“A life worth living is a life of sacrifice,” says UI DVC, Olapegba

Oru Leonard 

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba has said that a life worth living is a life of sacrifice reminding all of the need to be ready and willing to serve. “The only concept of leadership is servanthood. To lead is to serve”, he said.

Prof. Olapegba spoke at a luncheon organised by the Management of the University to appreciate the immediate past Provost of the College of Medicine; Deans of Faculties, and Directors of programmes whose tenures expired on 31 July 2024.

Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba, who stood in for the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS thanked the outgoing officers profusely for accepting to serve meritoriously as Provost, Deans and Directors as the case may be.

Prof. Olapegba thanked those who have completed their tenure for a job well done in sustaining the legacy of excellence for which the University of Ibadan is known.

He acknowledged that this is not the best of times to serve in public universities in Nigeria because of the funding challenge.

The DVC noted that serving officers need to run from pillar to post, cap in hand, sourcing for funds to fill the funding gap to run their units successfully.

He also thanked them for their unrelenting efforts to serve meritoriously.

He said, “ You sacrificed your time, energy, resources, and often had long absence from your families in your efforts to run your units, for this the University is eternally grateful”.

He reminded them that the reward for hard work is more work, alerting them to be prepared for more assignments that the University may give to them.

He thereafter called on those who had accepted to serve to brace up for the task ahead and hit the ground running as time waits for no one.

Professor Olapegba assured them of the support of the university under the watch of the VC but within the limited resources that may be available from time to time.

He therefore encouraged them to look in the direction of the alumni of their various units, departments, and faculties that are spread all over the world.

According to the DVC, “therein lies the gold mine to sustain the system”.

He cited various interventions from the alumni of the University in the recent past. “Alumni out there have the resources and are willing to give back”, he affirmed.

The Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu explained that the luncheon is an important tradition of the University of Ibadan to appreciate those who kept the system running.

The Registrar praised the doggedness of the outgoing officers and their efforts in keeping their various units running despite the challenges faced.

He noted that there is no amount of appreciation that will be commensurate to the quantum of sacrifices made and the challenges faced in office.

Mr Saliu thanked them for their roles in Council, Senate, Congregation, and Convocation saying “UI remains UI because you all have been playing your roles to keep the flag flying”.

He also used the opportunity to welcome the new Provost, College of Medicine, Deans of Faculties, and Directors of Programmes, wishing them a successful tenure.

The officers whose tenure ended on 31 July 2024 included:

Provost:
● Professor Olayinka O. Omigbodun, FAS, College of Medicine

Deans:
● Prof. T.O Ogundiran, Faculty of Clinical Sciences
● Professor Simisola O. Akintola, Faculty of Law
● Professor E. E. Nwokocha, Faculty of the Social Sciences
● Professor G. R. E. E. Ana, Faculty of Public Health
Directors:
● Dr. Seunfunmi M. Olutayo, Institute of African Studies
● Professor V.O. Okoruwa, Director of Academic Planning and
● Dr. S.O. Adesogan, Director of Physical Planning and Project Development.
● Professor Ayotola O. Aremu’s tenure in the Office of International Programmes expired in 2022.

The incoming Provost, Deans and Directors are:
●Professor T. O. Ogundiran, Provost, College of Medicine
●Professor T. A. Lawal, Faculty of Clinical Sciences
●Professor B.O. Ehigie, Faculty of The Social Sciences
●Professor J. O. A. Akintayo, Faculty of Law
●Professor M.D. Dairo, Faculty of Public Health
● Professor Prisca O. Adejumo Faculty of Nursing
● Professor Sola Olorunyomi, Director of Institute of African Studies.
● Professor A. E. Ayodele, Director of Academic Planning
● Professor B.I. O. Dahunsi, Director of Physical Planning and Project Development.