CoPD celebrates immediate past Provost, Dean
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Committee of Provost and Deans (CoPD) of the University of Ilorin has celebrated its immediate past Chairman, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi, and the immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Rotimi Arise, for their contributions to the Committee, and the University.
Speaking at a send-off ceremony, held last Monday (September 29, 2026) at the University Auditorium, the Chairman of the CoPD, Prof. Muhammed Adeboye, acknowledged the valuable roles played by the two dons in advancing the activities of the CoPD. He noted that their leadership, experience and commitment contributed to the unity and effectiveness of the Committee.
Prof. Adeboye, who is also the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, however, said the token presented could not adequately measure the extent of their contributions to the Committee, their respective Faculties and the University. He noted that the gesture was primarily intended to express the appreciation of the CoPD for their dedication, leadership and valuable services during their respective tenures, adding that their impact would continue to be remembered by members of the Committee and the University community.
In a goodwill message, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Jawondo, described Prof. Alabi as a committed University administrator who had the interest of the institution at heart. He said Prof. Alabi played a supportive role as Chairman of the CoPD, particularly by liaising with University Management on issues affecting the Committee and encouraging members to remain committed to their responsibilities.
Prof. Jawondo, who said he first worked with Prof. Arise as a pioneer member of the University Quiz and Debate Club, also commended him for his contributions to the growth and development of the club. He attributed its international growth to Prof. Arise’s commitment as Chairman of the Debate and Quiz Committee, adding that he laid a solid foundation from which the club continued to benefit.
Prof. Jawondo also commended Prof. Arise for his contributions to the activities of the CoPD, describing him as a dedicated member who consistently brought his experience and commitment to the Committee’s deliberations and initiatives. He added that Prof. Arise’s collaborative approach and willingness to support colleagues contributed to the effectiveness of the Committee during his tenure.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Welfare Subcommittee of the CoPD, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, described Prof. Alabi as a caring, supportive and protective leader, recalling the assistance and encouragement he provided when she assumed office as Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences. She noted that his willingness to guide and support colleagues contributed to making his tenure as Chairman of the CoPD memorable.
Prof. Abdulbaqi also commended Prof. Arise on his mentorship and leadership qualities, noting that he helped her understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Dean. She described him as a leader who valued consultation and regularly sought the views of colleagues before taking decisions, adding that his approach encouraged collaboration and strengthened relationships among members of the CoPD.
She further praised Prof. Arise for his commitment to mentoring staff in his Faculty, saying that the impact of his guidance could be seen in their activities, professional development and contributions to the University.
Prof. Abdulbaqi appreciated the CoPD for its continued commitment to the welfare of its members and commended her colleagues for their dedication to sustaining the Committee’s welfare initiatives.
Responding on behalf of himself and Prof. Alabi, Prof. Arise appreciated the Chairman and members of the CoPD for organising the event. He recalled that during Prof. Alabi’s tenure, the Committee prioritised the celebration of former Deans and Provosts who had served the University and completed their tenures.
According to him, the Committee inherited a backlog of 22 former Deans and Provosts who had not been celebrated and subsequently ensured that all of them, including former Deputy Vice Chancellors, were honoured. He said another set of former officers was celebrated the following year, while the current occasion provided an opportunity to honour him and Prof. Alabi.
Prof. Arise commended the Committee on sustaining the initiative. He also applauded the experiences and exposure he gained while working with Prof. Alabi and serving as a member of the CoPD.
