TASFUED VC Charges Newly Appointed Officers and HODs on Service and Performance

The Vice-Chancellor, Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, TASFUED, Prof. Samuel Oladipo, MNPA, CMCPN, MCAN, FIELPN, has charged the newly appointed Provost, Deputy Provost, Directors and Heads of Department to dedicate themselves to service, uphold integrity and work tirelessly to surpass the achievements of their predecessors in advancing the University.

Prof. Oladipo gave the charge at the formal inauguration of the newly appointed heads, where he described leadership positions as privileges that come with a responsibility to serve the institution diligently and in its best interest. He urged the appointees to place the growth of TASFUED above personal interests and demonstrate excellence in their respective offices.

The Vice-Chancellor, while congratulating the new appointees, commended the outgoing heads for their dedication, steadfastness, and contributions to the university's development. He explained that leadership changes were necessary for sustainability and continuity, noting that the injection of new leadership would provide fresh energy and ideas while allowing the institution to benefit from the experience and institutional knowledge of its older hands.

“This change is significant because it is not just about new offices and new titles, but about new energy, new ideas and new commitments to the institution,” he said.

Prof. Oladipo said the appointments came at a defining moment in the University’s development, stressing that the new leaders must align their responsibilities with the seven pillars of the administration’s STARWIN Agenda, which seeks to reposition TASFUED for global relevance, academic excellence and greater societal impact.

He charged the appointees to raise the bar in teaching, learning and research, promote innovation in pedagogy, strengthen quality assurance across their Departments and Units, and ensure that TASFUED graduates emerge as some of the most employable and entrepreneurial graduates in the country.

The Vice-Chancellor further urged the new heads to embrace teamwork, adopt data-driven decision-making and remain student-centred in their approach to administration. He cautioned them to verify information before acting on it, encapsulated in his admonition to “see something, say something, but verify.”

He also emphasised the need for integrity, professionalism and accountability, directing all appointees to submit and present written quarterly reports on the activities and performance of their respective offices.

On student matters, Prof. Oladipo directed the HODs to ensure that final-year students are reminded that signing out is prohibited, while also stressing that students must not be compelled to provide catering or tips for assessors during seminars.

He warned that appointments to leadership positions would be performance-driven, noting that tenure in office would depend on satisfactory performance, and that those who consistently fell short of expectations could be removed.

“Know that ignorance is not an excuse. If you do not know, ask questions,” the Vice-Chancellor advised, encouraging the appointees to seek clarification whenever necessary rather than make avoidable errors.

Prof. Oladipo also called for a strong commitment to quality among both staff and students, while cautioning the new heads to be mindful of relationships and boundaries, particularly given the authority and influence attached to their positions.

He stressed that the University expected its new leaders to build an environment where professionalism, fairness, accountability and respect for institutional processes remained paramount.

Prof. Oladipo noted that the deliberate blend of experienced hands and new appointees was aimed at preventing a generational gap and ensuring a smooth transition of institutional knowledge. He urged the new appointees to learn from their predecessors while bringing fresh perspectives capable of moving the University forward.

Also speaking, the University Bursar, Mr Kabir Ogunneye FCA, emphasised the importance of sound budgeting and financial discipline, particularly as the institution prepares for the 2027 financial year.

Mr Ogunneye urged the newly appointed heads to take ownership of the budget preparation process rather than leave it entirely to administrative or accounting personnel. He advised them to prepare their budgets in collaboration with key stakeholders within their Departments or Units and the relevant Account Officers in the Colleges.

According to him, the University’s five-year budget projection is already in the pipeline, stressing the need for heads to plan and align their financial requirements with institutional priorities.

He further disclosed that a procurement plan would be circulated to enable the various Units to familiarise themselves with the new procurement system applicable to a Federal institution.

The Bursar cautioned that expenditure requests must be guided by approved budget provisions, stressing that “whatever is not stated in the budget cannot be requested.”

He therefore called for transparency at every stage of the budgeting and expenditure process, urging the new heads to ensure that financial decisions were properly documented, accountable and consistent with established regulations.

The inauguration marked a new phase of leadership across various Academic and Administrative Divisions and Units of TASFUED, with the University Management charging the new appointees to combine experience with fresh ideas in delivering on the institution’s vision and the STARWIN Agenda.