his emergence as the 11th substantive vice-chancellor
of the institution. He acknowledged the transparency of the governing council
during the selection process and pledged that he would strive hard to ensure
that the university was taken to greater heights.
He appreciated the efforts of Ooni of Ife for his
intervention at all times whenever there was crisis and his fatherly role he
had been playing in resolving issues on campus.
The VC promised to rigorously follow up on all
his promises in his manifesto, especially on the welfare of members of staff
and students.
Labels: Campus News
