The new Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof. Adebayo Bamire, says all efforts will be geared towards leveraging the gains of past years to transform the institution into a world-class citadel.
Bamire, the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the university made the pledged during his inauguration at the Oduduwa Hall of OAU, on Tuesday, in Ile-Ife.
He expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for giving him the opportunity of becoming the 12th substantive vice-chancellor of the institution.
The V-C thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, the University Governing Council and the entire OAU community for the privilege given to him to serve.
The don assured that he would continue to deploy relevant and technology-driven learning tools to improve the quality of education and produce graduates that have relevant skillsets for the 21st Century.
“I will make full use of committee system to run an all-inclusive data-driven administration that will foster participation by all through an open-door policy.
“I will also strengthen the Town-Gown relations for the benefit of all and to achieve these, I will work closely with government, the private sector, international agencies and organisations and all other stakeholders.”
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the institution and Chairman of Governing Council, Owelle Oscar Udoji commended the out-gone Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede for his transparency and accountability during his tenure.
Udoji eulogised Ogunbodede for his numerous achievements in terms of infrastructure, research, ICT, capacity building, welfare of staff and students of the institution.
He solicited maximum support from staff, students and the entire OAU community for the success of the new vice-chancellor, saying “a tree cannot make a forest”.
The pro-chancellor admonished the new vice-chancellor to build on the legacy left behind by his predecessors to take the institution to the Promise Land.
In his valedictory address, the out-gone Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, appreciated God for sustaining him to complete his tenure despite challenges that confronted him while in office.
Ogunbodede also applauded the cooperation he enjoyed from the staff, students, unions and the entire Ife community during his tenure as the vice-chancellor.
He also commended the efforts of the university council, saying it could not be underrated.
He said that the council did a lot to reposition the university to the enviable position it occupied till date.
Ogunbodede assured that he was leaving the institution stronger than he met it in terms of peace, tranquility, harmony and conducive atmosphere presently enjoyed by all and sundry.
He appealed to the staff, students and stakeholders of the university to cooperate with the new vice-chancellor for more advancement.
In her welcome address, the Registrar of the university and Secretary to the council, Mrs Margaret Omosule welcomed all to the historic event
Omosule appreciated God for the life of the out-gone vice-chancellor, for the achievements recorded so far and urged the new vice-chancellor to emulate him.
Dignitaries who attended the event included the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale; the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Clement Adeboye.
Also in attendance were some royal fathers, Provost of Colleges, principal officers of the university, Faculty Deans, Heads of Departments, union leaders and students among others. (NAN)
