FUNAAB VC sets priority to stabilise varsity

How will the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State be stabilised and reoganised for academic excellence before a substantive Vice-Chancellor is appointed for the ivory tower, are the top agenda and priority of the Acting Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin of the Department of Crop Protection, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) of the university was last week named the vice-chancellor of the institution in an acting capacity.

According to the university Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Mathew Ayoola, the university Senate in its special meeting, recommended the appointment of Enikuomehin in acting capacity, following the expiration of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, who bowed out the system.

This is as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Aboki Zhawa, has appealed to all stakeholders in the university to work collectively with the council in the interest of nation building. He also pledged not to flout the rules governing the institution, saying his doors are open for sound ideas and wise counsels towards building a university of the dream of the founding fathers.

Zhawa, who stated this during the announcement of the appointment of Prof. Enikuomehin as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, said he would operate the policy of always giving his best in whatever he does, and charged the acting vice-chancellor to do same. Zhawa said; “I am impressed with what I have seen and I shall work hard to build on this legacy.”

The appointment of an acting vice-chancellor, according to the registrar, is in line with extant laws of the university. “Consequently, the Governing Council at its 94th meeting approved the recommendation of Senate and appointed Prof. Enikuomehin as the Acting Vice-Chancellor with effect from May 24, 2017,” he said.

Though, Oyewole has concluded his tenure, he was, however, suspended by the Federal Government three week ago for facing a court action over alleged allegation of financial impropriety brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

At the handing over ceremony, the Chairman of Council, congratulated the immediate past Vice-Chancellor for the period he served as the chief executive of the university. The council chair, who had earlier embarked on facility inspection in the university, said he was impressed with the serene environment and beautiful landscape of the university.

He, however, admonished stakeholders in the university project to act in ways that would reflect the peace and tranquility of the environment for the university to be more functional. “I am impressed with what I have seen so far in terms of physical and academic development of the university,” he said, even as he wished Prof. Oyewole success in his future endeavours, while thanking him for completing some physical structures which the last administration had begun.