It was a deluge of encomiums and commendations for the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, at a send-off ceremony put together by the Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye Trust Fund (PAFOTFUL).
Being part of many activities held to celebrate Professor Ogundipe on the successful completion of his tenure as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, the ceremony which held in the evening on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 saw the Donor of PAFOTFUL, Professor Ayo Ogunye describing Prof. Ogundipe’s wrongful removal from office in 2020 and his eventual reinstatement 3 months later, as an act of God which attests to his deep sense of honesty, respect for rules and sincerity of purpose.
The renowned Professor of Chemical Engineering gave insights into some of the burning issues during the crisis between University Management and the erstwhile Governing Council led by Dr. Wale Babalakin as well as the series of mediatory efforts by him alongside other concerned stakeholders.
He specially gave thumbs up to the University Senate for their firm insistence on due process and their unalloyed support for the Vice-Chancellor, a virtue he adjudged indispensable in protecting the sanctity of tertiary education in Nigeria.
While commending the outgoing Vice-Chancellor’s scorecard, Prof. Ogunye charged him to remain committed to scholarly activities.
In his remarks, immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rahamon Bello described his successor’s triumph as a vindication for himself as well.
Prof. Bello who also recalled some of the events during the crisis appreciated Prof Ogundipe for staying strong, protecting and defending the integrity of UNILAG.
He assured the 13th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, of the readiness of the Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye Trust Fund (PAFOTFUL) to work with her in ensuring the realization of its goals.
There were remarks by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of PAFOTFUL, Engineer Joseph Akpieyi, a BOT Member, Dr. John Erinne and the Deputy Registrar, Office of Advancement, University of Lagos, Mr Adebisi Seth Dare.
The trio commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, for keeping his promise to transform UNILAG into a world-class university.
They also appreciated him for his support for PAFOTFUL especially during the peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic when there were dire needs for Adjunct Lecturers as well as infrastructures in the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department to enhance NUC accreditation process.
In his response, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe appreciated PAFOTFUL for the support and love he enjoyed all through his tenure.
While recalling the beginning of his scholarly journey in UNILAG, Prof, Ogundipe took time to pay glowing tributes to Professor Ayo Ogunye, Professor Olaide Abass and his predecessor, Professor Rahamon Bello for their mentoring over the years.
He dedicated his successes in office to God and assured of his commitment to the good of UNILAG.
Highpoint of the event included presentation of gifts to Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe by PAFOTFUL as a token of appreciation for successful tenure of office and worthwhile service to UNILAG.
