OAU leads in contribution to national development —VC Ogunbodede
…60 alumni awarded to celebrate university’s 60th anniversary
By Abimbola Abatta and Olayemi Oladipupo
The Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof. Eyitayo Ogunbodede has said the institution has immensely contributed to development not only in Nigeria but also internationally.
Prof. Ogunbodede said this on Saturday while delivering a speech at the formal launching of Great Ife Advancement Foundation and Conferment of Awards on Distinguished Alumni in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Obafemi Awolowo University.
The VC noted that the University has achieved rapid growth and development particularly in the areas of academic programmes, research, infra-structural development and human resources.
He also said the university has made significant advances in researches resulting in national and global success.
He noted that the university has produced the first African laureate and Nigeria’s only Nobel prize winner, Professor wole Soyinka who is an Emeritus Professor in the university and six Nigerian National Merit awards winners among others.
In his words, “The guiding philosophy of the University set by its founders emphasised the Omoluabi (moral integrity) principle which entails hard work, integrity, public spiritedness, and an honour code OAU, also referred to as “Great Ife, has in its 60 years of existence lived up to this expectation.
“The University strives to ensure that our graduates meet not only the employment requirements of the nation and the world at large, but also the challenges of principles higher than mere self-interest and self-fulfillment in a rapidly changing technological world.
“The University has achieved rapid growth and development, particularly in the areas of Academic programmes. Research, Infra-structural Development and human resources development.
“The University which started with 244 students, 64 academic members of staff and 15 Senior Administrative and Technical staff in five Faculties, now has over 35,000 students and more than 4,000 members of staff. The University currently has two Colleges, 13 Faculties and 94 Academic programmes. There are also Institutes and Centres.”
Speaking on the activities outlined for the sixtieth anniversary celebration, the VC said, “The Diamond Jubilee, which commenced on Sunday, 6th June will climax with the Convocation Ceremonies slated for December 8 to 11, 2021.
“Specific College, Faculty and Departmental activities are on-going where the major achievements, particularly in research and Innovations are exhibited. Special programmes including Pax Briefings, Anniversary Lecture, Carnivals Fun Fair and other activities are also being organised to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee.”
He further added that “The Obafemi Awolowo University has, to a large extent, been able to fulfil its mandate via her core values of excellence, efficiency, integrity, hard work and transparency.
“However, the University will continue to dedicate. itself to the promotion of learning and culture, through her mission of promoting by research and other means, the advancement of knowledge and its practical application to social, cultural, economic, scientific, and technological problems, creating a conducive teaching and learning environment for imparting skills. knowledge, behaviour and attitude: advancing and protecting the independence of the academic enterprise: engendering a sense of selfless public service and promoting African cultures and traditions.
“OAU will continue to give priority to harnessing and adapting modern technologies in the implementation of its objectives and also placing great emphasis on keeping pace with modern technological developments.
“In this respect, the Obafemi Awolowo University has the best-developed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) system in the country, with its own VSAT access to the internet and a very efficient intranet. Our Law, Medical and Engineering programmes stand out as the best in the country.
“OAU, as a first generation university in Nigeria, has no doubt contributed immensely to the provision of quality education, advancement of research and overall national and international development.
“The Research accomplishments and the global positioning of our Alumni, have continued to serve as veritable confirmation of the eminent placement of OAU as a leading university.
“The University would continue to strive for excellence keeping faith with its core mandate, mission and strategic objectives,” he added.
Meanwhile, some of the awardees include HRM Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, Mr. Bode Adediji, Erelu (Dr.) Bisi Adele-fayemi, Chief Julius Adelusi-adeluyi, Mr. Segun Adeniyi, Chief Femi Adesina, Prof Dapo Afolabi, Arc (Sir) Dipo Ajayi, Professor Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN, Chief (Senator) Michael Ifeanyi Nnanye Ajegbo, Mr.Akibu Ajilesoro, Gov. Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN), Dr. Akintoye Akindele, Sir Demola Aladekomo JP, Mr. Olakunle Alake, Dr. Abu Humphrey Alasa, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali (San), Olufemi Peter Atoyebi, SAN, Justice Amina Adamu Augie, Con, Mr. Ade Ayeyemi, Dr. Oluyemi Badero, Mr. Bola Bolawole, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Ambassador (Dr.) Adeyemi Dipeolu, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti FCA, Mrs. Yemisi Edun, Engineer Chijioke A. Eke, Dr. Emmanuel E. Ekwuem, Mr. Adeolu Esho, Barrister George Etomi, Chief (Dr.) Dele Fajemirokun, Mr. Femi Falana SAN, General Lucky Eluonye Irabor,
Engineer Aliu Adisa Abdulkabir, Hrm Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, CFR, and Senator (Dr.) Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora.
Others are Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Alhaji Lai Raufu Mohammed, Chief Dele Momodu, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Mr. Anthony Akindele Ogunranti, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, Mazi Samuel Iheanyichukwu Ohuabunwa, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Mr. Ayo Ojuroye, Hon. Oluwole Busayo Oke, Chief (Dr.) Eddy Olafeso, Mr. Wole Olaoye, Segun Olugboyegun, Sen. Babajide Omoworare, Mr. Obafemi Oluwole Onasile, Ms. Funke Opeke, Justice Onyekachi Otisi, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode MFR, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Chief Mike A. A. Ozekhome (San), Senator (Dr.) Oluremi Tinubu, OON; Mr. Karl Olukotun Toriola, and Alhaji Niyi Yusuf.
