— Calls For Unity, Collective Advancement Of The University
The Federal University Oye Ekiti, has inaugurated professor Joshua Ogunwole as the new substantive Vice Chancellor of the university.
The auspicious event which took place at the main campus of the university on Wednesday, 11th, February saw the new Vice Chancellor inspecting the guards of honour as part of activities earmarked for his inauguration as the 5th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.
While declaring the event opened, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, of the university, Senator Victor Ndoma- Egba, ably represented by Hajiya Nafisa Nahuche congratulated the newly appointed Vice Chancellor, professor Joshua Ogunwole on behalf of the Governing Council, Staff, Students and the entire University community.
The Senator noted that the occasion marked not only a transition in leadership, buy also, an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to the future that must be collectively built. He charged further that, as a university, there is need to respond to the demands of a rapidly changing world by providing not only educated individuals but adaptive, innovative and globally competent citizens.
The Pro Chancellor affirmed that for this to be achieved, there is need to uphold excellence in teaching, research and community service while supporting the Staff, and students to realize their full potentials.
Senator Ndoma noted that the new Vice Chancellor’s appointment marked a new chapter in Federal University Oye Ekiti and the Governing Council is confident in his vision, wisdom, and capacity to lead the institution to greater heights.
While delivering his acceptance speech, the new Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye Ekiti, Professor Joshua Ogunwole called on the leadership of the Staff Union and the Student Union Government to be on the same page with him by building a relationship of mutual respect, constructive engagement and shared commitment to the advancement of the university.
Ogunwole stressed that he counted it a great privilege and honour given by God, the Country, Nigeria and the Governing Council of the University to stand before the esteemed assembly to be inaugurated as the 5th substantive Vice Chancellor succeeding Professor Abayomi Fasina, whom he described as a dogged administrator and transformative leader.
Ogunwole pointed out the remarkable progress the institution has made since its establishment in 2011 in accordance with the founders’ vision of excellence in entrepreneurial education, the integration of technology and impactful research, noting that a critical dìmensiion of this vision remains to be fully realised.
He affirmed that today, FUOYE stands as a nationally and regionally recognised institution, strategically positioned to evolve into a world-class research university. The Vice Chancellor vowed to tackle the problems of gangsterism and other related violence that can dent the image or distract the laid down vision of the school in pursuit of excellence and strong character building.
“In recent years, FUOYE has filtered and is filtering in the public space with troubling regularity, not for groundbreaking discoveries, not for scholarly excellence or scientific innovation, but for issues that strike at the very heart of the university.
“Reports of declining civility, erosion of decorum, manifestation of impunity and conduct unbecoming of scholarly communities are growing. This has drawn attention away from our legitimate achievements and undermined public confidence in the institution.
“Disturbingly, behaviors inconsistent with the values of academia, ranging from confrontational posturing and verbal aggression to open disregard for constituted authority have at times found expression within our governance forces.
“In some instances, individuals and occasionally groups operating under institutional platforms have engaged in actions that weaken discipline, order and respect for due process.
“Let me state clearly and unequivocally, such conduct will no longer be tolerated. Our collective conducts, particularly across social media and other public communication platforms, at times brought the university into disrepute.
“Achievements that ought to have earned FUOYE national and international recognition have instead been overshadowed by narratives of controversy, resulting in profound institutional embarrassments. Consequently our credibility in the cause of national and global opinion has suffered more than we may really acknowledge.
“Leadership therefore must rise decisively to confront this culture of fear and consistent enforcement of institutional rules and ethical standards is imperative not as an act of repression but as a necessary step towards restoring trust strengthening governance structures and rescuing from further erosion as custodian of a public trust we hold”. He said.
He said having formally assumed the responsibility of leadership, he is committed to serving through innovation and by charting a deliberate course towards world class status for FUOYE, anchored on character, commitment, competence, courage, charisma, compassion, communication and a strong sense of fairness, supported by robust policies that will propel the University to a greàter heights.
The occasion was graced by prominent personalities and notable people across the Country, among whom were, His Imperial Majesty, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Oladunni, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti State, Bishop Felix Ajakaye, former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadam, Professor Idowu Olayinka, many traditional Rulers, Vice Chancellors from various Universities across the country, representatives of top government officials and others invited dignitaries.
