The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan Caleb, and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have commended the outgoing 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, for his leadership and commitment to the institution’s development.
Their commendations came at a valedictory ceremony held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, to mark the end of Adebowale’s tenure.
Speaking as chairman of the occasion, Caleb praised the outgoing vice-chancellor for preserving the university’s heritage while strengthening its capacity to respond to emerging challenges.
He described Adebowale’s leadership as consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, he said, places emphasis on strong institutions and a knowledge-driven economy.
Caleb also said ongoing reforms in the Federal Civil Service, aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, accountability and citizen-centred service delivery, would have positive implications for the university system.
In his remarks, ASUU Chairman, University of Ibadan branch, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, represented by his deputy, Dr Tayo Ajibade, commended Adebowale for his friendly disposition towards staff welfare.
He urged the incoming 14th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Olapegba, who previously served as an ASUU executive in the university, to sustain the outgoing administration’s attention to the welfare of academic staff.
Responding, Adebowale described his tenure as a period of progress and challenges, declaring that he was handing over a strong institution, although not a perfect one.
He said his administration had pursued inclusive leadership through consultations, respect for due process, protection of university autonomy and commitment to integrity.
According to him, the university has continued to attract brilliant students and reputable scholars, while partnerships with government agencies have strengthened the relevance of its research to national development.
Adebowale, however, noted that much remained to be done, particularly in the areas of funding and infrastructure, stressing that adequate investment was essential to positioning the university as a world-class institution.
The ceremony, themed “Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service,” brought together government officials, university administrators, union leaders, religious representatives, security personnel and community stakeholders.
