Enjoy your annual leave, Egbewole urges staff
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called on both the academic and non-teaching staff of the University to prioritise their health and well-being by taking their annual leave as and at when due.
Prof. Egbewole said doing so would not only promote healthy living but also ensure that staff return to their duties refreshed and able to contribute meaningfully to the University’s growth.
The Vice Chancellor made the appeal last Tuesday(December 9, 2025) during a meeting with the Committee of Provost and Deans (CoPD), where he explained the importance of rest in maintaining productivity and long-term efficiency.
Prof. Egbewole noted that no individual is indispensable and that the University’s operations would continue regardless of anyone’s absence, as he appealed to staff to value their health and take time off when necessary.
While noting that proper delegation of duties is an essential aspect of good administrative practice and should be embraced by all leaders within the institution, the Vice Chancellor expressed concern that some Deans, Directors, and Heads of Departments often fail to take their annual leave, deferring it for years.
Prof. Egbewole reiterated that after working for a whole year, it is only natural and necessary for staff to take time to rest, re-energise, and maintain a balanced work-life routine. He, however, encouraged all staff members to cultivate the discipline of observing their annual leave without hesitation or fear of disrupting official activities.
Responding, the Provost and Deans, who took time to speak, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for his show of empathy and genuine concern for the welfare of staff. They noted that his consistent emphasis on work–life balance and staff well-being reflects a leadership style that values people as the institution’s most important resource.
They said that the Vice Chancellor’s reminder on the need to take annual leave was timely, especially in an academic environment where many staff often prioritise work over rest. They commended him for recognising the pressures associated with academic and administrative responsibilities and for encouraging a healthier approach to managing them.
According to them, Prof. Egbewole’s stance will motivate more staff to embrace proper rest periods, delegate responsibilities appropriately, and return to work better prepared to deliver on the University’s mandate.
The CoPD members assured the Vice Chancellor of their commitment to cascading the message to their various faculties and units in order to promote a culture that supports both productivity and well-being across the institution.
