Raufu’s tenure at VTH superlative- Ambali, others
By Abubakar Imam
Thursday, July 30, 2026 was another great day in the life and career of the immediate past Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), University of Ilorin, Prof. Ibrahim Adisa Raufu, as his colleagues from within and outside the University converged on the Hospital’s Boardroom to pour encomiums on him on what they described as “a superlative performance in office” following the successful completion of his term.
Leading the pack of well-wishers was a former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) of the University, Prof. Suleiman Folorunso Ambali, who described the former Director as “a superb administrator” and someone who never minded the commitment of his personal resources towards ensuring the progress of the VTH.
Prof. Ambali, who is also a former Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, said that he was sure that the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, would be very proud of Prof. Raufu as the Director of VTH.
He described the former Director as a very passionate, honest, agile and outstanding academic and administrator who took the assignment with all sense of responsibility.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. S. A. Ameen, who said that the former Director had been known to him right from their days as students, said that Prof. Raufu did very well in office.
The Dean, who was the Chairman of the event, said that the former Director was a man who prioritised honesty, godliness, integrity and transparency in his private and official dealings and that he was not surprised that his performance was remarkably excellent.
In his remarks, a former Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Prof. S. O. Salami, also paid glowing tributes to Prof. Raufu for ensuring that the VTH experienced remarkable progress during his tenure.
Prof. Salami said that no one would come to the VTH without experiencing quality service delivery.
Another former Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, Prof. M. A. Raji, commended the former Director for bridging the relationship between the Faculty and the Hospital.
He added that Prof. Raufu used the privilege of the position to promote unity and progress of the Faculty and the veterinary profession.
Another senior member of the Faculty, Prof. Raheem said that Prof. Raufu was always on ground to lead and inspire staff members of the Hospital.
Dr AbdulRauf Obalowu, a senior staff member of the Hospital, described Prof. Raufu as a dogged fighter and a highly uncompromising person who always stands by the truth.
He said that he agreed with the view of those who observed that the former Director had taken the Hospital to greater heights.
Also contributing, the Head of the Clinic Services of the VTH, Dr Lawal, gave a breakdown of what he described as the spectacular achievements of the out-gone Director.
While thanking Prof. Raufu for ensuring the positive transformation of the Hospital during his tenure, Dr Lawal said that there is no aspect of the Hospital that did not experience remarkable improvement, which he said culminated in tremendous quality service delivery that the Hospital is now associated with among professionals and clients.
Other staff members, who spoke, expressed their profound gratitude to Prof. Raufu for running an inclusive administration.
They recalled several instances where Prof. Raufu offered remarkable and selfless interventions, saying that they will always remember him and his tenure for good.
Responding, Prof. Raufu appreciated the kind words of all those who commented on his tenure. He added that his tenure was an opportunity for him to serve and learn, adding that he was able to do the two very well.
Prof. Raufu specifically thanked the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and the management of the University for finding him worthy of holding the position and for the support the VTH received from the University Administration.
He also thanked all the staff members of the Hospital for their cooperation as he said that all that were achieved during his tenure,which ran from November, 2022 to July, 2026 would have been impossible without their cooperation.
Prof. Raufu said that his greatest achievements were remarkable improvement in service delivery and the huge account balance of over ₦25 millions and drug worth of over ₦7 million that he left behind.
He encouraged staff and other stakeholders of the Hospital to cooperate fully with his successor for him to also leave the Hospital better than he would meet it.
