Professor Isaac Adewole is a well-respected academic, in his University of Ibadan community and in Nigeria. No wonder the celebration of his 60th birthday on May 5 witnessed the influx of very important personalities from all walks of life, who came to shower encomiums and give testimonies of his unbeatable performances.
Prof Adewole has raised the standard of education in UI through his professional qualifications and leadership dexterity. One of the targets he has always pursued with vigour and vitality is making the Premier University a world-class institution.
When he came, the university began to witness a number of unparallel achievements. In fact, UI has become an Eldorado, a peace haven and a utopia of sort. The institution remains a leading light among its peers. This is evident of his progressive leadership in UI. He is a brilliant administrator and an astute performer, who changed the face of the university.
I salute the exceptional display of humility and unwavering commitment to the service of humanity. After resuming as the VC, the glory of UI has continued to soar and the school has recorded unprecedented development and countless achievements.
Prof Adewole’s business acumen led to the establishment of UI Microfinance Bank and production of products, such as table water, bread, honey, fish and food. The creation of a fire service unit is noble and laudable. With infrastructural upgrade, the university looks appealing to investors. The UI Fish Farm, for example, has attracted national and international delegates, who have shown interest in investing in the business. The Zoological Garden and Teaching and Research Farm have also been revamped to wear modern looks.
Adewole’s relentless effort in attaining new heights in academic excellence is beyond description. For the first time in the history of the university, all first-class graduates were offered postgraduate scholarship. That, in my view, was intended to encourage young academics to stay and to attract the best brains into the system. For the first time, the UI is offering 24 hours library services, while lecturers’ assessment has invigorated academic values for which the institution is known.
The beautiful edifice and scenery put in place for the effective take-off of the UI Business School is fabulous and the uncommon vision of the Adewole’s administration promotes partnership with international institutions on exchange programmes and encourages practical teachings and researches. Most impressive is the partnership with Dana Motors to build Automobile Academy in UI, Pan Africa University, University of West of England in Bristol, United Kingdom.
It is notable that in his administration, payment of staff salaries and other allowances are regular. No wonder, the staff team has continued to be more committed to their services. In keeping with the saying that, ‘health is wealth’, Prof Adewole facilitated regular medical check-up for all staff. This is, indeed, meritorious. He initiated leadership symposia for students’ leaders, with a view to instilling leadership culture in them.
His vision to construct staff quarters aimed at assisting members of staff own apartments through instalmental payment is gradually becoming a reality.
Adewole’s recent appointment as a council member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), which is the world’ first and oldest international university network, attests to his rare leadership style and strategy. I am proud to say that he is the only Nigerian and, indeed, West African Vice Chancellor appointed into the council. Perhaps, the most commendable of his achievements, to me, is the involvement of students in his administration.
It is noteworthy that the VC restored Students’ Union after many years of proscription. His administration has, since inception, engaged students in decision making, project implementation and development plans. He believes so much in students’ sense of dialogue and constructive contributions to the affairs of the university.
In all, Prof Adewole deserves special appreciation and commendation from the students for his commitment to their welfare. As he basks in the celebration of his 60th birthday, our prayer is that God should grant him more wisdom to lead and direct the affairs of the university to a stage where we would all be proud of. Long live Prof Adewole.
Ayokanmi, 400-Level Law, UI
