The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, has described the institution he is handing over to his successor, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, as strong but imperfect, acknowledging that despite significant progress recorded during his administration, the university still faces challenges relating to funding, infrastructure and staff welfare.
Adebowale made this declaration on Saturday, October 31, 2026, during the valedictory ceremony held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, where he reflected on his tenure as the institution’s 13th Vice-Chancellor.
The ceremony, themed “Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service”, was organised in honour of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor and attracted principal officers, members of the university community, distinguished guests and other stakeholders.
In his valedictory address, Adebowale said his administration had worked to ensure that the university’s research and expertise addressed national development needs across agriculture, health, education, industry and governance.
He noted that the university had also strengthened its partnerships with government, industry and international institutions, while prioritising peace and stability within the academic community.
According to him, the relative stability enjoyed by the university amid frequent disruptions in Nigeria’s education sector was not accidental but resulted from dialogue, patience and a commitment to resolving disputes through consultation rather than confrontation. He acknowledged the contributions of staff unions and the Students’ Union to maintaining industrial harmony, while stressing that more work remained to be done.
“Our funding challenges remain real. Our infrastructure needs are ongoing. The welfare of our staff must continue to be a priority”, he said.
Describing his handover as one of a strong institution with room for further improvement, Adebowale expressed the hope that his successor would consolidate the achievements of his administration and build on the foundation already laid.
Emphasising service as the central motivation for his accepting the responsibility of Vice-Chancellor, he recalled his long association with the university, having served it as a student, lecturer, professor, director, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and, eventually, Vice-Chancellor.
“The University of Ibadan has given me everything that I have. It has educated me. It has shaped me. And it has provided me a platform for scholarship and for service. This position of Vice-Chancellor was an opportunity to give something back”, he said.
He added that although his service had not always been perfect, he had remained faithful to the responsibility of serving students, staff, alumni and the nation.
Adebowale also paid tribute to his family, particularly his wife and children, for their sacrifices and understanding throughout his tenure.
Recounting the personal demands of the office, he disclosed that his busy schedule sometimes affected his ability to communicate regularly with his family, who were living in a different time zone.
He recalled how one of his children once asked him whether they still had a father after he had missed calling them for a week.
The Vice-Chancellor said the experience underscored the sacrifices his family had made by sharing him with the university, expressing profound gratitude for their understanding and support.
Adebowale also expressed appreciation to the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Provosts, Deans, Heads of Departments, members of staff, students and the entire university community for their contributions, cooperation and support throughout his tenure. He acknowledged that the progress recorded during his administration was a collective effort, made possible by the commitment and dedication of the various stakeholders within the university.
The ceremony featured an opening address by the Chairman, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan Abel, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and a presentation by the Dean of Students, Professor Demola Lewis, on the significance of the occasion.
Other highlights included goodwill messages, a documentary showcasing Adebowale’s tenure, a special musical performance by the Department of Music and remarks by the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor, Chief Bisi Akande, and the incoming Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olapegba.
