No less than ten prominent professors are in the race to take over from the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the First Technical University, Ibadan, Professor Ayobami Salami, whose tenure will end on May 8, 2022.
They are Professors Abubakre Oladiran Kamardeen, Adebiyi Kazeem Adekunle, Ajayi Sunday Adesola, Akinyemi Olukayode Dewunmi, Amu Olugbenga Oludolapo, Jekayinfa Simeon Olatayo and Ogunkunle Adepoju Tunde J.
Others are Professors Oguntunde Philip Gbenro, Oladipo Samuel Ekundayo and Oni Olatunde Michael.
The process for the appointment of the new VC has reached the peak, according to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Akeem Lasisi.
He said that Visitor to the University, Engr SeyiMakinde; the Council, Senate, Management, staff and students are hoping for the emergence of another capable hand to take over from Salami, and propel Tech-U beyond the acclaimed heights he has taken it to.
Meanwhile, all is now set for the maiden convocation of the university, holding on March 5, 2022.
While foremost scholar and administrator, Emeritus Professor Julius Okojie, will deliver the Convocation Lecture, five accomplished Nigerians – Chief Tunde J. Afolabi MFR, Chief Adebayo Akande, Chief Ammal Pepple, Professor Toyin Falola and Mr Segun Agbaje, who is the Managing Director of GTBank – will be awarded honorary doctoral degrees.
“Who among those names that are being touted as likely presidential aspirants of both the APC and PDP has really empowered people by making numerous names in government, the federal and states’ executive councils, as well the national and states’ assemblies? None, apart from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the visionary, human resources’ developer and the rave of the moment. We don’t need to deceive ourselves any longer,” the group said.
Meanwhile, the Coalition has announced that the annual Obafemi Awolowo Foundation lecture, themed, ‘ Value for Africa’s Development’ will hold on March 6, 2022.
The lecture, according to the statement, will be delivered by Professor Adedapo Asaju, while former President of Ghana, John Mahama, will be the chairman of th occasion. Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) (GCFR) is the special guest of honour.
The group also urged Nigerians to watch out for an interesting musical package by Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba (Grand Council of Yoruba Youths), which would be posted on social media in honor of Tinubu, to mark his 70th birthday on March 29, 2022.
It also prayed that the reign of the new Olubadan , Dr. Lekan Balogun, will be peaceful and attract tremendous progress to Ibadan land as he is crowned on March 11, 2022.