Head of Service, ASUU hail outgoing UI VC

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan, has commended the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof Kayode Adebowale, for preserving “UI’s proud heritage while building a resilient and responsive institution equipped to meet emerging challenges.”

He spoke as chairman of the valedictory ceremony held on Saturday at the Trenchard Hall of the institution to mark the successful completion of Adebowale’s tenure as the university’s 13th vice-chancellor.

The ceremony, themed “Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service”, brought together stakeholders from the town and gown, union leaders, religious organisations, security agencies and community leaders, among others.

In his speech, Enitan said Adebowale’s “leadership aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which positions Nigeria for greatness through strong institutions and a knowledge-driven economy”.

He said, “The Federal Civil Service is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred.

“In appreciation of the foregoing and in the wider context of ensuring effective implementation of government policies to improve the living conditions of Nigerians, the FCS is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred in tandem with Mr President’s reform agenda.

“This will be pursued more vigorously under my watch as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and rest assured, the university system will be greatly impacted by the positive outcomes of this commendable disposition.”

In his valedictory speech, Adebowale said, “Any organisation that does not care for its people cannot fulfil its mission,” adding that his administration was leaving behind a strong, though imperfect, institution.

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He said there was still much to be done at the university, stressing that funding remained crucial to building a world-class institution with excellent infrastructure.

“Leadership is a burden. Every decision carries the weight of lives and destinies. I have led by listening to the community and through consultations. I have insisted on due process, defended autonomy, and governed with integrity.

“UI continues to attract the brightest students and scholars of repute. We have ensured that our research serves the needs of the country through partnerships with government agencies,” he said.

Adebowale was announced as the 13th UI VC, on October 14, 2021, and he officially assumed office on November 1, 2021, while the 14th UI VC, Prof Peter Olapegba’s tenure officially starts today, Sunday, November 1, 2026. In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, represented by his Vice-Chairman, Dr Tayo Ajibade, said Adebowale had demonstrated a friendly disposition towards the welfare of union members.

Afolabi urged the incoming 14th Vice-Chancellor, Prof Peter Olapegba, a former ASUU executive member at the university, to prioritise the welfare of staff.