The University of Ibadan celebrates an iconic chapter in its history as Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, completed his five-year tenure as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University.
When Professor Adebowale assumed office on 01 November 2021, he came with a clear and compelling vision: To reposition UI as a truly “world-class institution for academic excellence geared towards meeting societal needs.”
Five years after, the verdict was unanimous and apparent – that he delivered and even surpassed expectations.
A renowned Professor of Chemistry and distinguished scholar of global repute, Professor Adebowale brought immense academic credibility to the university.
Under his watch, the culture of research and innovation blossomed. The University did not merely sign Memoranda of Understanding, it activated them and made collaborations a live engagement for institutional advancement.
The university also witnessed a surge in high-impact publications, attracted more international research grants and collaborations, and strengthened its postgraduate trainings.
The 13th Vice-Chancellor will be remembered as a calm, strategic, and innovative leader. His administration drove the digital transformation of the University, from academic records and result processing to seamless admission processes.
He sustained a stable academic calendar for five years, a rare feat in the Nigerian University system that restored confidence in UI and endeared him to students and staff alike.
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His commitment to staff welfare, student entrepreneurship, and institutional reforms set a new benchmark for university administration to maintain a peaceful clime in the unversity during his tenure.
In infrastructure, his footprints are bold and indelible. The physical transformation of the campus under his leadership was undeniable. Notable among them are:
– The ongoing New Senate Building; a legacy project that, when completed, will stand as a befitting administrative edifice for the Premier University.
– The state-of-the-art 650-capacity Lecture Theatre; providing a conducive and modern learning environment for the teeming students on the Open, Distance and E-learning mode of study.
– Numerous TETFund and donor-funded building projects which are testaments to his administrative sagacity and the renewed confidence that alumni, corporate bodies, and international partners had in UI under his leadership, thus making UI attractive again to donors and friends of the University.
– From road rehabilitation to renovation of Halls of Residence and Faculties, he touched every corner of the University.
Most importantly, Professor Adebowale restored the pride and prestige of the University of Ibadan. Under his leadership, UI consolidated its position as Nigeria’s number one University and improved significantly in global rankings including the Times Higher Education (THE) and Webometrics rankings. The First and the Best is now more competitive, more visible, and more respected globally than he met it.
As he bows out, we say a big THANK YOU to a humble, generous, humane, and highly focused leader. You came, you served with integrity, and you have left an enduring legacy.
The entire University of Ibadan community wishes you greater accomplishments in your future endeavours.
Thank you, Professor K. O. Adebowale, for five years of purposeful and transformative leadershipand service!
SOURCE: UI DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
