Praises in torrent came the way of the immediate past University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka as friends, well wishers and acquaintances gathered to celebrate his achievements, describing him in positive superlatives at a sent forth programme.
Organized by the University of Ibadan Ventures Limited, in conjunction with a private Hotel, Academy Suites, Ibadan, the programme which drew friends, family members, well-wishers and acquaintances of the immediate past VC provided opportunities for various speakers to share their experiences with Prof. Olayinka, praising his efforts and achievements while in office.
In his remarks, the Acting UI VC who was the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Adebola Babatunde Ekanola, was quoted by his media aide, Mr. Sunday Saanu, as noting that it was unfortunate that many people misunderstood Prof. Olayinka for various reasons, pointing out that the former VC was ‘a forthright, objective, hard working administrator who cannot be easily swayed or manipulated once he made up his mind’
According to the Acting VC, ‘some people said he got angry easily, it was because he bottled up so many things. He is my mentor and I know him very well. He is deep and detailed. He is never spontaneous in action. He takes so many factors into consideration before taking a decision and once he makes up his mind, he cannot be easily swayed or manipulated’
Prof. Ekanola who wondered why the past VC had so much confidence in him said, ‘Prof. Olayinka has a good understanding of the University system, culture and leadership with a robust writing skill despite the fact that he didn’t study Arts or humanities’ adding that it was a huge privilege for him working with the past VC.
His words:’may be now that he is out of office, he will tell me the reasons for his love and preference for me because there were many people in UI when he appointed me, first, as a Director of Office of the International Programme and later nominated me to run as Deputy VC (Academic) because we never discussed politics’
Earlier, the UI Ventures Limited Chairman of Board of Directors, Dr. Abib Olamitoye had described Prof. Olayinka as ‘loving, compassionate and exemplary’, saying, ‘his administration came to manage scarcity and to manage scarcity is to invite critics, summon judgement and breed enemies’
Dr. Olamitoye who waxed philosophical, stressed ,’crisis is always a consequence of poverty. Rather than manage opulence, a condition of plentiful abundance, our celebrant of today, the immediate past VC of our great University, has spent the last five years curtailing turbulence, and combining that with efficient administration of the Premier University of the most populous black nation in the world’
According to him, ‘I must congratulate Prof. Olayinka on a very successful tenure, in spite of all the intimidating financial challenges. You have put in your best, you have committed your all, and that is why we all gather here to thank you, to celebrate you, to honour you’
Other speakers who expressed similar sentiments included Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Olayinka O. Omigbodun, Dr. Mrs. Simisola Akintola of Faculty of Law and Managing Director, Mr. Philip O. Areo while a member of Council, Prof. E. O. Ogunkola, the Deputy VC (Administration), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Acting Bursar, Mr. O. Abimbola, Provost, Post Postgraduate School, Prof. J. O. Babalola among others were in attendance.
Also in attendance included a special guest, Chief Executive Officer, Ilaji Stadium and Hotel, Engineer Dotun Sanusi, President, Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association, Prof. Dipo Otolorin, Prof. and Dr. Moody, Deputy Provost, Postgraduate College, Prof. A. S. O. Ogunjuyigbe, Deputy Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. A. F. Adeniyi and the elder sister of Prof. Olayinka, Mrs. Foluke Ajidahun among others.
Prof. Olayinka was later presented with an artistic impression of himself as a gift.
