By Chinedu Okafor
The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, has endorsed the reform efforts of the FUOYE’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, urging him to sustain transparency, accountability and purposeful leadership in repositioning the University.
The Bishop gave the charge when he received the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, and members of the University’s management team during a courtesy visit to the John Paul II Pastoral Centre, Ado-Ekiti, the Secretariat of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti.
Describing the visit as a family gathering, Bishop Ajakaye expressed confidence in the Vice-Chancellor’s ability to reposition the University, noting that he had received encouraging reports about the positive changes recorded within the few months of his assumption to office.
According to him, rebuilding an institution requires commitment, courage and optimism, adding that true leadership is measured by the capacity to inspire positive change.
Re-echoing the words of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, he said, “A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”
The cleric advised the Vice-Chancellor to remain focused on the vision of transforming the institution through transparency, accountability and regular evaluation, stressing that “every morning gives us a trial and every evening delivers its judgement.”
He further remarked that attitude is as important as ability, explaining that it is the right attitude that drives ability for exceptional performance.
Commending Professor Ogunwole’s disposition to leadership, he urged him to remain an encourager rather than a complainer and to “work your prayer and work your talk.”
Recalling the cordial relationship between the Diocese and FUOYE, Bishop Ajakaye paid tribute to the University’s former Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Kayode Soremekun, for his compassion in providing employment opportunities to the widows of doctors who died in a tragic road accident while on official medical duty.
He stressed the need for enduring town-and-gown collaboration built on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Bishop Ajakaye also assured the University’s management of his continuous prayers and support, promising to promote FUOYE whenever opportunities arise.
He later presented his book, “Beyond Ideas”, to the Vice-Chancellor as a mark of honour and encouragement.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor , Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole said his administration had prioritised cultural transformation as a critical step towards repositioning the University.
He disclosed that a disciplinary committee had been constituted to address cases of lecturers’ extortion of students, sexual harassment and acts of violence among staff.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the measures were necessary to distinguish FUOYE as an institution driven by integrity, discipline and excellence.
He added that the University was determined to improve on its current standing in future Times Higher Education rankings and reclaim its place among Nigeria’s leading universities.
Professor Ogunwole appreciated the Bishop for his fatherly guidance and spiritual support, describing him as a trusted mentor whose honest counsel would continue to strengthen the University’s resolve to achieve its vision.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Professor Babatunde Omotosho, expressed appreciation to the Bishop for the warm reception, valuable counsel and prayers. He assured him that the University would continue to seek his support as it pursues its vision of academic excellence and institutional transformation.
Other members of the delegation included; Senior Technical Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebola Aderibigbe, Director of Administration in Vice Chancellor’s Office, Mrs. Oyeyimika Koyejo-Fasakin, Dean Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Sister Chika Asogwa, Director of Public Affairs and Communication,(DIPAC), Dr. Sunday Saanu, Protocol Officer, Mr. Abiodun Oloniniyi among others.
Photo credit: Chinedu Okafor
