Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has commended the immediate past vice-chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Michael Faborode, for his ingenuity in attracting good structures to the institution, enhancing development and for maintaining cordial relationship between it and the host community.
Oba Sijuwade gave this commendation at a civic reception organised for Professor Faborode and his successor, Professor Bamitale Omole, by Ife Development Board (IDB) held at his palace on Friday evening.
He, however, urged the new vice-chancellor to build on what his predecessor has done, just as he prayed for their success wherever they found themselves.
He maintained that the “town and gown“committee established by Faborode had contributed immensely to maintaining good relationship between the university and the community.
Earlier in his welcome address, the president of IDB, Chief Olajide Elugbaju, congratulated the new vice-chancellor, just as he commended his predecessor for his achievements, which he said included provision of physical structures and attainment of peace among students and staff.
Chief Elugbaju, however, expressed the displeasure of Ife indigenes over position allocation in the institution, maintaining that sons and daughters of the town were not included in top management positions in the university.
“I seize the opportunity of this occasion to once again, give vent to the feelings of the people of Ile-Ife and its environs on the unimpressive impact of the Obafemi Awolowo University on Ile-Ife, the host community.
“Ile-Ife is poorly represented in the academic cadre of Obafemi Awolowo University. What is the university doing about it to redress the situation?” he queried.
While responding, Professor Omole commended the Ooni for his encouragement to those who had been in charge of the university, just as he promised to look into the request of Ile-Ife people to have their children in important positions in the administration of the institution.
He, nevertheless, urged the people of the town to encourage their children to develop interest in the academics and not only in business.
He added that there were a lot of Ile-Ife indigenes who were professors in the institution, just as he promised to continue to give support to the town and gown committee.
While also responding Professor Faborode commended the people of Ile-Ife for their hospitality and applauded “the fatherly role” the Ooni had been playing in the advancement of the cause of the university.
He also expressed his delight over the award given to him and his successor.
Guest at the event were later entertained by upopular musician, Jimi Sholanke.
In attendance were traditional rulers in the state, including the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Adedokun Adedoyin; Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adeniran; Obalufe of Ife, Oba Solomon Omikan; Olowa of Owa, Oba Tajudeen Adebowale; Olumoro of Moro, Oba Ezekiel Oyeniyi; and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.
There were also members of the management of the university, among others
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