ABEOKUTA – The new Acting Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde has assured prescribed authorities of the institution, members of the University Community, stakeholders and the Public in general that he will do his “utmost best to provide quality and responsible leadership” during his six months tenure of office.
Prof. Kehinde gave the assurance in his short but precise and catchy acceptance speech, moments after he took over the baton of office from the Sixth Substantive Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako.
Exuding confidence and simplicity that is typical of him, Prof. Kehinde further promised to build on “FUNAAB’s tradition of excellence bequeathed to us by our Founding Fathers”.
He stated that, “In doing this however, I will be requiring the cooperation and support of staff, students and other stakeholders”.
The Acting Vice Chancellor noted with concern that “I’m not unaware of the enormity of the responsibilities of the Office, especially during a transition period”.
He, therefore, pleaded with members of the University Community and the Public at large to “pursue the transition with all sense of responsibility to the University and stakeholders in general”.
Prof. Kehinde assured that on the part of Management “We shall open all channels of communication” to facilitate and ensure credible and hitch free transition, as well as enhanced service delivery on the tripodal mandate of the University.
The Acting Vice Chancellor who is known for his peaceful mien urged members of the University Community “to address any forms of grievances using the appropriate procedures without causing embarrassment to the system”.
He emphasized that “The peace, image and reputation of the University must remain paramount to us at all times”, adding that “we must strive to continue to uphold these no matter the cost”.
The Acting Vice Chancellor disclosed that “in the coming days and weeks, the Governing Council will unfold the timeline plan for a peaceful transition in the University aimed at raising the bar of excellence which FUNAAB is reputed for.”
Prof. Kehinde charged members of the academic community and stakeholders at large that “Together, we must all work with high sense and spirit of commitment to achieve the FUNAAB of our dreams”.
He prayed God to take FUNAAB to greater and better the lots of every stakeholder therein.
It would be recalled that the University Senate on September 22, 2022 duly nominated Prof. Kehinde as Acting Vice Chancellor at it statutory meeting while the new Governing Council ratified his nomination on October 7, 2022.
The Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics statutorily assumed office today, Tuesday, November 1, 2022 as Acting Vice Chancellor, following the expiration of the tenure of the Sixth Substantive Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako yesterday, Monday, October 31, 2022.
