The Head of Service of the Federation Mr Olumuyiwa Caleb has commended the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan Professor Kayode Adebowale for preserving ‘UI’s proud heritage while building a resilient and responsive institution equipped to meet emerging challenges.’
He spoke as Chairman of the valedictory ceremony held at the institution’s Trenchard Hall organised to mark the successful completion of Professor Adebowale’s tenure as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
The valedictory ceremony themed ‘Celebrating Leadership Legacy and Service’ brought together town and gown Union leaders religious actors security agents community leaders and other critical stakeholders in the UI project.
In his speech the Head of Service of the Federation Mr Enitan stated that Professor Adebowale’s ‘leadership aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which positions Nigeria for greatness through strong institutions and a knowledge-driven economy’.
Mr Enitan disclosed that the ‘Federal Civil Service is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient productive incorruptible and citizen-centred.
‘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 rest assured the university system will be greatly impacted by the positive outcomes of this commendable disposition.’
In his valedictory speech the 13th Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebowale stated that ‘any organisation that does care for its people cannot fulfil its mission’ and disclosed that his administration was leaving behind a strong but not perfect institution.
According to Professor Adebowale much remains to be done at the University of Ibadan emphasising that funding remains crucial 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.’
In his goodwill message on the occasion Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Dr Adefemi Afolabi who was represented by his Vice Chairman Dr Tayo Ajibade stated that the 13th Vice Chancellor pursued a friendly disposition to the welfare of her members while tasking the incoming 14th Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Olapegba who himself was a past ASUU executive in the university to prioritise the welfare of its members.