Ogunsola steps in as UNILAG VC, Ogundipe gives scorecard

The 12th substantive Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, yesterday bowed out after completing his five-year tenure.

Ogundipe, at a valedictory briefing held at the Senate Chamber with his successor, Prof Folashade Ogunsola and other management staff, said the university, under his headship, attracted about N19B in research grants from both local and international organisations as well as registered more than 64 companies for the students.

He said on assumption of office in 2017, his administration set out a six-point agenda with the acronym ‘UNILAG.’

He explained what each of the letters meant in detail and with their overall objective to take the institution not only to a greater height, but to also prepare it as a university of the future.

He said: “The University of Lagos, from 2017 till date, has recorded significant progress. Not only did we sow seeds, we also witnessed the fruition of the numerous seeds with the results there for all to see.

“Today, UNILAG has grown in leaps and bounds, as its management under my watch transcended the threshold we set for ourselves as excellence. Our results speak for us such that even in the eyes of the storm, we kept our peace and so our focus did not shift. We pushed through and today, I can confidently say I am leaving UNILAG a happy man.”

He, however, attributed the successes recorded to God, who he said had been the one guiding his steps, and to the management staff, the university senate, staff unions, students and other stakeholders, including the alumni for their support and cooperation.

The VC also commended his successor, Prof Folashade Ogunsola, the first female vice-chancellor of the university, for her loyalty, particularly during his travail with the former Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr Wale Babalakin, saying during his suspension, Ogunsola was appointed to replace him in acting capacity, many people told her that her time had come. “But she told them that her time has not yet come, as she would wait for it, now this is her time.”

The outgoing VC revealed that despite the series of industrial actions that rocked the Nigerian university system, between 2017 and now, the issues were never internal, adding UNILAG enjoyed unprecedented industrial harmony because staff welfare, which was within the capacity of the management, were amicably resolved.

He solicited the cooperation, support and prayers of staff and students for Ogunsola to enable her succeed in her new assignment.