| The Daily Crucible | Monday, October 24, 202
A former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, has extolled the virtues of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde, describing him as a thoroughbred administrator, uncommon unionist and great team player who raised the bar in University administration in Nigeria.
Kaka, who spoke during a reception he organised for the former VC at his Ijebu-Igbo residence, also harped on the need to ensure sound education at all levels in the country.
At the ceremony which was chaired by the Baba Oba of Ago-Iwoye, Major General Sansadeen Awosanya (retd), eminent personalities praised Prof. Olatunde for his tremendous contributions to the academic and infrastructural development of OOU in recent years.
Kaka, who served in the National Assembly between 2011 and 2015, declared that there is hope for a better Nigeria when people like the former Vice-Chancellor abound in the country.
He explained that apart from his exploits in the academia, Olatunde discharged himself excellently in public service, especially when he served as Chief of Staff to the Governor under the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
According to him, the erudite scholar distinguished himself with excellent performance, dedication, fear of God and accountability.
Kaka said, "It may interest you to know that until G. O. (Olatunde) was appointed Chief of Staff, I doubt if we ever met. But as the Chief of Staff, he shocked everybody when he took the uncommon decision in this part of the world by resigning his position that everybody refers as very juicy and powerful.
"He resigned and returned to academia and from there, he was appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor. Some eyebrows were raised but, notwithstanding, the appointment was confirmed and he became the substantive Vice-Chancellor. Will he perform? Will he live up to expectations? Will he build on the foundations laid by the predecessors? But G. O came, he saw and he conquered and that's why I'm very happy to celebrate him today."
The former Deputy Governor noted that the outgone VC built on the foundation laid by his predecessors and completed many abandoned projects and equally initiated new ones.
He added that Olatunde, during his five-year tenure, worked assiduously to ensure synergy between "the town and the gown" which contributed immensely to the growth and development of the University.
Kaka submitted that unlike many trade unionists who could not successfully manage public offices, the former VC "reached a balance between being an Aluta and a thoroughbred administrator."
He said, "His footprints are there for all to see. To top it all, I can confirm that he's a great team player who was able to motivate and mobilise all his staff to achieve the desired goal. For eight months of ASUU strike, OOU did not go aborrowing, neither did OOU go asorrowing.
"The VC was able to mobilise the funds and made sure that all the staff were getting their salaries and allowances as and when due. For God's sake, when we see something good, we just have to acknowledge."
Other speakers, including the immediate past President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, Emeritus Professor Kamaldeen Balogun, Prof. Biyi Abosede and Dr Taofik Salisu, eulogised the former OOU helmsman for his sterling qualities and outstanding performance.
Responding, Prof. Olatunde expressed appreciation to the organisers for finding him worthy to be celebrated.
He attributed his achievements in OOU to God Almighty, hard work, good management team and invaluable support of stakeholders in the University community.
Olatunde, who recalled that he voluntarily quit his position as Amosun's Chief of Staff and returned to the classroom, advised Nigerians to always prioritize hard work over pecuniary gains.
His words: "I keep telling people that anywhere you find yourself in life, please work hard. Don't occupy any position on the basis of the fact that you want to get rich.
"When they said I should come back to the office of the Chief of Staff, I said I'm not coming back. Some people felt I was mad! With millions of naira on monthly basis as imprest without any accountability and other perquisites of office, I left because money is not everything.
"And I can confirm that the Governor (Amosun) didn't talk to me for one year. But it was the same Governor that called me and said go and manage OOU because we trust you can do it. So, please anywhere you find yourself, work hard as if your life depends on it. God has a way of rewarding you."
The former VC, who solicited more support for the University, prayed that his successor would surpass the achievements recorded under his (Olatunde) tenure.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance included the newly appointed OOU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, the University Bursar, Mr Semiu Makinde, former governorship candidate in the state, Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, and prominent legal practitioner, Ajibola Kaka.
No comments:
Post a Comment