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Oyeweso-Led Council and the Renaissance at OAU Ife

By Tunde Akanni

Professor Siyan Abdul Ghafar Oyeweso, recently inaugurated as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State, is spearheading a renaissance at the institution. His leadership is already inspiring renewed hope for the university’s future. At the first convocation he presided over, a pharmacy graduate, Susan Akinyuwa, emerged as the overall best with an impressive 4.97 CGPA out of a possible 5.0, exemplifying the institution’s potential for excellence.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, an OAU alumna, contributed ₦1 billion to revitalize the university’s infrastructure, a testament to her faith in the new leadership. This financial boost is part of a broader vision to restore OAU to its former glory as Africa’s most beautiful university campus.

Professor Oyeweso, a distinguished historian and first-class graduate of OAU, is determined to revitalize the institution. At his inaugural council meeting, he emphasized his commitment to fulfilling the educational agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He recalled his experiences as a student in 1978, describing the vibrancy and pride associated with being an “Ife product.”

The council, under Oyeweso’s leadership, has already identified key challenges facing the university, including deteriorating hygiene and sanitation, indiscriminate borehole drilling, and pothole-ridden roads. He attributed these issues not only to government neglect but also to inadequate policy implementation.

To address these challenges, Oyeweso has proposed practical solutions. These include developing an official history of the university to preserve its legacy, leveraging government resources like TETFund, engaging alumni for donations, and inviting private investment in profitable ventures. The council has also constituted a 19-member Strategic Planning Committee for a 2025-2050 development plan, focusing on long-term sustainability and growth.

At the 48th convocation ceremony, Oyeweso highlighted recent achievements, such as the promotion of staff, renovation of student hostels, and steady power supply to key facilities. The council is also revitalizing the university’s investment company, guest houses, and commercial farm, with plans to partner with credible organizations for mechanized farming.

The proactive measures being implemented signal a promising future for OAU. With Professor Oyeweso’s visionary leadership, the university is poised to reclaim its status as a world-class institution and a hub for academic and infrastructural excellence.

Tunde Akanni is an Associate Professor of Journalism at Lagos State University. Follow him on X @AkintundeAkanni.

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