Adebowale bows out as UI vice-chancellor, hands over 'strong but imperfect' university
- Professor Kayode Adebowale has ended his tenure as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
- Head of Service Olumuyiwa Enitan Caleb praised him at a valedictory ceremony at Trenchard Hall.
- ASUU urged incoming VC Professor Peter Olapegba to make staff welfare a priority.
The University of Ibadan (UI) has held a valedictory ceremony for Professor Kayode Adebowale, who has completed his tenure as the institution's 13th Vice-Chancellor.
The event held at Trenchard Hall on the Ibadan campus under the theme "Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service". It drew university staff, government officials, union leaders, religious leaders, security agencies and community leaders.
Chairing the ceremony, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan Caleb, said Adebowale preserved UI's proud heritage while building an institution able to meet new challenges. He said the outgoing vice-chancellor's record fits President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as seeking to build strong institutions and a knowledge-driven economy.
Enitan also said the Federal Civil Service is undergoing reforms to become more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, and that the university system would feel the benefits.
What Adebowale said
In his farewell address, Adebowale said he was leaving behind a strong but imperfect university. He said much progress had been made, but more work remained, especially on funding and infrastructure.
He said adequate funding is critical to building a world-class university with good facilities and sustained academic excellence, and that an organisation that does not care for its people cannot fulfil its mission.
"Leadership is a burden. Every decision carries the weight of lives and destinies," he said.
He said he led by listening to the university community and consulting widely, and that he insisted on due process, defended autonomy and governed with integrity. He added that UI still attracts bright students and respected scholars, and that its research is being channelled to national needs through partnerships with government agencies.
ASUU's message to the incoming VC
The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at UI, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, praised Adebowale's friendliness to the welfare of academic staff. Afolabi, who was represented by Vice-Chairman Dr Tayo Ajibade, asked the incoming 14th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Olapegba, to put staff welfare first.
Ajibade noted that Olapegba previously served as an ASUU executive at the university, which he said puts him in a good position to understand the concerns of academic staff.
For students and staff, the handover means the next phase of UI's development now rests with Olapegba, with funding, infrastructure and staff welfare topping the list of expectations raised at the ceremony.
