Former Governor of Osun State and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan, His Excellency, Chief Adebisi Akande, CFR, has praised the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Kayode Adebowale, describing his five-year tenure as a legacy of service while expressing optimism that the university would sustain peace, stability and institutional progress under its new leadership.
Akande made the remarks during the valedictory service organised in honour of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, where he joined members of the university community, government representatives, institutional leaders, unions and other distinguished guests to celebrate Adebowale’s completion of his tenure and welcome the university’s new Vice-Chancellor.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor expressed appreciation for the gathering, acknowledging the presence of various representatives and groups whose participation, according to him, reflected the significance of the occasion and the relationships built during Adebowale’s administration.
Opening his remarks in his characteristic humorous manner, Akande observed that he was perhaps the most sluggish person at the gathering because of the affectionate way people addressed him as ‘Baba’.
“Everyone calls me Baba, Baba and Baba. I am the most sluggish here because everyone keeps calling me Baba,” he said, drawing attention to the warm atmosphere surrounding the celebration.
He subsequently wished those present continued longevity, good health and happiness, expressing the hope that they would all live to enjoy old age in peace and fulfilment.
“Thank you all. May you all grow to old age in good health and happiness,” Akande said.
The former Osun State governor explained that the occasion was significant not only because it marked the end of Adebowale’s administration but also because it provided an opportunity to recognise the incoming Vice-Chancellor and the responsibility of sustaining the university’s institutional values and achievements.
“We are here to celebrate Professor Adebowale, the yesterday Vice-Chancellor, and also to celebrate the new Vice-Chancellor,” he stated.
Akande’s remarks highlighted the importance of institutional continuity, particularly in a university with the historical standing and academic reputation of the University of Ibadan. He noted that the occasion brought together individuals and representatives from different sectors of the university system, including members of the Governing Council, government ministries, unions and other institutional stakeholders.
He specifically acknowledged the presence of representatives of the university’s governing structures, ministries and organised labour, noting that their attendance demonstrated the collective interest in the institution’s leadership transition.
“I can see representatives of the Council, representatives of ministries, unions and all. The way I see you all, I know you love him,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor’s observation was particularly significant against the backdrop of the controversies and disagreements that reportedly characterised aspects of the university’s leadership transition, including the acrimonious atmosphere surrounding Adebowale’s inauguration as Vice-Chancellor.
Despite the disagreements that had accompanied the process, Akande interpreted the gathering as an indication that the outgoing Vice-Chancellor retained goodwill and appreciation among members of the university community.
He suggested that the presence of the different groups at the valedictory ceremony demonstrated that, beyond institutional disagreements and administrative controversies, there remained an opportunity for reconciliation, mutual understanding and appreciation of service.
His comments also reinforced the importance of separating disagreements surrounding leadership processes from the broader responsibility of protecting the unity and reputation of the university.
Addressing the incoming administration, Akande expressed the hope that the University of Ibadan would continue to experience peace throughout the new Vice-Chancellor’s tenure.
“May the University of Ibadan continue to have peace during your reign,” he declared.
The statement reflected the importance of peace and stability in university administration, particularly within an institution where the activities of management, academic staff, non-academic workers, students, unions and governing authorities must operate within a shared institutional framework.
For Akande, the peaceful management of the university remains essential to preserving its academic standards, strengthening institutional relationships and ensuring that disagreements do not undermine the broader objectives of higher education.
He further described Adebowale’s five years in office as a period that had become part of the university’s institutional history, stressing that the outgoing Vice-Chancellor’s administration would be remembered as a legacy.
“The five years of Professor Adebowale have now become a legacy,” Akande said.
The Pro-Chancellor’s description of the tenure as a legacy underscored the enduring significance of leadership in higher education, where the impact of an administration extends beyond the period spent in office to include the institutional foundations, policies, relationships and achievements left behind.
He also offered words of encouragement to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, expressing the hope that his future endeavours would remain peaceful, progressive and fulfilling.
“May your path continue to be straight, peaceful and comfortable,” he added.
Akande subsequently joined other dignitaries and members of the university community in congratulating Adebowale on the successful completion of his five-year tenure, recognising the significance of the milestone and the responsibilities associated with leading one of Nigeria’s foremost universities.
The valedictory service provided an opportunity for the university community to reflect on the outgoing administration while looking towards the future under new leadership. It also highlighted the importance of institutional stability, collaboration and the preservation of the University of Ibadan’s reputation as a leading centre of academic excellence.
For an institution whose history and national standing have made it a major reference point in Nigeria’s higher education system, the transition from one Vice-Chancellor to another carries responsibilities that extend beyond the occupation of an administrative office.
The Pro-Chancellor’s message therefore placed considerable emphasis on peace, continuity and the need for members of the university community to work together irrespective of previous disagreements.
As the university begins another chapter under its new Vice-Chancellor, Akande’s remarks serve as a reminder that the strength of an academic institution is not determined solely by the individuals who occupy its highest offices, but also by the collective commitment of its governing structures, management, staff, students and other members of its community.
His congratulatory message to Adebowale and his goodwill towards the incoming administration ultimately centred on a shared expectation: that the University of Ibadan would continue to uphold its institutional values, maintain a peaceful academic environment and strengthen its position in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
