With less than 48 hours to the end of his five-year tenure as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos ((UNILAG), Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has continued to receive commendations for successes recorded during his tenure.
This was the summary of thoughts for the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the university during an end-of-tenure/valedictory programme which was held on Wednesday at the university.
At the event, the immediate past VC, Prof. Ade Rahman Bello acclaimed the tenure of Prof. Ogundipe, the outgoing 12th vice-chancellor from 2017 to 2022, as challenging at different times, saying the developments almost rubbished the status of the institution.
“Ogundipe went through very interesting events in the last five years that are full of lessons.
However, UNILAG is a well-structured institution and brand that cannot be rubbished.
“If anyone thinks he can just rubbish the university, that person has made a mistake”.
Prof. Bello expressed pride in the stewardship of the 12th Vice-Chancellor, saying he waded through the turbulences of COVID-19 and the crisis that rocked the university and adjudged him of good performance at the exit as the VC.
Prof Bello urged the political class to borrow a leaf from the performance of Ogundipe, saying 5 years is enough for any politician or administrator that knows his or her onions to achieve success in office, adding that the outgoing VC and the incoming 13th Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola both belonged to his stable.
He encouraged the incoming VC to hit the ground running and prayed to God to spare his life to also celebrate her as part of the success story of the University of Lagos.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Chairman of the UNILAG Chapter, Dr. Dele Ashiru in his valedictory address said, “It is indeed a great honour and privilege to be part of the success story which the University of Lagos has become under the leadership of this quintessential scholar, enigmatic and energetic personality, dependable and trustworthy ally, seasoned administrator, persistent and tenacious intellectual, a stickler for excellence and a rugged and dogged fighter.
Ashiru submitted that Prof Ogundipe presided over the affairs of the University during one of the most turbulent periods in the annals of the Nigerian University System, adding, “For the avoidance of doubt we all recall the unfortunate cancellation of our Convocation Ceremony by one “brutish leviathan”, the breakout of the COVID pandemic and the deluge of strikes by University Unions due to government’s insensitivity and irresponsibility manifest in its infidelity to agreements signed by respective Unions”.
The ASUU-UNILAG chair described Ogundipe as a union-friendly VC because all staff unions enjoyed tremendous cooperation, understanding and harmonious working relationship with the University administration despite constant disagreements on some issues.
However, the ASUU-UNILAG Chairman’ appealed to the incoming VC, Prof. Ogunsola to ensure that the Students’ Union body is de-proscribed.
In the same vein, members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and other Allied Institutions (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) all eulogized the outgoing VC and thanked him for his comradeship during his tenure.
In his response, Prof. Ogundipe who was purportedly removed from office on August 12, 2020, and reinstated as the Vice-Chancellor thanked all staff unions, friends, and family from far and near, the President of the Alumni worldwide, Dr. Tony Momoh, Prof. Rahman Bello, Prof. Ayodele Ogunye, Christian and Islamic religious bodies and leaders, staff unions, the students’ representatives, especially the Senate of the university and the management team of the institution for standing firm when it mattered most.
He said, “When I started this job it was God that made me Unilag VC and He was the only one that handled the entire affair and He knew when and how it will end. I want to give glory to you alone, “he added.
Ogundipe, who held the incoming 13th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folashade Ogunsola by the hand, appreciated the roles she played during the period of challenges and prayed for her successful tenure.
BV.
