The Vice Chancellor (VC) designate of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Kayode Adebowale says his emergence as the new VC of the institution is one he won’t take for granted.
Prof. Adebowale in his appreciation message titled, “Ise Ya: Words of appreciation to the good Ibadan People” and made available to The Precision NG, said it is a thing of joy for Ibadan being the host community of UI, to produce the next VC.
Adebowale himself is from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He thanked the sons and daughters of Ibadan as well as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji for the support they gave him during the 17 months of fierce contest among the 16 aspirants.
Adebowale was on Thursday, October 14 named the 13th indigenous VC of the University by the UI Council led by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
Read the full statement below:
By the boundless Grace of God, I was named the first Ibadan indigene to become the Vice Chancellor of an Institution that Ibadan people have hosted for some 74 years now. I do not take this unique privilege, honour and distinction lightly.
From the people of Ibadan, home and abroad, across faiths, gender and age groups, I have received immense support, especially in prayers and in words of encouragement, during the 17 months that this long-drawn process lasted. I was at times overwhelmed by this load of support and goodwill. I lack the very words to describe my sense of gratitude to you all, my kinsmen and kinswomen.
I am not unaware of the heavy burden this ‘First indigenous VC’ tag places on me. Ibadan people are known for industry and hard work; bravery; friendliness and hospitality guided by fairness in treating everyone, and a large accommodating heart. As a true-born Ibadan indigene, I have always made these values my watchword in all I do. Now is the time to make them even more so. To you all be assured that the arduous task of sustaining Ibadan as the undisputable intellectual capital of Nigeria has already started in earnest. Ise ya!
For his prayers, royal blessings and encouragement, I want to thank our father, the Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty Kabiyesi Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunnuso 1, I am grateful to the entire Olubadan in Council, Ibadan chiefs, members and leaders of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, all leaders of thought, my lords spiritual and temporal, and all indigenes of this most hospitable city and home to all.
I close by appealing to all of us: for 74 years you have demonstrated unequalled hospitality to the University of Ibadan as her host community. We do not take this privilege for granted. Now is the time to demonstrate exemplary leadership. In fact, we have now entered an examination hall. It seems the whole world is saying:
“you Ibadan people have been great hosts to UI, now show us that you can be great leaders”.
We cannot afford not to excel and distinguish ourselves! Please, join hands with me to make the University of Ibadan much greater than I met it.
A dupe pupo pupo. Ise ya o!
Prof Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, FAS, mni
VC-Designate, University of Ibadan
Monday, 18th October 2021
Study @ Achievers University
