Gbenro Adesina
Last Week of October 2020 has finally arrived. The week that members of the UI community has been waiting for. It is the month that the 13th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) will emerge, which will put an end to the intrigues and petitions that have characterised the process.
The contest has pitched one against the other and there is the possibility that some contesters will make permanent enemies for themselves, particularly those that they think ought to have supported them but did not, forgetting that decision is a right of individuals.
As usual, once the new vice chancellor emerges, the losers, who may see the contest as a do or die affair, will create tension by condemning the election and appointment process. Different conspiracy theories and petitions will surface, proclaiming that the process was not credible, free or fair. The petitions will emanate in small offices and houses within and outside UI and fly around. It will fly to the Presidency, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ministry of Education, office of the Chancellor, Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar IV, office of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Nde Waklek Joshua Mutka, raising series of allegations, all toward the turning of the table. However, whatever happens, it is the will of God that will eventually prevail.
Though, 18 candidates are jostling for the position, PrimeStarNews strongly holds that the actual contest is among less than four candidates.
However, the candidates to watch out for, out of which the VC may emerge, are the incumbent Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administrative, Professor Kayode Adebowale, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Adeyinka Abideen Aderinto, Professors Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, Temitope Oluwagbenga Alonge, Emiola Oluwabunmi Olopade-Olaopa and Tal-hatu Kolapo Hamsat.
Information revealed that all the contestants have been invited for interactive session with the members of the Governing Council on Tuesday October 27, 2020.
Some of the contestants have confirmed that they have received invitation for the interactive session.
PrimeStarNews learnt that about six candidates will be shortlisted at the end of the interactive session, out of which the 13th VC will emerge on October 29 and the name will be forwarded to the presidency for approval.
