EKSU VC Commends the Appointment of a Result-Oriented Chancellor, Olowolafe- Thumbs Him as “Best Chancellor Ever”.

EKSU VC Commends the Appointment of a Result-Oriented Chancellor, Olowolafe- Thumbs Him as “Best Chancellor Ever”.

By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Joseph Babatola Ayodele has commended the Governor of Ekiti State and Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji on his choice of appointment of Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as the institution’s Chancellor in 2023.

This assertion came just as the Vice Chancellor reassured the university staff union members of his commitment to their welfare.

He described Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as the "best in the university’s history".

Prof. Ayodele gave the commendation during the foundation laying ceremony of the secretariat of the EKSU chapter of National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) on the campus.

He noted that since the assumption of office of Dr. Tunji Olowolafe over two years ago, the institution has continued to benefit from the various interventions of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation (TOF), which he said had significantly improved the learning environment.

The Vice Chancellor specifically highlighted the installation of two 500KVA transformers around the Omolayo Hostel and Redeemed Christian Fellowship axis, which are largely occupied by students, describing the intervention as a major boost to electricity supply on campus and its environment.

Prof Ayodele noted, " right inside the school environment, the Foundation has installed 261 number solar powered street lights for illumination especially at night."

He further said the Foundation is also currently facilitating the provision of Starlink Internet connectivity for EKSU; a project expected to provide 24-hour free internet access to both students and staff.

According to him, the initiative would greatly enhance teaching, learning, and research activities across the university community.

“With my 34 years experience in EKSU, it will not be out of place to describe Dr. Tunji Olowolafe as the best Chancellor in the history of this great institution,” Prof. Ayodele stated.

The Vice Chancellor also appealed to other well-meaning individuals across the country and corporate bodies to emulate Dr. Olowolafe’s philanthropic gestures by contributing to the development of EKSU and the advancement of education in Nigeria.

The VC reassured the university staff unions and their members at the  NAAT Secretariat foundation laying ceremony, that staff welfare remains his priority. He further described the NAAT as a vital union in the university, promising his support towards ensuring speedy completion of the proposed edifice. 

He advised all the various staff Unions in the university to always embrace dialogue on any matter affecting the welfare of their members rather than embarking on industrial actions that could paralyse the smooth operations of the university.

Prof Ayodele again expressed appreciation to the government of Ekiti under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for the support given to the university by increasing its monthly subvention, which he noted, had helped the institution in implementing the recent ASUU new salary structure, as approved by the Governing Council. 

He promised to do the same for the Non-Teaching staff as soon as the federal government approves the percentage for the new salary structure and with the approval of the Governing Council.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the EKSU NAAT Chairman, Engr.Abiodun Adamolekun, thanked the Vice Chancellor and the university management team for their progressive initiatives. He also solicited the support of management and others towards ensuring quick completion of the building. 

According to him, the edifice, when completed, would be a 1,000-seater capacity hall, with lock-up shops and offices.