Campus News

Council Chair, VC, others eulogise ex-DVCs

It was an outpouring of encomiums last Wednesday (January 29, 2025) as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin, the Vice Chancellor, Council Members, Principal Officers, Provost and Deans gathered at the Auditorium Basement to celebrate Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho and Prof. Sulaiman Folorunsho Ambali, who recently completed their tenures as Deputy Vice Chancellors.

                Those that attended the send off programme took turns to eulogise the former Deputy Vice Chancellors on their contributions to the stability of the University.     

                In his tribute, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Surv. Abiodun Jacob Aluko, FCIML, commended the two distinguished academics for their dedication and selfless service to the Institution.

                Surv. Aluko also expressed his admiration for the rare gesture of organising a send off programme for the outgoing Deputy Vice Chancellors, stating that it was the first time he had witnessed such a grand recognition in his long years of serving as a Council member in three other universities.

                The Council Chairman further noted that the gesture was indicative of the harmonious relationship between the honourees and the Vice Chancellor, saying, “If the honourees were not in good standing with the Vice Chancellor, he would not have come up with the idea of celebrating them. Their competence is unquestionable, and they have served the University meritoriously”.

                Surv. Aluko stressed the importance of leaving a positive impact in any position of leadership, urging those present to emulate the distinguished careers of Prof. Omotesho and Prof. Ambali.

                Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, extolled the virtues of the honourees, describing them as uncommon individuals who sacrificed immensely for the University. He praised their unwavering loyalty and dedication, saying, “These gentlemen are wonderful human beings. They have been 101 percent loyal to the Administration”.

                Prof. Egbewole reflected on his long-standing relationship with Prof. Omotesho, saying, he “will remain my chairman for life. Our paths crossed in 2001 when he was the Chairman of ASUU and I was his Secretary. It was during the turbulent days of the ASUU crisis. Thank God we survived and later became Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the same Administration. In all the offices Omotesho has held, he has led with dignity and related with people in their own right”.

                On Prof. Ambali, the Vice Chancellor described the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) as a passionate individual, a dedicated aide, and a loyal and committed university administrator. He said that Prof. Ambali does not just complete a task, he goes beyond expectations.

                The Chairman of the Committee of Provosts and Deans, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi, commended the two former Deputy Vice Chancellors on their unwavering loyalty and contributions to the stability of the University.

                Prof. Alabi, who was represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences (CIS), Prof. Lukman Adeshina Azeez, acknowledged the crucial roles played by the former administrators in ensuring the smooth running of the University. He pointed out that their strong and direct relationship with the Committee of Provost and Deans underlined their deep commitment to the progress of the University.

                Other Council members who also paid glowing tributes to the duo were the new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, the new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the new Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; and the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr Mansur Alfanla.

In his response, Prof. Omotesho expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Institution in various capacities. While noting that March 21st will mark 41 years since he joined the services of the University of Ilorin, he said he never regretted joining the University.

                Prof. Omotesho acknowledged the support of the Committee of Provost and Deans, a group he described as the most supportive during his tenure as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic).

                On his part, Prof. Ambali expressed delight at the honour bestowed upon him as he described the Vice Chancellor as a detribalised Nigerian who relates with everyone equally without minding their religion or tribe.

                Prof. Ambali also appreciated his wife who made his coming to the University of Ilorin from Ahmadu Bello University possible. In his word, “I want to thank my wife because coming to the University of Ilorin from ABU was a tough decision for me. When I was invited by Prof. Ambali to help set up a Faculty, I categorically said no. The reason was that ABU had become my home, where I was deeply loved and respected. When Zaria heard that I was leaving, they started offering me incentives, but my wife and Prof. S. O. Salami insisted that I must come to Unilorin. When I arrived in Ilorin, things were tough, but my wife endured. Today, it is all history. I thank God for vindicating her choice that I should serve at Unilorin. Since then, I have not regretted working in Ilorin.

                Prof. Ambali commended the present University Governing Council for being unique, and a platform where members work as a family.

                The external Council members present are Mr Ayobami Oladele Afolabi, Pharm. Rachel Alabi, Mrs Abosede Olayiwola (Representative of the Federal Ministry of Education), and Hon Akeem Babatunde Idowu.

                Others are Prof. Folu Ologe, Prof. Usman Adebimpe Raheem, Prof. Raji Abdulgafar Bello, Prof. Mariam Abdulraheem-Mustapha, Mr AbdulRasheed Dauda Gidado, and Prof. Rasheed Adeoye.

                They were joined by the  University Bursar, Mr Biodun Lawal and the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa, and  members of the Committee of Provost and Deans led by their Chairman and Provost of College of Health Sciences, Prof. Sulyman Biodun Alabi.