Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, the Pro-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), has expressed delight over the smooth transition of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Anthony Elujoba, to the 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede in OAU.
Ogunbiyi, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution, made this known at the inauguration of the 11th substantive Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Ile-Ife, on Wednesday in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
“I am particularly delighted that this day has finally come to pass, a day in which we all present to witness the peaceful inauguration of a substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede,” Ogunbiyi added.
He further expressed satisfaction that the selection process was adjudged fair, transparent and accepted by all.
Ogunbiyi said that in spite of the tremendous pressure from the political arena and the influential people in the society, the council did not yield to their pressure.
“The council decided to do the best and resist the oppressors, who came to influence the selection,” he said.
The pro-chancellor commended the efforts of the out gone acting vice-chancellor for creating a conducive atmosphere for the exercise.
According to him, the inauguration of the new V-C marked the beginning of new era in the history of the institution.
Ogunbiyi congratulated the new V-C for his doggedness during the selection exercise, while congratulating him, charged him to sustain the confidence of both the members of staff and students on him.
The chairman appreciated the search team and the members of the council for the success on the emergence of the new V-C.
Earlier in his valedictory speech, the out gone acting vice-chancellor expressed heart-filled appreciation to all the members of staff for the overwhelming acceptance that led to his election by the Senate of the university to act, as directed by the Federal Government.
Elujoba charged the new V-C to enforce obedience and absolute compliance to rules and regulations “with the principle of doing things right, thereby encouraging discipline in both staff and students.”
He declared: “I did not steal one kobo of anybody rather I donated personal cash into the endowment fund of the university and settled all my bills before leaving the office as the acting V-C.”
“I was picked up to be acting V-C like David and fished out like Moses and I am handing over to the Joshua of the moment, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede.
“And as he is John the Baptist, God will use him in double portion of my own anointing while like Gideon, I say to you Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede “go in thy might”, Elujoba.
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, in his address said he was delighted at the inauguration of the V-C, adding, “today marks the beginning of a new dawn in the history of the university”.
Ogunwusi warned that people should be conscious of whatever they did in life because posterity would always be the judge.
“There is no single soul that will not give an account of his deed in life and what recommendation will people give after leaving the post,” the Ooni said.
The royal father thanked the governing council of the institution for not compromising in the selection of new V-C.
Ogunbodede, the new V-C, appreciated those who contributed in ensuring his emergence as the 11th substantive vice-chancellor of the institution.
Ogunbodede, who acknowledged the transparency of the governing council during the selection, pledged that he would strive hard to ensure that the university was taken to greater heights.
He appreciated the efforts of Ooni of Ife for his intervention at all times whenever there was crisis and his fatherly role he had been playing in resolving issues on campus.
The V-C promised to rigorously follow up on all his promises in his manifesto, especially on the welfare of members of staff and students.