By Ayodele Abere
The Chairman of the Governing Council and the Pro-Chancellor of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti BOUESTI, Professor Oladipo Aina, has described the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Victor Adeoluwa as a visionary schorlar, a leader of humility and service.
The Pro-Chancellor of the Institution gave the description on Monday while addressing newsmen at a book launch, titled; Advancing the Frontiers of Education, Science and Technology, organised in honour of the Vice-Chancellor at the University main campus in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Professor Aina, who said he was so excited to see somebody he nurtured, grew to the stage of achieving a lot as pioneer Vice-Chancellor of BOUESTI with several milestones, turning the University into a first class University noted that the generations to come will continue to appreciate the way he has moved the University forward.
In his word, “We are celebrating Professor Adeoluwa not only because he’s a man of ideas, but his vision and commitment have contributed to defining this University, giving the University the direction and future. So is worth celebrating”. Professor Aina stated.
The Chairman of the occasion who doubles as the Chief Launcher, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN, ably represented by another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Adetunji Oso, having gone round to see the ongoing project in the Institution, said he was delighted with what he saw and that it is worth supporting. Adding that generations after the present generation will continue to appreciate and pray for those that executed it.
Reviewing the book of six hundred and seven pages with sixty-seven articles, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Professor Timothy Kolade Akinwamide, said the gathering was meant to celebrate an individual that has been able to showcase wonderful steps to emulate.
Describing the book as wonderful and highly thought-provoking, Professor Akinwamide urged everyone present to put on their thinking cap and attach much importance to the book which according to him among others, is to address the economic growth of the nation, human capital development, life quality improvement and as well expose the lacuna that can still be observed in daily interactions with the other worlds.
Saluting the editors of the book for their literary prowess, he said they have presented a festschrift that is in form of a fruitful tree. Pointing out that they used what is called anticlimactic literary style which he described as wonderful.
“When you look at the presentation, you would see what is quite unusual, an innovation. When you are talking of volumes, you have something to present. When you are talking of value, there’s something to showcase”. The book reviewer stated.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti EKSU, Professor Babatola Ayodele, explained that as a Vice-Chancellor, that Professor Adeoluwa has made his impacts.
“The lesson we in the position of authority should learn from him is that we should learn to give back to the system. We should think more about the system than thinking about ourselves. When you think more about the system, and you grow the system, your personality will actually grow. I am glad that they are doing this on his behalf and I am glad about the development in the university. I am glad that I am part of this”.
Professor Babatola who said he knows what it is to raise funds for development remarked that It’s not easy to depend solely on government.
“When you depend solely on the government, you may likely run into problem because the government has a lot of issues to attend to.
That’s why we as Vice-Chancellors should look inward to see what we can use to compliment what the government is doing”.
While speaking, the Vice Chancellor of BOUESTI, Professor Victor Adeoluwa said he was so happy that scholars gathered together, and that in trying to honour him, the University put up a product of research in different fields for generations to read.
“I really want to thank God for that because it’s not just a material thing that they are giving to me, not something that is perishable but it’s knowledge, and by the grace of God, that gladdens my heart because what it means is that, it is going to bless a lot of people.
“I know that there are certain people who will read from the articles and be able to advance their own calling, advance their career. That makes a very big effort that I see in what they have done, and I really appreciate God and I appreciate them”. The VC said.
The wife of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Bola Adeoluwa, described the programme as a thing of joy noting that the focus is on academics and that, putting a book of honour together is a very great one to advance academics and to advance the world.
She said it’s a great day of honour which according to her delights her heart as her husband is being celebrated while alive and while still in the office
Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Organising Committee, Dr. Bankole Faloye promised that they would immortalize the wisdom, sacrifice, and leadership of Professor Adeoluwa by ensuring that his library continues to inspire generations yet unborn.
He stressed that the proceeds from the book launch would be judiciously applied towards the completion of the Multipurpose Hall, a project initiated through generous donations during the maiden convocation of the University.
Dignitaries at the well attended occasion include; the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Bayo Opeyemi, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Stephen Aribasoye, ably represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Adeyemi Awoniyi, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, Mr. Adeleke Ademolaju, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladeji, Vice Chancellor, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Professor Bayode Popoola and his wife, Dr. Popoola.
Ohers are; Regional Pastor, RCCG Region 25, Ekiti State, Pastor Tunde Abdullai, Provincial Pastor, Province 1, Ado-Ekiti, Pastor Tunde Adelusi, Members of the University Governing Council, Principal Officers and staff members.
