… As UNILAG’s First Female VC Takes Charge Today
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adéwálé Àjàyí and other dignitaries, on Thursday, honoured the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.
The occasion was the public presentation of the book titled: “The Captain Steering the Above Murky Waters”, authored by Ogundipe who will serve out his tenure as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG on Friday, November 11, 2022.
The occasion which turned out to be an outpouring of encomiums on Prof. Ogundipe was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu described Ogundipe as a committed administrator who has made UNILAG become the toast of tertiary education admission seekers and the envy of Nigeria and the world.
He lauded Ogundipe for rising above the turbulence at the institution in August 2020 when the former Pro-chancellor and Governing Council Chairman of the institution ousted him over alleged financial misappropriation.
He said: “I can attest that during your tenure, we have seen giant strides and witnessed your meaningful impact. We have seen purposeful governance and we have seen administration per excellence.
” We know that you have to do that for the University that has become the envy, not only in Nigeria but the world.
“You were able to steer the ship of the school to stability even during storms. You were well prepared for the job and God gave you the implements. Not only are you a man of God, but you are also a servant of God, and all of those complimentary credits have helped you to come out without blemishes, or stains.
“You went through a difficult time and I want to thank you. I want to commend you and thank you for not putting the family name into disrepute, thank you for not embarrassing people. I want to thank you because the university is a place where hope is given to the youth and the leaders of tomorrow. You have shown indeed that you are bringing out leaders that we can indeed see as real alumni of the University of Lagos Professor, thank you,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He lauded Prof. Ogundipe for holding his head up as the captain of the sheep amidst turbulence and sailing the ship to safety in the murky waters.
Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, who unveiled the book and supported it with a million naira said, “You have made us proud. Keep that networking strategy of yours, you are still needed in this country”.
The 13th Vice-Chancellor designate, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola described Ogundipe as “A kind person who is always working to put UNILAG at a higher level. Nigeria has not seen the best of him.”
In his response, Ogundipe showered praises on the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Ajayi for publicly denouncing the allegation against him.
He thanked God, the incumbent Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Lanre Tejuosho, Dr. John Momoh, UNILAG Alumni Association global chairman, the Senate of UNILAG and the management team, the staff unions, his wife and family members, friends and associates for standing by him during the crisis.
The book reviewer, Prof. Kola Kazeem, the Special Education Consultant to UNICEF said, ” This book is an account of his five-year stewardship in the institution. It is a 210- page book authored by Ogundipe as a scorecard of his achievements”.
The book presentation was followed by the commissioning of Nord Automobile Car Assembly centre in collaboration with the university and the commissioning of 1,000 Closed Circuit Television facilities in partnership with Bionomics that will serve the Akoka, College of Medicine, Idiaraba and the Yaba campuses
