By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Elizade University, llara-Mokin in Ondo state, Prof Kayode Ijadunola, has promised to add more values to the advancement of the university in all areas.

Prof ljadunola made the promise during his inauguration as the 4th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

He equally promised to improve the quality of education as well as research activities in the school to bring the needed development in the institution.

According to him  “My vision for Elizade University is not at variance with that of the University itself, and that is to produce internationally competitive academic products, premised on the foundation of academic excellence, diligent scholarship and an entrepreneurial orientation.

“I am equally aware that the founding fathers of the University were very intentional in building a very aesthetically ambient campus community that is conducive for meaningful scholarship and intensive and focused research.

“I salute the industry, commitment and generosity of the founder and all people of goodwill who have had one thing or the other to do with the growth and development of this citadel”.

The new vice-chancellor commended his co-contestants for their spirit of sportsmanship and enjoined them to work amicably with him in his five years tenure in an effort to bring development to the citadel of learning.

Ijadunola pleaded for more support from the university’s stakeholders, urging the staff to extend support to his predecessor to him.

He said that Elizade would attain much greater heights and be one of the leading institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

The Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to founder of the institution, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, the entire members of BOT, the Governing Council led by the indefatigable Emeritus Professor Olufemi Bamiro and the Senate of this University, for the confidence reposed in me in seeding the executive and managerial responsibility of this University to me at this time.

He said “In order to bring about the much needed change and create a new social order, we must necessarily and collectively develop a level of avulsion to our many systemic failures as a people and damn the consequences for positive impact.

 “I therefore crave more cooperation and understanding on the part of the University leadership and followership in all ramifications, as we unfold our various reform agenda.

 “God helping us, we shall provide exemplary leadership, in strength and character that will galvanise this University community for purposeful action.

“We shall lead from the front, charting the course, and taking responsibility at all times, and from the rear, displaying much collegiality, empathy and inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“We shall hold dear and reward the core values of hard work, meritocracy, fairness, integrity, accountability and the fear of God.

“But we shall equally demand responsible conduct, truthfulness, transparency and accountability from all stakeholders, especially our staff and students.

“We shall at all times uphold the University laws and statutes for peaceful co-existence among all members of the University community and our stakeholders.

“No one will be denied their lawful rights and privileges, but only one standard of law and order shall apply to all.

 “I therefore crave the cooperation of all to do right at all times while I look forward to leading a University of a defined social order where everyone plays his or her role to uphold our values and guard our interests, deliver selfless service and keep hazards at bay”

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Elizade University, Professor Olufemi Bamiro described the occasion as very significant not only for Elizade but for the entire academic community it serves.

Bamiro noted that the landscape of higher education is ever evolving, and it is essential that the operators remain agile, adaptable and forward thinking.

Professor Bamiro who is a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan posited that the view of universities as “organised anarchies” with multiple, ambiguous and conflicting goals is indeed the institutional complexity of universities which must be recognised as such by those involved with providing leadership in their management, most especially the Vice-Chancellor.

The Registrar of the University, Mr. Omololu Adegbenro said the search for a new Vice-Chancellor was rigorous and thorough.

He said the new Vice-Chancellor Prof. Thadius Ijadunola came out top from among 21 candidates who applied for the job.

He said Prof. Ijadunola parades impeccable records of outstanding brilliance and merits needed for transformation.

The Vice- Chancellor, Kayode Thadius Ijadunola is a Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine.

Born in 1965, he is the Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Ilesha as well as former Provost, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

A renowned Scholar and accomplished Physician, his research work and service in Nigeria gave birth to the first ever Nigerian/West African taught course in Population and Reproductive Health Training.

He has won numerous prestigious scholarships, fellowships and research grants from around the world including Johns Hopkins University, Harvard; The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation among several others.

Some of the dignitaries who attended the inauguration include,  Emeritus Prof Olu Aina, Uncle Chidi Agbapu and Dr. Kemi Albert-Udoh, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi (VC of Unimed), Charles Ukeje, Olapeju Esimai, Morenike Ukpong, Akanni Akinyemi (DVC, OAU), Segun Afolabi, Adeleke Oginni, Fadekemi Oginni, among others.

Vanguard Newspaper