The Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, Prof. Samuel Oladipo, has charged newly appointed principal officers, directors and Heads of Department to prioritise service, integrity and measurable performance in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Oladipo gave the charge during the formal inauguration of the newly appointed Provost, Deputy Provost, directors and Heads of Department, describing leadership positions as opportunities for service rather than personal privilege.
He urged the new appointees to place the interests and development of the university above personal considerations and work towards surpassing the achievements of their predecessors.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, changes in leadership were necessary for institutional continuity and sustainability, as they provide opportunities for fresh ideas and energy while allowing institutions to benefit from the experience of older and more established administrators.
“This change is significant because it is not just about new offices and new titles, but about new energy, new ideas and new commitments to the institution,” Oladipo said.
He commended the outgoing office holders for their contributions and dedication to the development of the university, while urging the new appointees to build on the foundations already established.
Oladipo said the appointments came at an important period in the institution’s development and called on the new leaders to align their activities with the seven pillars of the administration’s STARWIN Agenda.
He said the agenda was designed to reposition TASFUED for improved academic performance, wider societal impact and greater relevance within the national and global higher education environment.
The Vice-Chancellor charged the appointees to strengthen teaching, learning and research in their respective departments and units, while promoting innovation and improving quality assurance.
He also urged them to contribute towards producing graduates with stronger employability and entrepreneurial capacities.
According to him, leadership at the departmental and administrative levels must increasingly embrace teamwork, innovation and evidence-based decision-making.
He further urged the appointees to remain student-centred while carrying out their responsibilities and cautioned them against acting on unverified information.
“See something, say something, but verify,” he advised, stressing the importance of confirming information before taking administrative decisions.
Oladipo also placed emphasis on integrity, professionalism and accountability, directing the newly appointed leaders to submit and present written quarterly reports detailing the activities and performance of their respective offices.
The Vice-Chancellor said appointments would be assessed on performance and warned that occupying a leadership position would not automatically guarantee continued tenure where an office holder consistently failed to meet expectations.
He encouraged the appointees to seek clarification whenever they encountered issues they did not understand.
“Know that ignorance is not an excuse. If you do not know, ask questions,” he said.
On student-related matters, Oladipo directed Heads of Department to remind final-year students that signing out was prohibited.
He also warned against compelling students to provide catering services, refreshments or tips for assessors during academic seminars and related activities.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the university expected its leaders to maintain professionalism, fairness and accountability, while respecting established institutional procedures and maintaining appropriate boundaries in the exercise of their authority.
He said the combination of experienced administrators and newly appointed officers was deliberate and aimed at ensuring continuity, preventing a gap in institutional knowledge and creating opportunities for fresh perspectives.
Oladipo therefore urged the new office holders to learn from their predecessors while introducing ideas capable of improving the university.
Also speaking at the inauguration, the University Bursar, Mr Kabir Ogunneye, stressed the importance of effective budgeting, financial planning and accountability as the institution prepares for the 2027 financial year.
Ogunneye urged the newly appointed leaders to take active responsibility for the preparation of their departmental and unit budgets rather than leaving the process entirely to administrative or accounting officers.
He advised them to work with relevant stakeholders within their departments, units and colleges, as well as designated account officers, to ensure that proposed budgets accurately reflected operational needs and institutional priorities.
The Bursar disclosed that the university was working towards a five-year budget projection, making long-term planning necessary across the institution.
He also said a procurement plan would be circulated to departments and units to familiarise them with procurement procedures applicable to federal institutions.
Ogunneye cautioned the newly appointed officers against making expenditure requests outside approved budget provisions.
“Whatever is not stated in the budget cannot be requested,” he said, stressing that financial decisions must be guided by approved plans and established regulations.
He called for transparency and proper documentation throughout the budgeting and expenditure process, urging the new office holders to ensure that financial decisions remained accountable and consistent with institutional rules.
The inauguration marks a new phase of leadership across TASFUED’s academic and administrative divisions, with the university management expecting the new appointees to combine institutional experience, innovation and effective management in advancing the institution’s objectives.
The Vice-Chancellor maintained that the success of the new leadership team would ultimately be measured by its contribution to improved academic standards, efficient administration, student development and the broader growth of the university.
