By Sikiru Akinola

By the new webometric ranking released on 6th February, 2013, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, moved from being #8 in Nigeria to #1 and from 79 to No 14 in Africa.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that this latest ranking reflects the success of the current administration under Professor Bamitale Omole who, at his inauguration as Vice-Chancellor, promised to work assiduously to reposition OAU as a leading university in Nigeria and Africa.

Meanwhile, staff of the varsity have been advised to set a new road map to pursue research effort more vigorously with a view to continually impacting positively on the socio-economic, political and technological landscapes of the society.

The VC, Omole, stated this at a one-day retreat organized by the Staff Training and Development Unit of the institution at the Royal Parks Hotel, Iloko-Ijesa, Osun State.

In his keynote address titled “Moving This Leviathan: New Paradigm, New Strategies: 50 years of OAU and Beyond”, the VC enjoined the participants never to dwell too much on past achievements but strive to beak new grounds in research.

He reminded the participants not to forget the best practices, ethics and ethos as well as the institutional core values which made our past scientific achievements possible and which had made OAU a centre of Academic Excellence.

He encouraged them to sustain and deepen their excellent  and efficient service delivery for more outstanding achievements in research, teaching and community services.

He also appealed to them to constantly review their curricular and programmes in order to meet the new trends which would proffer solutions to the socio-economic and political challenges of the 21st century.

He also admonished them to explore the potentials of the University’s Knowledge Park by leveraging on the research facilities ink the various Departments, Faculties and Centres, adding that the park will aid the transfer of technology as well as the commercialization of University’s research output. I will also spur technology innovation, promote foreign investments and stimulate rapid regional economic growth.