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.
