Ogunbodede becomes 11th substantive vice chancellor of OAU

Eyitope Ogunbodede was on Wednesday inaugurated as the 11th substantive vice-chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state.

Ogunbodede took over from Anthony Elujoba, the former acting vice-chancellor of the institution.

“I am particularly delighted that this day has finally come to pass, a day in which we all present to witness the peaceful inauguration of a substantive Vice-Chancellor,” said Yemi Ogunbiyi, chairman of the governing council of the institution.

He further expressed satisfaction that the selection process was adjudged fair, transparent and accepted by all.

Ogunbiyi said that in spite of the tremendous pressure from the political arena and the influential people in the society, the council did not yield to their pressure.

“The council decided to do the best and resist the oppressors, who came to influence the selection,” he said.

The pro-chancellor of the university commended the efforts of the out gone acting vice-chancellor for creating a conducive atmosphere for the exercise.

According to him, the inauguration of the new VC marked the beginning of new era in the history of the institution.

Ogunbiyi congratulated the new VC for his doggedness during the selection exercise and charged him to sustain the confidence of both the members of staff and students on him.

Speaking at the inauguration, Elujoba charged the new VC to enforce obedience and absolute compliance to rules and regulations “with the principle of doing things right, thereby encouraging discipline in both staff and students”.

He said: “I did not steal one kobo of anybody rather I donated personal cash into the endowment fund of the university and settled all my bills before leaving the office as the acting V-C.

“I was picked up to be acting V-C like David and fished out like Moses and I am handing over to the Joshua of the moment, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede.

“And as he is John the Baptist, God will use him in double portion of my own anointing while like Gideon, I say to you Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede “go in thy might”.