Mcpherson University Bids Farewell To Outgoing Pro-Chancellor, Unveils Successor

McPherson University has bid farewell to its outgoing Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu, following his final meeting in the position.

The meeting marked the end of a transformative tenure and provided an opportunity to celebrate his contributions to the growth and development of the institution, as he transitions to the University’s Board of Trustees. The occasion also witnessed the official unveiling of Dr. Charles Fashola as the incoming Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Igbasan, led the tributes, describing Rev. Dr. Idowu as a pivotal "destiny helper" whose tenure was characterised by remarkable institutional growth. He noted that student enrolment increased significantly from just over 400 to more than 3,500 students during the period. 

He further highlighted the commissioning of 18 major capital projects, the establishment of three new academic colleges, and the attainment of full accreditation for the University’s academic programmes by the National Universities Commission, NUC, and relevant professional regulatory bodies. These achievements, he said, have further strengthened McPherson University’s position as a recognised institution of academic excellence.

Members of the University’s principal leadership also acknowledged Rev. Dr. Idowu’s contributions to infrastructure development, student recruitment and staff welfare. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Nwoko, recalled how the outgoing Pro-Chancellor personally facilitated one of the University’s early major academic buildings, contributing significantly to the transformation of the institution’s physical landscape. 

Senior academics, including Professor Oladepo Onigbinde, Professor Michael Osho, Professor Babatunde Lawal and Professor Barr. Iyabode Ogunniran, commended his consensus-driven leadership, noting his ability to promote unity, strengthen staff morale and resolve complex governance matters peacefully.

Representatives of the host community and the Ogun State Government also commended Rev. Dr. Idowu’s leadership during the transition. Alhaji Safiriyu Sotayo, representing the host community, described him as one of the finest Pro-Chancellors the institution has had and encouraged his successor to sustain his inclusive approach to leadership. 

Similarly, Mr. Temitope Lasilo, representing the Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, praised his solution-oriented disposition, wisdom and exceptional listening skills throughout his tenure.

In his maiden address as Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Charles Fashola acknowledged the strong foundation laid by his predecessor and pledged to adopt a collaborative and consultative approach to leadership as he assumes office. 

Emphasising that "everybody matters in this value chain," Dr. Fashola expressed his commitment to working closely with the University community to sustain its growth and development. He also drew attention to the forthcoming Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Annual Public Lecture, a youth-focused initiative scheduled to hold in September at Harbour Point, Lagos, and called for the University’s active participation.

As Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu transitions to the Board of Trustees, members of the University community expressed confidence in the continued value of his experience and guidance. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Igbasan, appealed to him to remain available for consultations, stressing that his continued counsel would be invaluable in sustaining the culture of peace, physical development and academic excellence established during his tenure.