Unilag VC receives Afrikanwatch man of the year award

By Faizat Adeboye

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, has been named the Afrikanwatch Vice-Chancellor and Man of the Year 2021.

The honour was bestowed on him, Saturday, August 21, 2021, at the African Gold Merit Awards and Annual Lecture organised by an international online investigative news outfit, Afrikanwatch Network Communications, at the College Hall of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

According to the organisers, the determination of Professor Ogundipe to sustain the university’s pride, refusal to bow to unethical practices and pressure, his promotion of research, entrepreneurship and creativity among staff and students of the University of Lagos, and his demonstrated determination to surpass the feats of his predecessors in office were factors that were considered in his nomination for the award.

The Vice-Chancellor, who also doubled as Chairman of the day’s event, expressed delight at being honoured with the award.

He said; “It is a good thing to be recognised and honoured.”

After reeling out his numerous achievements being in the saddle at the University of Lagos, he charged everyone to be positive-minded about Nigeria.

“There is no perfect country in the world, as every country has its ugly side. However, some countries have chosen to see and celebrate the good things about them and this makes it easier for them to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), compared to Nigeria that is constantly being maligned by her own citizens.”

He urged everyone to see the good in the country and to be ready to take active parts in processes that will lead to its economic and political development.

Professor Solomon Akinboye of the Department of Political Science, was the Guest Lecturer at the event. His lecture was titled, “The Kind of Leaders Nigeria Needs.” He was also honoured as the Afrikanwatch National Grand Mentor.

Some other notable awardees of the day include: Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Governor of Ondo State, Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, Chairman of the Governing Council, Yaba College of Technology, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, Chairman of the Governing Council, Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, and former Special Adviser to the President on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati.