Immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Ibadan, Professor Adeyinka Abideen Aderinto stated on Tuesday that the Premier University needs a Vice Chancellor that will re-engineer and re-invigorate its greatness nationally and internationally.
Professor Aderinto, who is one of the contestants for the 13th Vice Chancellorship of the university will be rubbing shoulder with other 14 aspirants for the job. The tenure of the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka will officially lapsed on November 30, 2020 .
Professor Aderinto , of the Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, has burning desire to transform the premier university based on a mail to the University community entitled “My Desire to Serve as Vice Chancellor” a copy which was obtained by newsmen.
Aderinto who noted that University of Ibadan continues to stand high in the comity of universities globally through the efforts of successive administrations, staff and students of the Institution noting the need to step up however observed that the advancement of the nations poster institution is hampered by funding and infrastructural deficit.
The VC hopeful however asked for the support of the University committee to realise this desire while promising to work for improved funding, fairness to all staff and students and uphold social contract with them
“I have applied for the position of Vice Chancellor for the following reasons. First, the University of Ibadan, over the years, has earned itself a place of pride among the comity of universities in Nigeria and beyond. This position owes to the selfless service of successive administrations, its dedicated staff, students and the goodwill of other stakeholders, especially our alumni. However, the University still faces daunting challenges in the areas of funding,teaching and research infrastructure and living environment that require improvement. These challenges, coupled with the instability in the system,pose serious threats to the attainment of the lofty ideals envisioned by its founders, which are increasingly difficult to realize.
Second, the continued relevance of the University requires internal process appraisal and reform for effective service delivery.
Therefore, our University needs a Vice Chancellor who has the requisite organisational qualities, experience and expertise to negotiate solutions across perspectives and opposing camps to reach compromises that all can accept. I have successfully used these skills in the previous positions I have occupied for which, without being immodest,
I have received commendations from staff and students.I shall be fair to all irrespective of creed, gender, status or ideological persuasions. The keen interest I have in the growth and development of the University, as a staff of this University for 28 years,has made me deeply conversant with the workings of the University.I have actively contributed to the development of our University at all levels through my involvement in administration, teaching, research and community service.
As Vice Chancellor, I will work to improve funding in the University, especially in this challenging era of COVID-19 and beyond. I will uphold a “social contract” with all stakeholders to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency for effective governance of the University. This will involve ensuring the safety and welfare of staff and students by fostering good working relations with all segments of the University, particularly the unions.”
