HoDs are the Vice-Chancellors of their Departments – Prof. Ayorinde

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has restated its commitment to strengthening departmental leadership as renowned Animal Scientist and pioneer guinea fowl breeder in Nigeria, Prof. Kolade Luke Ayorinde, charged Heads of Departments (HoDs) to embrace their roles as “Vice-Chancellors of their Departments.”

Speaking on the final day of a 2-Day Retreat for HoDs, Prof. Ayorinde—pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Thomas Adewunmi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State, and Kola Daisi University, Ibadan—delivered two technical papers titled “Contemporary University Administration: The Central Role of Heads of Departments as Key Stakeholders – Some of the Things You Ought to Know” and “Contemporary University Administration: The Central Role of Heads of Departments as Key Stakeholders – Making an Impact and Building a Lasting Legacy.”

Drawing from his experience, including two terms as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Ayorinde highlighted the increasing complexity of university departments due to size, diversity of staff and students, and rising expectations. He maintained that HoDs must be visionary, collaborative, adaptive, and sustainability-driven.

“The function of the HoD has gone far beyond mere administration. You are not only to ensure the smooth running of your Departments but also to nurture both students and staff to reach their full potential. You are the Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Examiner, Chief Image Maker, and guardian of academic quality in your Departments. In truth, you are the Vice-Chancellor of your Department,” he declared.

He further urged HoDs to craft a clear vision, foster inclusivity, adopt sustainable practices that outlive their tenure, and enhance the entrepreneurial strength of their units for long-term growth and relevance.

In his Opening Remarks, FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, charged the HoDs to rise to the challenge of transformative leadership, reminding them that they form the future leadership pool of the University and the Nigerian University System. “The world is looking for quality people, and a Professor is expected to be a total man. When universities advertise for leadership, they seek those who have served as HoDs, Deans, and DVCs. You are the future of FUNAAB, as envisioned by our pioneer Vice-Chancellor, late Prof. Nimbe Adedipe. You will become Deans, DVCs, and Vice-Chancellors. Now, we have a retinue of FUNAAB officials who would do things right, and I urge you to rise to the occasion,” he said.

Prof. Kehinde stressed that departmental leadership was the foundation for higher management roles and urged participants to embody excellence, integrity, and visionary thinking.

The session ended with a vote of thanks by Prof. Francis Sowemimo, Head of the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology (PBST), who commended the resource person and the University Management for investing in the capacity building of HoDs.