The pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan, has officially assumed duty with a promise to lay solid foundations for a world-class University of Education. This, according to him, can only be achieved through teamwork and collaboration from every stakeholder.
In a release made by the Special Assistant on Media Matters to the Vice Chancellor, Wale Adeoye, the renowned Economist who was accompanied by the Director of Higher and Continuing Education, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr Oluwole Adewale landed at the Erelu Campus of the University and was received with pomp and pageantry by the top management staff of the defunct Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo led by the Ag. Deputy Provost, Dr. Ramat O. Owoade on behalf of the Ag. Provost, Dr. Nelson Aderemi Oyewo is currently attending an international workshop in the United States of America.
In his maiden speech, the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, for the trust and confidence he has in him which led to his appointment as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor. He promised not to betray the trust stating, “I want to appreciate the Executive Governor of the State for the trust he has in me, which I lately knew and for appointing me as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of this institution. I am confident that I will not betray the trust he has placed in me while performing my duties.”
Speaking further, the University of Ibadan don stated that the operational strategy of his administration shall be on the acronym “PEARLS”. He clarified “I wish to emphasis to every staff member that the strategy I want to use is acronymed as “PEARLS” and as you know, PEARLS connotes things that are highly esteemed and valued. We must have a University where staff, students, graduates, alumni and all stakeholders would see ourselves as being valued. When I say PEARLS, it is a six-letter word action plan I have put together. The “P” means Partnership, “E” means Efficient, “A” means Administrative and Teaching Staff effectiveness, “R” means Research for Sustainable Development, “L” means Locally relevant and globally recognised institution and “S” means Students with employability and entrepreneurial mindset. While speaking on his action plan, the University Chief Executive harped on team work as he believed he cannot achieve this alone. He implored all staff, students, alumni and every stakeholder to come together to build a University of our dream.
Quoting his first official release, the Vice- Chancellor reiterates, “We will work assiduously to build a credible university culture of excellence, integrity, and hard work. The competent and effective lecturers and other staff are already on the ground. It will be teamwork involving all relevant stakeholders. The Vice-Chancellor’s Office will consequently provide exemplary leadership and operate an all-inclusive governance system in line with the university Act, and other extant rules to achieve the aspirations and vision of the founding fathers of the University.”
“I believe that our University will, in the next few years, become a reference point for quality leadership in undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral graduate production in the Education discipline. This is the aspiration that will drive my actions. Together with the support of the Governing Council and other Principal Officers, staff
and students, we will place the University in the global ranking of higher educational institutions in the world within the first (5) five years of its existence. This cannot be done by one person. It is teamwork, and I will provide efficient and effective team leadership. Everyone is invited and will be involved. We will work together, achieve
together, and obtain together, positive results that will lead our university to greater heights”, he submitted.
Regarding the warm reception organised to receive him, Professor Olaniyan thanked the Management under the leadership of Dr. Nelson Aderemi Oyewo for the honour and love. “I must say I appreciate this warm reception. To be honest, I thought I was just going to pick my car and just drive down to resume work. But the Director of Higher and Continuing Education, Mr. Oluwole Adewale said ‘NO’, we will follow you and I said ok, sir. The Acting Registrar, Mrs Asunmo, equally said you shall be specially received, and today, I am happy. I thank you all for this historic reception.”
In his welcome address tagged “Charting a Path of Change: Welcoming our Pioneer Vice-Chancellor and Embracing University Transformation, the Ag. Provost, Dr. Nelson Aderemi Oyewo whose speech was delivered by the Ag. Deputy Provost, Dr. Ramat O. Owoade expressed warm appreciation to Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, for the opportunity given to him to be part of history and for appointing Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan to lead the University on a transformative journey towards a brighter future. He commended His Excellency for his dedication to education of which its progress has led us to this moment.
Tracing the history of the University, the renowned Guidance Counsellor stated, “I wish to 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 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.”
Speaking further and expressing his joy, the Ogbomoso-born educationist continued, “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.”
In his conclusion, he formally welcomed the pioneer Vice-Chancellor and wished him the very best during his tenure as the University Chief Executive. “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”.
The historic event was witnessed by the Representative of the Honourable Commissioner and Permanent Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Oluwole Adewale, friends and family members of the Vice-Chancellor, Acting Deputy Provost, Dr. Ramat O. Owoade, Acting Registrar, Mrs. Olubunmi S. Asunmo, Acting Bursar, Mr. Emmanuel O. Adegoke, Librarian, Dr. Mrs. Serifat M. Asiru, Deans and Directors, Head of Departments/Service Units and Divisions, Deputy Registrars, Deputy Bursars, Chairmen and Secretaries of Labour Unions, University Chaplain and Chief Imam, NANS/JCC Chairman, Ridwan Adegoke, Students’ Union President, Joy Olawuyi, NUESA President, Boluwatife Oluwafisayo and cream of members of the University community.
Wale Adeoye
Special Assistant on Media Matters (Vice Chancellor’s Office)
23 August, 2023
