The pioneer Vice Chanceller of Nigeria’s first Technical University, Technical University, Ibadan, Professor Ayobami Salami has disclosed how he was denied the opportunity to become the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Prof. Salami, who disclosed this while featuring on Parrot Xtra Hour on Space FM in Ibadan, revealed that he was denied the position despite winning because of some underground politics.
“I have made my mark in Ife and anybody hearing me or reading the transcript of this interview can cross-check. I have already had my mark in that great university, which has been my platform. Since I entered as an undergraduate student and I want to say, to the glory of God, in Ife today, I mean in Obafemi Awolowo University, I have a memorial.
“Buy where I am going to have my legacy is the first Technical University, Ibadan. So Ife is a place for me to have memorial, Ibadan First Technical University is the place for me to have my legacy. I ran the race and won. I got appointed and due to some politics and shenanigans, I was denied the chance of becoming the V.C,” Salami said.
Speaking on whether he was denied because he was not from Osun State, especially Ile-Ife, where the University is located, he said, “There were so many factors. Where I came from was part of it. There were some people who were also interested in some things, which made then to go against the normal procedure and normal process.
“But for me, as somebody who believes in the counsel and the purposes of anxiety, as the plan of God to channel and direct my paths towards where I am.
“Because with the knowledge of anxiety, I am far, far better off where I am. I have cause to give glory to God and be grateful to those who participated in the process that denied me the opportunity of resuming as Vice Chancellor there.”
He, however, noted that he is grateful to everyone who took part in the plot. Adding that they are now his friend because most of them have realised they made a big mistake.
