…Adebowale bows out, Olapegba steps in as UI VC
Olumuyiwa Enitan, Head of Service of the Federation, has said that the Federal Civil Service is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred.
Olumuyiwa spoke as Chairman of a valedictory ceremony organised to mark the successful tenure completion of Kayode Adebowale, Professor and the 13th Vice- Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) held at the Trenchard Hall of the institution at the weekend.
The valedictory ceremony with the theme, “Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service,” was a convergence of the town and gown, Union leaders, religious actors, leadership of security agents and community leaders as well as other critical stakeholders in the UI project.
The Head of Service of the Federation said, “in appreciation of the foregoing and in the wider context of ensuring effective implementation of government policies to improve the living conditions of Nigerians, the Federal Civil Service is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen centred in tandem with Mr President’s reform agenda.
“This will be pursued more vigorously under my watch as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and be rest assured, the university system will be greatly impacted by the positive outcomes of this commendable disposition”, he said.
He commended Kayode Adebowale, the 13th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan for preserving “UI’s proud heritage while building a resilient, (and) responsive institution equipped to meet emerging challenges”.
Oluwuyiwa stated that Adebowale’s “leadership aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which positions Nigeria for greatness through strong institutions and a knowledge-driven economy”.
In his valedictory speech, the 13th Vice Chancellor, who stated that “any organisation that does care for its people cannot fulfil its mission”, noted that his administration would be leaving behind a strong, but not perfect institution.
According to Adebowale, there is still so much to be done at the University of Ibadan, emphasising how funding remains important to building a world-class institution with excellent infrastructure.
“Leadership is a burden. Every decision carries the weight of lives and destinies. I have led by listening to the community and through consultations. I have insisted on due process, defended autonomy, and governed with integrity.
“UI continues to attract the brightest students and scholars of repute. We have ensured that our research serves the needs of the country through partnerships with government agencies”, he said.
Adefemi Afolabi, Professor and Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Adefemi Afolabi, represented by his Vice Chairman, Tayo Ajibade, said the 13th Vice-Chancellor pursued a friendly- disposition to the welfare of her members.
He, however, tasked the incoming 14th Vice Chancellor of the University, Peter Olapegba, also a Professor, who was a past ASUU Executive member in the University, to prioritise the welfare of its members.
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