CHARTING A PATH OF CHANGE: WELCOMING OUR PIONEER VICE-CHANCELLOR AND EMBRACING UNIVERSITY TRANSFORMATION
BEING A SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE ACTING PROVOST, DR. NELSON ADEREMI OYEWOON TUESDAY 22 AUGUST, 2023
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology,
Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Education,
Other Officials from Oyo State Ministry of Education,
The Pioneer Vice Chancellor,
The Acting Provost,
Other Management Members,
Deans and Directors of Academic and Service Programmes,
Heads of Academic and Service Departments,
College Unions Executives,
Friends and Well-wishers of the Pioneer Vice Chancellor,
Student Union executives,
Security Operatives present,
Media Crew present,
Other Dignitaries present,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
With a sense of pride and enthusiasm, I extend a heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you as we gather here today Tuesday 22 August, 2023, to celebrate a significant juncture in the history of our institution. We are here to warmly receive and honour the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, who has been appointed to lead us on a transformative journey towards a brighter future. This distinguished appointment is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. (Dr.) Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, whose visionary leadership has paved the way for this remarkable advancement. His dedication to education and progress has led us to this moment, and we express our sincere gratitude for his far-sightedness.
I wish recall with nostalgia that Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo is an offshoot of the St. Andrew’s College, Oyo formerly a Grade II Teachers’ College established in 1896 which was upgraded to a College of Education Campus under the then Oyo State College of Education, Ila-Orangun in 1980. At various times, the College had been renamed as St. Andrew’s College of Education, Oyo; Oyo State College of Education, Oyo; Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo in 2008 in memory of the renowned educationist and an Andrian, Rev. Canon Emmanuel Alayande without affecting the core mandate as stipulated in the College Law and now Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.
It is noteworthy that since the College was relocated to its present site in 2003, it has grown in leaps and bounds through funding by the Oyo State Government and the Normal and Special Interventions by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The major purpose of the establishment of the University is to serve essentially as an academic centre for the production of highly qualified teachers. The transformation from a Teachers’ Grade II awarding Institution to a Nigeria Certificate in Education and then Degree awarding institution is an undeniable fact that the institution has been responding to the needs of society and time. As at today, this institution has produced thousands of very skillful teachers and professionals in other fields of endeavour making useful contributions to nation-building.
As we embark on this exciting chapter, we do so with the understanding that the transformation of our beloved institution from a College to a University of Education is a milestone that carries profound implications. This evolution will undoubtedly bring about reorganisation with a focused effort to embrace the new identity of a university and wear the distinguished look befitting of this status. In this transition, we recognise the potential for profound positive change. The metamorphosis into a University of Education is a step toward elevating our institution to greater heights, where learning, research, and community engagement converge to create a holistic and impactful educational experience.
The pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, hailing from the esteemed Economics Department of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. His exemplary career, characterised by dedication, academic brilliance, innovative research and compassionate leadership, places him as the perfect steward to guide us on this transformative journey.
Ladies and gentlemen, respected colleagues and members of the Emmanuel Alayande University community, it is with great honour and anticipation that I stand before you today to introduce a remarkable individual who embodies the essence of leadership, scholarship and a profound commitment to education, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, a distinguished scholar with a formidable presence in the realm of economics, brings a wealth of experience and a vision that aligns seamlessly with the evolution of our institution. His exceptional contributions to academia reflected in his extensive research, scholarly publications and dedicated teaching, demonstrate his deep-rooted passion for knowledge dissemination and intellectual growth.
As we embark on the transformation of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education into a University of Education, we acknowledge that this transition is more than a change in name—it signifies a reorganisation aimed at adorning our institution with the distinguished aura of a university status. Prof. Olaniyan’s appointment as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor is a pivotal step toward realising this vision.
Distinguished colleagues, let us unite in welcoming Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan as he leads Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, towards a new era of academic distinction. With the presence of various faculties, the support of entire staff of the university, enthusiastic students, and other stakeholders, we are poised to witness a rejuvenated university that not only excel in education but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our society.
Thank you for gracing us with your presence on this joyous occasion. Together, let us embrace the transformation and look forward to the promising journey ahead.
Thank you and God bless you all.
