UI DVC Arotiba Charges Staff to Uphold ‘First and Best’ Legacy at All Public Events

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Ibadan, Professor Juwon Arotiba, has called on members of staff to remain steadfast in upholding the university’s legacy of excellence and ensure that the institution’s tag line, “First and Best,” reflects in every public event and official ceremony.

Professor Arotiba made the call on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, during a sensitization workshop organized by the University’s Ceremonial Committee in preparation for the 77th Convocation Ceremonies and Foundation Day Anniversary celebrations.

He stated that the 77th Convocation Ceremonies provide a vital opportunity to demonstrate that the University of Ibadan’s reputation for being “first and best” is not just historical but continuously reaffirmed through excellence in organization and presentation.

According to him, the convocation is the most public-facing event of the university — the occasion when the institution presents its graduates, the product of years of collective academic and administrative effort, to the world. He stressed that the perception of the university’s excellence and orderliness largely depends on how well such ceremonies are conducted, adding that the responsibility lies on all staff to uphold the institution’s image.

In his welcome address, the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu, fspsp, emphasized that being public servants demands professionalism and cultural sensitivity when engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. He described guests as clients of the University and urged participants to approach every interaction with courtesy and efficiency.

The Chairman of the Ceremonial Committee, Professor Adenike Akinjobi, revealed that the workshop, themed “Communication Appropriateness, Social Etiquette, and Orderliness,” was designed to equip frontline staff with the skills needed to meet the expectations of the university management.

She noted that participants were drawn from the Safety Unit, Student Affairs Division, Bursary, Protocols and Passages Unit, Internally Generated Revenue Unit, University Health Service, Directorate of Public Communication, and Faculty Offices. The training, she said, was aimed at refining their interpersonal conduct and ensuring that the University of Ibadan continues to project itself as a model of excellence.

Special sessions were facilitated by Professor Adebimpe Adenugba of the Department of Sociology and Dr. A. Osisanwo of the Department of English.