Immediate-past Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe,  has said that  the university enjoyed unprecedented industrial harmony despite the series of strikes that rocked the nation’s university system between 2017 when he assumed office and 2022.

He spoke at a  press briefing to mark the end of his tenure last week on campus.

Ogundipe assumed office in November 2017 as the 12th substantive vice chancellor of the institution.

He said: “Despite the series of strikes that affected the  Nigeria university system between 2017 and now, at UNILAG we  never had any dispute with our internal unions. We  enjoyed unprecedented industrial harmony.”

He said UNILAG had  recorded significant progress in all ramifications.

“Today, the University of Lagos has grown in leaps and bounds, management under my watch transcending the threshold we set for ourselves as excellence. Our results speak for us such that even in the eye of the storm, we kept our peace and so our focus did not shift. We pushed through and today, I can confidently say I am leaving UNILAG a happy man,” he said.

He explained that in the last five years, the university improved in global rankings.

His words:  “The University of Lagos never made the Times Higher Education World Universities ranking. In 2019, UNILAG made its first appearance and was within the 801–1000 range. By 2020, there was a quantum leap to the higher band of 601–800. We progressed to 501–600 in 2021 and this year, 2022, UNILAG did not only emerge first in Nigeria but also ascended to the 401–500 range in 2022, leaving behind some renowned universities even in the United Kingdom.

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The 401-500 band places us in the top 25% of universities ranked. I know from this win that we are buoyed up, not relenting in hard work and dedication as the aim is to be ranked among the top 10 universities across the globe.”

According to the ex-VC, under his watch, UNILAG staff attracted local and international research grants of N19 billion to strengthen the university’s  top-class research mission.

“Our students during the period also won various national and international competitions, proving to the world that the conducive environment created in UNILAG supports them to reach their full potentials,” he added.

On infrastructure, Ogundipe said the university experienced  massive turnaround in the last five years.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi,Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of the Trinity House Church, were among dignitaries who hailed Ogundipe for his efforts in turning around the fortunes of the institution.

This was done  at the launch of a book  written by Ogundipe. It is entitled: “The captain, steering the ship above murky waters”

Sanwo-Olu described  Ogundipe as an astute administrator who has made UNILAG the envy of Nigeria and the world. He praised him for rising above the crisis that engulfed the institution when the Wale Babalakin-led Governing Council ousted him over alleged financial misappropriation.

Oba Ogunwusi, while unveiling the book, described the honoree as a great fighter who stood for truth and integrity.

“You have made us proud.   Keep that networking strategy  of yours, you are still needed in this country,” he said.

Pastor Ighodalo said Ogundipe was a honest and transparent man, adding that accusations of financial misappropriation levelled against him by the Babalakin-led council were preemptive.

Ogunsola said the book exemplified the crisis of the time and  the resilience displayed by Ogundipe.

”He is a kind person, he is always working to put UNILAG at a higher level. Nigeria has not seen the best of him,” she added.

Special Education consultant to the United Nations Children’s Fund and book reviewer, Prof. Kola Kazeem said: “ This book is an account of his  five-year stewardship in the institution. It is a 210-page book authored by Ogundipe.

The tributes in the book represent a report card on his achievements.

Ogundipe thanked the UNILAG management team,the alumni of the school and others  for their support.

He solicited the cooperation, support and prayers of staff and students for his successor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, who  assumed office on Monday as the 13th substantive vice chancellor of the institution.