UI VC Charges Staff to Uphold Harmony, Integrity and Responsible Engagement

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has charged members of the University community to uphold the values of harmony, integrity and responsible engagement as essential pillars for sustaining academic excellence and institutional development.

He gave the charge in an address delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, C.Psych, at the opening of a one-day workshop organised by the Centre for Social Orientation (CENSO).

The workshop was themed “Building a Culture of Harmony, Integrity and Responsible Engagement in the University of Ibadan Community”.

Professor Adebowale said the theme reflected the principles upon which great universities are built, stressing that academic excellence must be complemented by discipline, ethical conduct, mutual respect, intellectual freedom and a shared commitment to service.

According to him, universities have a responsibility not only to produce knowledgeable graduates but also to nurture responsible citizens and ethical leaders capable of contributing positively to society.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that creating a harmonious university environment requires respect for diversity, constructive management of differences and ensuring that every member of the institution feels valued and included.

He described integrity as the cornerstone of academic life and urged staff and students to uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, accountability and professionalism in all their activities.

He explained that the credibility and reputation of any institution depend largely on the integrity demonstrated by its members.

Emphasising the importance of responsible engagement, Professor Adebowale said every member of the University community has a role in shaping the culture of the institution through respectful dialogue, constructive participation, adherence to regulations and commitment to shared values.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the commitment of the University administration to promoting policies that encourage inclusiveness, fairness, accountability and positive engagement among all stakeholders.

He, however, noted that institutional culture is built not only through policies but also through the daily actions, attitudes and interactions of members of the University community.

He therefore encouraged participants to approach the workshop with open minds and a collective determination to develop practical strategies that would strengthen the culture of the institution and promote social cohesion.

Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence in its outcome, saying that the discussions and recommendations would contribute significantly to reinforcing the values needed to sustain the excellence of the University for generations.

In a keynote address titled “Institutional Culture and Social Responsibility: Building a Harmonious University Community,” the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Olapegba, who is also the Chairman of the Board of CENSO, reiterated the call on higher education institutions to strengthen cultures of integrity, harmony and accountability, describing them as essential foundations for academic excellence and institutional credibility.

He said universities across the world face similar challenges arising from technological change, economic pressures, increasing diversity and shifting societal expectations.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor stressed that these challenges are global rather than unique to any single institution, noting that leading universities worldwide grapple with maintaining their values while adapting to rapid change.

According to him, the future of any university depends not only on academic performance but also on the quality of interpersonal relationships, shared values and ethical conduct within the institution.

He described institutional culture as the shared values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that shape how members of a university interact and make decisions, particularly when no one is watching.

Professor Olapegba disclosed that a healthy university culture is reflected in collective decision-making, respect for established rules and procedures, fair treatment of staff and students, and transparent systems for resolving disputes.

To emphasise the importance of due process, he noted that disciplinary matters should follow laid-down procedures rather than personal discretion, adding that university administrators must exercise authority within institutional regulations.

He also highlighted the need for mutual respect among academic and non-teaching staff, students and administrators, saying that professional relationships should be guided by dignity and fairness regardless of rank or status.

The keynote speaker called for constructive dialogue between Management, staff and students, insisting that grievances should be addressed through discussion and established channels rather than confrontation.

The Director of CENSO, Professor Kunbi Labeodan, stated that a university is much more than its buildings, lecture halls or offices, saying that it is a living community made up of students, lecturers, administrators and leaders who are connected by shared values.

She said harmony creates an environment where people can work together despite their differences, while integrity ensures that knowledge is guided by honesty and strong moral character. Responsible engagement, she added, encourages every member of the University to use their freedom wisely in fulfilling their duties to the institution and to one another.

Professor Labeodan reaffirmed the commitment of the Centre for Social Orientation to promoting these ideals through dialogue, orientation programmes and strategic partnerships, with the goal of building a University where respect becomes a way of life, truth is upheld in every action, and everyone accepts responsibility for protecting the values of the institution.

She thanked the MacArthur Foundation for sponsoring the workshop, which also featured:

• Lead Paper Presentation: “Respectful Workplace Ethics for Staff in the University of Ibadan” by Ganiyu O. Saliu, fspsp, FCIML, MANUPA, MNIM, MAUA, Registrar, UI.
• Panel Discussion: “Promoting Workplace Harmony and Effective Conflict Management.” Panelists included Prof. Bolatito Lanre Abass; Prof. N.D. Danjibo; Prof. Samuel Okanlawon; and Dr. Lydia Jesutofunmi Adeladan. Prof. Demola Lewis served as the moderator.
• Interactive Session: “Communication Skills, Emotional Intelligence and Positive Workplace Relationships.”
• Breakout Sessions: “Identifying Sources of Disharmony and Developing Practical Solutions.”

Participants at the workshop were academic and non-teaching staff of the University of Ibadan.