UI Holds a Special Meeting of Senate to Honour the 13th Vice Chancellor

The Senate of the University of Ibadan has held a special meeting in honour of the 13th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, for his five years of leadership and meritorious service to the university. 

The erstwhile Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and 14th Vice-Chancellor of the university, who chaired the meeting, said the meeting was an opportunity to celebrate a distinguished academic, a visionary leader, an accomplished administrator, and a worthy son of the University of Ibadan whose tenure formed an important chapter in the continuing story of Nigeria’s premier university.

He stated that the Senate recognises not merely the conclusion of the tenure of Professor Adebowale, but the contributions of a leader who has devoted his intellect, experience, energy, and commitment to the advancement of an institution.

According to him, the history and reputation of UI extend far beyond its physical boundaries. He, therefore, admitted that serving as Vice-Chancellor of the University is both a privilege and an enormous responsibility.

Professor Olapegba explained that since its establishment in 1948, the University has occupied a distinguished place in Nigeria's intellectual, cultural, scientific, and national development. 

He added that its legacy has been built by generations of scholars, administrators, students, and alumni who have upheld the values of academic excellence, intellectual independence, integrity, and service to humanity.

According to him, Professor Adebowale steered the institution through a significant period in its history, disclosing that his tenure required the exercise of judgement, the management of competing interests, the pursuit of institutional priorities, and the balancing of immediate demands with the University's long-term aspirations.

He asserted that Professor Adebowale 's leadership style was rooted in a distinguished academic career and a deep understanding of the university system, saying that his journey reminded us that the university is not simply a place where knowledge is transmitted but an institution where knowledge is created, challenged, refined, and applied to the service of the society. 

As Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olapegba said his predecessor occupied a position at the intersection of academic aspiration, institutional governance, staff welfare, student development, public accountability, and national expectations.

He explained that the demands of the office are immense, and the sacrifices it requires are not always visible. He then appreciated the commitment of the 13th VC in carrying out his responsibilities, and acknowledged his personal dedication to his work.

He said the University of Ibadan is sustained by the collective contributions of its academic and non-academic staff, students, alumni, governing organs, development partners, and friends. He stated, therefore, that the Vice-Chancellor provides leadership and direction, but noted that institutional progress depends on the willingness of all stakeholders to work together towards shared objectives.

The 14th Vice-Chancellor reiterated that the tenure of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor provided another opportunity to appreciate this fundamental truth and the Senate, in particular, remains central to the academic life of the University. 

He mentioned that as Professor Adebowale was being honoured at the valedictory meeting, Senate acknowledged the importance of the institutional structures and traditions that sustain the University beyond the tenure of any individual officeholder

He asserted that the strength of the University of Ibadan lies in its ability to renew itself, while remaining faithful to its enduring values. 

Given the achievement of the 13th VC, Professor Olapegba stated that a leader's legacy is measured not merely by the number of projects initiated or decisions taken during a period of office, but it is further reflected in the institutions left behind, the people developed, the standards upheld, the relationships nurtured, and the possibilities created for those who come after.

He submitted that Professor Adebowale's tenure will form part of the institutional memory of the University of Ibadan and its significance will continue to be assessed through the experiences of those who served with him, the opportunities available to those who follow, and the University's capacity to sustain its commitment to excellence.

As the incoming 14th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olapegba said that he was particularly conscious of the significance of the occasion and recognised that the responsibility he was assuming comes with the privilege of inheriting a rich institutional heritage and the obligation to contribute to its further advancement.

He said he does not regard leadership transition as a repudiation of the past. Rather, he sees it as an opportunity to consolidate institutional gains, learn from experience, strengthen established systems, and pursue new possibilities in response to emerging challenges.

He stated that the university must continue to deepen its research capacity, strengthen teaching and learning, promote innovation, enhance staff and student welfare, expand meaningful partnerships, and improve its contributions to national and global development.

Professor Olapegba also stated that the university must remain committed to the values that distinguish it and in pursuing these aspirations, he acknowledged the importance of continuity, institutional memory, and the wisdom accumulated by those who have previously occupied the office.

He thanked Professor Adebowlae for accepting the responsibility of leading the University and congratulated him in his own capacity and on behalf of the University community for a glorious tenure as Vice-Chancellor. 

Other members of Senate who paid tribute to the 13th VC were Emeritus Professor R. A. Oderinde; the 12th Vice-Chancellor, Professor A. I. Olayinka, FAS; Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Temidayo O. Ogundiran, FAS; Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor I. O. Oladosu; Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Professor A. I. Bamgboye; Professor Ayodeji Oluleye; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Professor Simisola Akintola; Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu; and the University Librarian, Dr Mercy Iroaganachi. 

In response, Professor Adebowale acknowledged Senate as the highest academic decision-making body in the university, emphasizing the inclusiveness that defines it. 

He reflected on the crisis that followed his appointment as Vice-Chancellor and thanked Senate for speaking unequivocally at that critical season, remaining resolute in its position on fairness and justice. 

He expressed confidence in the 14th Vice-Chancellor to sustain the UI legacy and lead the institution to greater heights, while appreciating members for their maturity, patience and services. He said he had no regrets whatsoever for being the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.