AN ICON: HISTORY WILL FOREVER BE KIND TO PROFESSOR IGBEKELE AJIBEFUN – A VICE CHANCELLOR LIKE NO OTHER

On January 6, 2015, you assumed office as the 5th Vice Chancellor of one of the most prestigious and award winning 21st Century institution, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State and I recall vividly that one of your first official duty was the swearing in of Comrade Ogunade Adebola Oluwakayode led AAUA Students’ Union executives on January 8, 2015.   

Since then, it has been from one giant stride to another, and Adekunle Ajasin University has grown from being just a popular University in Nigeria to a world renowned institution of learning. 

The various great feats since recorded is as a result of your administrative prowess, strength to overcome mountains and your intelligence to see beyond the present situation.     

I also recall that Professor Ajibefun Igbekele, in his inaugural speech did promise to make both the staff and students happy. Almost five years to that day now, that promise has been kept faithfully.

The promised has not only been kept, it has also been demonstrated significantly on the various facets of the university. This explains why AAUA emerged best in webometric ranking, recent award of the Best State University in Nigeria among others.

The score card is very clear: Professor Ajibefun has taken our university to the next level - A level we thought is still far away.

Sir, your regime prioritises staff welfare so well that despite the fact that you met a backlog of unpaid salaries, you cleared all debts and not only that, regularised all emoluments - Your resolve to make workers happy, is legendry!

Under your watch, our university’s research endeavour attracted global attention.

What else do I say about the infrastructures that came into existence under your watch - Is it the faculty buildings, befitting lecture theatres, new faculty of Environmental Management and building design, digitalisation of bursary and electronic senate? The list just goes on.

Sir, with your unprecedented contribution to the overall development of AAUA, history will forever be kind to you for making our institution a place of beauty and a destination of learning.

Written and complied by Ogunade Adebola Oluwakayode P.K.A K.DIVINE, 0803 925 0515, kdivinewemmy11@gmail.com