The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode Adebowale, has described the institution as strong but not perfect, saying more work is needed to make it a world-class university.
Adebowale spoke at a valedictory ceremony held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, to mark the end of his tenure. The event was attended by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Olumuyiwa Enitan Caleb, and other stakeholders who praised his leadership.
The ceremony was themed ‘Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service’ and attracted government officials, university administrators, union leaders, religious representatives, security agencies and community leaders.
Speaking as chairman of the event, Caleb praised Adebowale for protecting the university’s heritage while building a strong and responsive institution capable of facing new challenges.
He said Adebowale’s leadership supported President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially its focus on strong institutions and a knowledge-based economy.
Caleb also said the Federal Civil Service was undergoing major reforms to improve efficiency, productivity, accountability and service to citizens. He added that the university system would benefit from the changes.
In his farewell address, Adebowale said his administration placed great importance on the welfare of staff and other members of the university community.
He explained that an institution could not achieve its goals without taking proper care of its people.
‘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,’ he said.
Adebowale added that the university continued to attract outstanding students and scholars. He also said partnerships with government agencies had helped ensure that research carried out by the institution addressed the country’s needs.
However, he identified inadequate funding as a major challenge, stressing that continuous investment was needed to improve infrastructure and strengthen the university’s position globally.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan branch, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, represented by his vice-chairman, Dr Tayo Ajibade, praised Adebowale for his commitment to staff welfare.
Afolabi urged the incoming 14th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olapegba, a former ASUU executive in the university, to maintain the focus on staff welfare when he takes over the institution.