Ogun State Governor and the Visitor to Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has praised the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde, for maintaining a stable academic calendar in the University. Abiodun, who extolled the leadership qualities of the Vice-Chancellor, noted that he would always be remembered for his meritorious service and contributions to the development of OOU as well as the education sector of the state.
The Governor gave the commendation in his address at the 30th and 31st Convocation Ceremonies of the University for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 Academic Sessions. He observed that though the journey may have been rough, there are several positive indicators for which the entire Management and staff of the University deserve eternal gratitude.
According to him, the history of the University has always been defined by resilience, academic excellence and dogged resolve to swim against the odds and this reflects in its graduates’ sustained superlative performance in various professions and the remarkable numerous awards won by the staff as well as the grant they have consistently attracted by dint of hard work and perseverance.
He said, “It is heart-warming that this enviable tradition has continued to flourish under the able leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde, who has maintained a stable academic calendar.”
“Thank you for all the laudable initiatives that you shared with us. Incidentally, Professor Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde is holding the last convocation as the Vice-Chancellor of this great University. You will always be remembered for your meritorious service and contributions to the development of this University and the education sector of our State.”
“The journey may have undoubtedly been rough,” the Visitor further said, “but there are several positive indicators for which the entire Management and staff of the University deserve our eternal gratitude.”
“The one that readily comes to mind is the National Universities Commission’s Report of the Accreditation Exercise carried out last year. That report indicated that of the 75 programmes offered by the University, 71 so far has full accreditation status, which translates to a 93.4% accreditation status. Also, OOU is ranked 4th amongst state Universities and 17th amongst over 200 others,” he added.
While congratulating the University for the success story, Abiodun charged its Management not to rest on its oars, positing that “the ultimate aim should be to put Olabisi Onabanjo University at the top of the pecking order among elite tertiary institutions.”
The Governor commended the University Management for creative revenue generation and prudent management of the resources of the institution, assuring that his administration will continue, within its available resources, to support the University. His words: “I am happy to note and congratulate OOU as one of our few tertiary institutions that did not have any serious crisis that would warrant critical intervention by the State Government since we came on board in 2019.”
“However, the University cannot remain contented with that record. As the first University in the State, OOU must lead the way in sustaining our heritage in the production of human resource for the development of our nation and the world.”
The Governor explained that the outbreak of coronavirus disease has further reinforced the need to strengthen Universities’ capacity for research “because as prime centres of learning, Universities should inspire practical solutions to society’s most pressing economic, technological and medical challenges.”
According to him, Universities of the 21st Century must embrace ingenuity and innovation to surmount the challenges that confront them.
The Visitor stated that OOU, as a University, is expected to continue to look out for strategic global partners and build networks and synergies that promote sustainable global development.
“Be dynamic in your interface and response as the environment continues to depend on the capacity of the University in meeting new challenges. You are all expected to use your collective wisdom, knowledge, ability and exposure to sustain and promote the ideals of this great institution,” he further charged the University Management and staff.
