By Tobi Oyediran, The Polytechnic Ibadan
There was widespread jubilation across the campus of The Polytechnic Ibadan upon the news of the appointment of Dr Taiwo Abideen Lasisi as the Acting Rector of the institution.
Dr. Lasisi, a committed academic with vast experience in applied sciences, joined the services of The Polytechnic Ibadan in 1996 as an Assistant Lecturer and he rose to the pinnacle to become a Chief Lecturer in 2014.
He has a very significant experience working in the administration of academic units in tertiary institutions. As Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, he ensured the provision of a good working environment for members of staff and his tenure remains a reference point in terms of welfare of staff. As Dean of Students, he was a good listener who was very proactive in preventing and managing disputes. He effectively managed the staff and students of the institution, and commanded the respect of all stakeholders. As Director of Academic Planning, he ensured full accreditation for the institution’s courses and also ensured many staff benefit from TETFUND sponsored academic programmes as well as attendance of international conferences.
As an academic, Dr Lasisi has rubbed shoulders with the top echelon of the academic community within and beyond the shores Nigeria. His academic prowess is undeniable and he has delivered. He has authored three books, two monographs and twenty five journal publications. He has delivered papers in over 30 conferences/workshops across the world. He has lectured in 3 Universities in Nigeria and South Africa and served as an Assessor for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
The new Rector is an alumnus of the University of Ibadan where he bagged a Bachelors Degree and Master’s Degrees in Statistics. He went on the receive a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Statistics (Time Series Analysis) from the University of Botswana in 2013. He had his Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Limpopo, South Africa. He is a Corporate member of the Nigeria Statistical Association, the Professional Statistical Society of Nigeria as well as the South Africa Statistical Association (SASA). He is a member of Ibadan Solidarity Group, and Ibadan Action Council.
