Prof. Ige Assumes Office, Pledges New Beginning, Unfolds Fiscal Sustainability Plan
“I assure you all that things would start to take a new shape. As the substantive Vice Chancellor, my commitment to making Adekunle Ajasin University the cynosure of all eyes is renewed, we will administer the University within its laws and ensure that the vision and mission of the founding fathers are upheld at all times. We are going to relentlessly work towards positioning the University as the best and attract more meaningful goodwill to the institution both locally and internationally.”
These were words of Professor Olugbenga Ige on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, while speaking at a Welcome Ceremony organized by the University Community to usher him in as the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.
He appreciated the staff for their dedication to duty and for faithfully turning up at their duty posts despite obvious financial constraints. He assured them that a Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP) has been put in motion to end the paucity of funds in the Institution and that things would normalize soon.
While thanking the Visitor and Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and the Governing Council for finding him appointable to the exalted position, Prof. Ige reeled out his cardinal vision to include, improving on staff and student’s welfare, ensuring the security of members of the University Community, and fostering healthy industrial relations with all staff unions.
Others are deepening academic activities and integrity through purposeful teaching and robust research; continuous upgrading of academic support facilities and stimulating sustainable development; improving on the level of Internally Generated Revenue through relevant innovations, Alumni relations, partnerships, collaborations and internationalization. He also said advancing meaningful community relations through community service and engagements, and rebranding and promoting the image of the University towards local and global relevance would be given deserved attention.
Prof. Ige, who has occupied the position in acting capacity for the past 18 months, urged all members of staff to join hands with the new Management team in moving the Institution forward.
While acknowledging the financial challenges in the Institution, the Vice Chancellor said, “I salute all members of staff for weathering the current storm together. You have simply demonstrated your love for our dear University and your commitment to duty by doing well to attend to your duties despite obvious financial challenges. The soothing news is that there is hope in sight with the Fiscal Sustainability Plan aimed at addressing the situation while I was serving in acting capacity. Together, we hope to drive the University back to financial stability within a short time.”
Prof. Ige had earlier been welcomed with fanfare by crowd of staff and students, as well as members of several campus-based Para-military groups who danced and marched before him from the Eastern Gate to the Senate Building where the formal Welcome Ceremony was held at the Senate Chamber.
Present at the ceremony were the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Tunji Abayomi; Registrar, Mr. Gbenga Arajulu; Bursar, Mr. Tobi Orina; as well as senior University officers, including Deans of Faculty, Heads of Departments and Units and Professors. Also present were traditional and religious leaders and other guests from all walks of life.
