The Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Ibadan, Professor Damola Lewis, has defended the valedictory celebrations organised for outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, recalling a protest during which he said Adebowale was pelted with stones and injured.
Speaking at the valedictory ceremony, Lewis described the occasion as an opportunity to recognise Adebowale’s service and the difficulties he had faced during his leadership journey.
“We are here to celebrate the transition from the pelting of stones in 2020 to the triumphal entry that we will witness today, with a wall of deans and directors,” he said.
Lewis contrasted the hostility of the incident with the reception organised for Adebowale at the end of his five-year tenure as the university’s 13th Vice-Chancellor.
Responding to concerns about the series of farewell activities, the dean said Adebowale’s experiences provided sufficient reason for the university community to celebrate him.
“Some people mentioned on some platforms, ‘Why the celebration? Why do we have this back-to-back?’ And I am saying, why not?” he asked.
Recounting the protest, Lewis said he witnessed the incident at the university’s NISAPAK area.
“We were there at NISAPAK when, on that day, he came out and there was some protest, and there were people pelting stones at him,” he said.
According to the dean, Adebowale sustained a wound during the confrontation over circumstances for which he should not have been personally blamed.
“And he suffered a wound right here, just for reasons that were not his,” Lewis stated.
He attributed the hostility partly to a lack of understanding of the issues involved.
“Because people did not understand how things were going or because people were ill-informed,” he added.
Lewis said the experience formed part of the background against which Adebowale’s service should be appreciated.
The dean also acknowledged the university’s governing council, principal officers, staff, former administrators and students, as well as Vice-Chancellor-designate, Professor Peter O. Olapegba.
He paid tribute to his predecessors in the Dean’s office and invited the gathering to recognise their contributions to the institution.
Lewis also praised UI students, describing them as outstanding representatives of the university and recognising their place in its achievements.
The ceremony brought together members of the university community and invited guests to honour Adebowale’s stewardship as the institution prepared for a leadership transition.
