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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan Caleb, has commended the outgoing 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode Adebowale, for preserving the institution’s heritage and strengthening its capacity to address emerging challenges.
Enitan gave the commendation while chairing the valedictory ceremony organised in honour of Adebowale following the completion of his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.
The ceremony, held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, had the theme “Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service” and attracted members of the university community, government officials, union leaders, religious leaders, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders.
The Head of Service described Adebowale’s leadership as one that had helped preserve UI’s proud heritage while building a resilient and responsive institution.
He said the outgoing Vice-Chancellor’s achievements aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, according to him, seeks to position Nigeria for greatness through strong institutions and a knowledge-driven economy.
Enitan also disclosed that the Federal Civil Service was undergoing comprehensive reforms aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, integrity and service delivery.
He said the reforms would be pursued more vigorously under his leadership to ensure effective implementation of government policies and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
“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,” he said.
In his valedictory address, Adebowale declared that he was handing over a strong, although imperfect, institution to his successor.
He maintained that the university had recorded significant progress during his administration but acknowledged that more work remained to be done, particularly in the areas of funding and infrastructure development.
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The outgoing Vice-Chancellor stressed that adequate funding remained critical to building a world-class university capable of providing excellent infrastructure and sustaining academic excellence.
He noted that an organisation that failed to prioritise the welfare of its people could not successfully fulfil its mission.
“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 researches serve the needs of the country through partnerships with government agencies,” he said.
Adebowale also highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships and research collaboration in ensuring that university research addressed national development needs.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan chapter, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor for his friendly disposition towards the welfare of academic staff.
Afolabi, who was represented by his Vice-Chairman, Dr Tayo Ajibade, said Adebowale demonstrated concern for the interests of union members throughout his tenure.
He, however, charged the incoming 14th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Olapegba, to make staff welfare a priority in his administration.
Ajibade noted that Olapegba’s previous experience as an ASUU executive in the university placed him in a good position to understand the concerns and expectations of academic staff.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on Adebowale’s leadership, celebrate his contributions to the university and outline expectations for the institution’s next phase of development.
