Gbenro Adesina
Contrary to the apprehension and skepticism that the 2021 University of Ibadan (UI) Community Forum, where aspirants for the position of the 13th Vice Chancellor of the Nation’s Premier University are to interact with the community, may not hold, the event held today at Trenchard Hall as scheduled.
The programme, chaired by Emeritus Professor Pai Obaya and anchored by a veteran journalist, Barrister Festus Adedayo, had four candidates taking turn to sell themselves for the exalted position.
The candidates are: Former Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academic) and Dean of Postgraduate College, Professor Adeyinka Abideen ADERINTO, from the Department of Sociology, Professor Ganiyu ADERONMU, Prof. Akeem Babatunde FAWEHINMI, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt and Prof. Olatunde Rasaq KALILU.
Four candidates, who could not make it physically, but presented virtually were: the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebola EKANOLA, who presented from Abuja, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Admin), Prof. Kayode Oyebode ADEBOWALE, Prof. Babatunde Lawal SALAKO and Prof. Ebenezer Olatunde FARONMBI.
However, Professors Emiola Oluwabunmi OLAPADE-OLAOPA, Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, Olusegun Olaniran Ademowo, Clement Olusegun Olaniran KOLAWOLE and Oladele Olatunde LAYIWOLA, who had officially written to the organisers that they would not attend the Forum citing reasons, sent letters of apologies for been unable to attend as a result of other important official engagements.
In their speeches, all the candidates registered their determination to vigorously pursue the vision and mission of the university, stressing that they would be committed to quality education and research delivery.
Fawehinmi, who noted that UI has done extremely well in keeping to its vision and mission, said there is a need to consolidate on these achievements and allow other scholars from other background or universities to lead the university with the aim of enhancing its vision.
Fawehinmi, Aderinto, Hakilu and Aderonmu stated their commitments to increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), embark on revenue mobilization drive, provide dynamic leadership, guarantee equal opportunity to students and staff and guarantee staff welfare, among others.
Aderinto stressed that if appointed, he would use his verse administrative experience garnered from different leadership positions he had held for the past 10 years to make the institution a truly world class university.
Ekanola, said he is the best candidate, who would steer the affairs of the university to become a world class university.
Participants attended the Forum both physically and virtually.
