PROF. LABODE POPOOLA ONE YEAR ON…

It's exactly one year that Prof. Labode Popoola, Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, had the privilege to take up the mantle of leadership of our potentially great University (Osun State University). It's been an interesting voyage of rediscovery after a not so salutary past. 

The modest achievements of the last 12 months are all there to see, feel and critique. However, these will be formally reported as stated by the Vice Chancellor. In spite of the dire straits of the University, the management has prioritized workers' welfare, ensuring that full salaries were paid within the last week of every month. The management dare say that this is an unequalled feat in any contemporary public institution ‎in Nigeria. It has been made possible not because of increase in the University revenue, but the prudent management of the meagre resources, coupled with the frugality of the leadership (Governing Council and Management). The management have virtually eliminated wastage and sleaze in the system, in spite of stiff resistance, the management has vouch that there is no going back on this. 

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Popoola, averred that, gradually, the University is returning to her lost values and academic culture. Staff and students discipline is now non-negotiable, though the University is still grappling with absenteeism and truancy across levels. The management are determined to decisively confront this to moving forward. 

Prof. Popoola noted that, the University is investing and re-investing for sustainability, and this will continue with more vigour, as that is the only way to assure a sustainable future.‎ 

“As we commence another chapter in the voyage to rebuild our University, I invite all men and women of goodwill to keep up the spirit. Change has never been a tea party, anywhere.  It comes with bruises and pains, and so we like to plead with those who may feel bruised by this inevitable traction to do a rethink and join the crusade to make UNOSUN a truly 21st Century University”

“I thank our proprietor, the government of the State of Osun, for giving us the free hand to administer the institution. We plead for her financial support‎ to help speed up the rebuilding process. We are in desperate need of this. We appreciate our Chancellor, Dr. Folorunso Alakija and our unique Governing Council under the leadership of our redoubtable Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN for their immense support, just as all members of our team”.

“Moving forward, we will need to make further sacrifices, work diligently, demonstrate compassion and trust, and be prayerful. God willing, I re-dedicate myself to this noble cause. You? Certainly, our best is yet to come”, Prof. Labode noted.