Activities marking the one year anniversary of the Vice-Chancellor, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan were recently concluded with indelible memories that shall continue to linger on in the annals of history of the University.
The events, which started with an interdenominational service conducted by the University Chaplain, Rev. Dr Solomon T. Ogunbunmi and the Chief Imam, Alh. AbdulFatai Adeleke, according to a release made available by the University spokesman, ‘Wale Adeoye were followed by the commissioning of some of the projects executed within one year in office by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan.
The projects commissioned were rehabilitation and upgrading of twin lecture rooms to Faculty of Specialized and Professional in Education Library; repair of destroyed roof and ceiling of the Faculty of Social Science block of eight (8) classrooms; rehabilitation and Upgrading of 250-seater lecture hall to Faculty of Social Science Library; rehabilitation and Upgrading Old Biology Laboratory to Faculty of Science Library; repair and renovation of Integrated Science Laboratory; erosion control in front of Nursery & Primary School; rehabilitation and Upgrading of Block of three (3) classrooms with adjoining toilets at Isokun Campus; rehabilitation and Upgrading of Block of two (2) classrooms with adjoining toilets at Isokun Campus and repair of block of 14 No Staff Offices of the Directorate of Affiliated Institutions programmes.
The icing of the cake was the anniversary lecture delivered by Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan. The lecture, titled “Benchmarking Graduate Output from Nigerian Universities” was explosive as the former University Chief Executive charged Nigerian graduates to do more as the world has gone beyond possession of certificates.
Prof. Olayinka called on the Federal Government to have a re-think on the 18 years benchmark proposal for WAEC Secondary School candidates. The event was chaired by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle who was represented by the Registrar/Chief Executive of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN)/Council Member, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Professor Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye.
Other features at the historic celebration were exhibitions and drama performances by the Creative and Theatre Arts Department and Yoruba Language Unit. The Vice-Chancellor’s Sports Fiesta finals that followed were explosive while the Parents Forum that closed the programme was adjudged novel by the parents who trooped in from all over the country.
In his concluding remarks, the University helmsman appreciated God for the grace he is enjoying in his services to the University and mankind. “I owe God all thanks for the journey in the last one year. I am very grateful to His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE for fishing me out for appointment. I am grateful to him for creating an enabling environment for me to operate. I thank the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Oyo State, Professor Saliu AbdulWaheed Adelabu for his undiluted support to our University. I am specially indebted to the Governing Council under the amiable leadership of Professor Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle, the University Senate, Management, Staff, Students and members of the University community for your individual support. Honestly, you have all been part of the successes recorded. I am charged to further give my best. May God Almighty help us as we journey on as an institution with rich history”, concluded the Eruwa-born administrator.
