By Precious Ireoluwa
Mammoth crowd converged at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lifegate Cathedral Parish, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State on Sunday for thanksgiving service to celebrate the first anniversary of Professor Joseph Ayodele as the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU).
The anniversary, which marked the first year of his 5-year prospective administration, gathered family members, friends, teaching and non-teaching staff members, Students, Unions, well wishers, among others.
Addressing the congregation, Professor Ayodele appreciated God for giving him the opportunity to manage and improve on the structure of the University in terms of infrastructure, teaching, learning, research and welfare of both students and staff members.
Professor Ayodele equally commended Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji for his support in making sure that he emerged as the Vice Chancellor of the University and his further assistance that has helped to reposition the Institution.
He also thanked his predecessor, Professor Edward Olanipekun for his intensive training in making sure he became the best version of himself before handing over the baton of office to him.
The VC, who promised to continue to prioritise the welfare of Union, staff members and Students, solicited support across board so that the University can advance in terms of infrastructural development, educational advancement and welfare prioritisation.
He added, “First, I want to thank God once again for sparing our lives and for His continuous help to this University. The past year has been glorious because we received the support of the Almighty God. He has raised men and women to assist us and the little we have been able to achieve in terms of infrastructure, teaching, learning, research, welfare and other areas can only be attributed to His grace.
“We have also enjoyed the support of the state government, the school alumni, our management team, the Chancellor, the Chairman of Council, council members, and of course, our students. I deeply appreciate our alumni, especially the Ekiti Alumni Association, for their unwavering support. Anytime I call on them, they respond.
“As for challenges, I will not call them challenges but rather necessary steps in the growth of a University that is expanding. We are expanding day by day and this requires more funds to cope with the growth. We need new facilities such as a befitting Law building, a Pharmacy building, an MLS building and a BDS building. With God on our side, I believe these will be achieved.
“We also trust the promises of our governor, who has assured us of continuous support. Our critical stakeholders have also been encouraging us with their prayers and contributions, but we still need more, because I have many dreams and visions for the university in the years ahead.
“This is just the first leg of my five-year tenure. In the coming year, we must embark on several projects: renovating some old buildings, expanding facilities to accommodate the increasing enrollment and preparing adequately for the Law Council of Nigeria, as we are set to establish our Law programme. Resources are being gathered and we are committed to adding value to everything we already have.
“With God’s help and with the support of the wonderful people of Ekiti State under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, I believe we will achieve our goals. By this time next year, we will gather again to thank God for what He has done”.
In his sermon titled “Life is a Stage”, Pastor Tunde Adelusi hailed the Vice chancellor over his giant strides in the University, saying his commitment and dedication to excellence has repositioned the Institution to be among the best Citadel of Learning.
Paator, who curled his sermon from Psalm 18 Vs 35, Genesis 11 Vs 27 and James 1 Vs 3, urged him to stay strong on his vision, give helping hand to those in need and focus on all measures that would further put EKSU on the map of global excellence.
