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5 YEARS ON, PROFESSOR FABORODE RECOUNT ACHIEVEMENTS

EXCERPTS:
How would appraise your tenure in terms of achievements recorded in the past five years?
I have come to find it interesting now that we have come this far to be talking of what we have been able to do. I will like to categorize the achievement into three broad areas of appraisal.

What we see readily are the physical structures or physical development of the campus. In terms of that, there is no doubt that the campus environment has been greatly transformed. New structures, new edifices, new facilities have been added to existing ones we met when we came on board. More importantly, the spectre of abandoned projects has been banished. When I came in, the campus was littered with abandoned projects since early 80s. One by one, we have been able to dispatch most of them.

The general atmosphere on campus in terms of general maintenance, cleanliness, in terms of maintaining the master plan is such that anybody who had been here before and comes back now would be very proud that, at least, we are leaving it better than when we met it. The second aspect has to do with achieving peace. Before we came in, the school was closed every now and then. All together we have lost 3 to 4 academic sessions. A four-year programme would usually be completed in 7 or 8 years. Right now, that has virtually become a thing of the past. Until a few weeks ago, we had been sustaining that. Now that is very significant because stability is a measure of integrity of any university. There can be no progress in any system that is not stable.

So my first year in office was devoted to studying critically the nature of instability so as to begin to device ways out. A stable environment brought in a lot of confidence in the public, in students themselves, in the alumni and of course both in the national stakeholders and international community. We were able to rake in a good flow of funding for research and university development both from within and outside the country. We were able to get resources from those who now believed in the university especially the alumni who renewed their nostalgia for the university. They became that passionate and came up with series of goodwill, donations, funding and resources. All these also translated to physical development of the university. So achieving that peace is very important.

The other dimension of this is the considerable degree of re-orientation of students� populace to believe in themselves as part of stakeholders in term of progress of the university not in term of causing problem. Not in terms of trying to agitate but the fact that they now believe that they have to be part and parcel of the progress of the university, so they organized themselves properly. They have credible election without much wrangling and where there were few cases, electoral committee of the students union handled it and so we are very proud that OAU on itself could be a beacon of hope in terms of organizing free and fair election. So the first President from that exercise just graduated last year. The second one also graduated after that year. They almost made a first class. So these are credible achievements that inform further achievements in the campus.

The third and for me the most important emblem of this tenure is the systematic structural and systemic re-organization of the functions of the university so that the university can be governed along stable and credible structure and processes that guarantee continuity. My belief is that we should build institutions rather than personality. When you build institution, processes and system, then you are designing for stability, sustainability, continuity because good structures and good processes would continue. It is when you just depend only on personality and when the personality leaves, you cannot guarantee what could happen. So I am very confident about the sustainability of the OAU progress about the continuity of the enterprise, about how what we have done is going to remain. It is because we have established a very credible system and that will make the system to survive.

And what we have done was that we tried to separate the university investment�s efforts from the academic conduct because the university investment projects must not be allowed to interfere with the basic functions of the university i.e the academic, the teaching, the research and the community service functions, even though on the long-run, they can benefit either way. You know it is a mutual effort, the viable and good investment efforts will aid academics because it will bring resources and it will also challenge the academics to use their knowledge profitably but they must be properly separated so that one will not interfere with the other.

What are challenges that you faced while making these changes and how were you been able to make headway because there would be opposition to changes?
In bringing change, you must understand the price on the builders and other stakeholders. Sometimes, it calls for some degree of firmness to really ensure that you deter people who do not want change or who want to oppose the process you are making not to have their way, otherwise the success you have attained may be a mirage.

So it is a duty of any manager who wants to implement change to press hard on goal of success because that is the only way you can demonstrate that change has positive consequence. You cannot argue it out that it is the people that did not allow you to perform. They will say what is your problem? But if, in spite of all challenges, obstacle and problems, you have success, have good governance, physical success, good system, then everybody will begin to say that perhaps you would have achieved more if they had given you all the support and condition. So there are obstacles, problems, there are challenges but from day one, I knew that one must not allow such things to deter you in the course of progress that you want to embark upon; otherwise people will deny that they are the cause of your failure. But when you succeed, everybody will say they are part and parcel of your success.

Can you count one or two things you are not able to do before the expiration of your five year tenure?
I was not under any illusion that I will be able to do all that I have in mind to do. Don�t forget that I came in with some sets of ideas and plans of action. But when I came, I made some adjustments based on the level of resources available because along the line, I discovered that the priority must change. But when you look at it from the balance, what I can say is that we have even surpassed our initial expectations. A number of structures were actually executed by this administration that we never had the plan to do. For instance, the Natural History Museum was not part of the things we desired to do. The new post graduate building, I never thought I was going to do such a thing. Skye Bank is building an ICT building; I didn�t say I was going to do that. Even the First Bank lecture theatre constructed was not part of the initial plans. So a number of things have come along that we did not plan for but by doing some other things, we were able to raise more resources than we expected. We were able to do more than what we could.

If I would say there is something I wanted to do that I have not done it is the ETF (Education Trust Fund) project. Essentially, sometimes last year, we got the ETF projects and the mandate was that we must submit our proposals immediately and by mid November last year, the project would commence. Now, we have not started because the processes of getting ETF funding is more cumbersome than what we imagined. But we are almost there, the project is there and will continue. I am sure that whoever is coming would allow those projects because they were planned by committee that was all-embracing, totally inclusive of all sectors of the university. So the priorities were set by everybody. It was an agenda that if whoever is coming is an internal candidate, he or she is part of the system, so I am sure they are going to continue with it.

One thing we have started which I know that is not a project of one or two days is the Science and Technology Park of the university which has been on the drawing board. This is the component being handled by a combination of alumni and industry practitioners who have more drive to get things going than the traditional university bureaucracy would allow. Again we have seen that through a partnership with the industry, alumni, we can move things fast. We can get better results than just rely only on our own ideas in the university because there are other contending issues. The �Knowledge Park� which is a community project will benefit the youths, Ife community, the people of Osun State and indeed, all the students in the Southwest especially Nigeria because we are expecting the beginning of what is going to transform the economy to productive economy where the brains of the youths will be harnessed, where their intellects would be challenged and their creativity will come to the fore.

Do you think five year single tenure is enough for anybody to make any meaningful achievements as VC in Nigerian university, would you seek for elongation of period?
The new system evolves from the realization of the challenges that is inherent in the old system. Succession was always a problem especially when the incumbent is involved. I think the advice was that to do one term so that there would be no trouble in trying to remain in office. To that extent, I have always believed that one term should be okay. But there are those who feel that five years is too short. Our colleagues from other universities like Ghana and others when we met during the university leadership forum held at South Africa expressed misgiving that this short tenure of Nigerian system is not good and will not allow the system to grow.

I think with the benefit of the experience of my five years term and what we have been able to do, I can confirm that five years is enough and adequate tenure for you to make any impact that you want to make. It is better to leave when the ovation is loudest. I think when you begin to go beyond the tenure of five years, the struggle of succession is always bloody; I think from what we have been able to do we have established that with five year tenure, there can be good services in the post of VCship more than people have seen before. People have been trying to ensure that they have something credible after they had left. I for one, I would not want to do anything beyond five years single tenure.

Assuming you are appointed again to serve in another institution as VC, would you offer yourself?
Maybe you are not aware that there are others that did not take up such appointments. There are others who were nominated but who rejected the offer. It is not as if one is leaving to take another appointment. Now when any such appointment is made, one has to consider a number of things. If it is taken as a challenge or on a rescue call or mission because they know that you will do it well, somebody might consider it. For me, personally it is not something I look forward to. I believe I should continue with my academic callings.

What is your advice for the incoming VC?
He has to be liberal-minded. He must have a large heart and be very respecting and determined. Don�t rush into evaluation. Don�t rush into conclusion, Don�t rush into judgment. He must try to be inclusive and bring everybody along; he must consult widely in taking decision and believe in those that you have chosen to work for you. He must have a cabinet that is united and working towards fulfilling the vision and mission of the university. These are the general parameters.

How would describe the job of a VC and what has the position taken away from you?
It is the job that takes your totality; a job that you devote your life to if you really want to achieve. It is not the job for the weak. The other aspect is that it is a job for the entire family. You must share the joys and pains with them. The family must be able to assist you because there is emotional stress. The physical aspect is that when you travel away from your family, you are not close to your family. And when there are challenges, you must not be alone in the thinking, working out the solution. Of course, the VC�s lodge is a public place; people would be coming out in and go out and your family has to understand this.

You must tolerate everybody that comes because their belief is that you have solution to their problems. It is a job that keeps you completely out of your own life if I may say that. During the last convocation ceremony, I have to thank my family because both the assets and liabilities of the tenure are shared. Like I said, the liability of this tenure is more than the assets because children would always complain that they cannot do this or that. I say to them that this is the price you have to pay for being the son or daughter of VC. They cannot just do anything like others. You just must be a good ambassador of the family. You must radiate the best in terms of discipline, commitment in whatever you are doing. My children, three of them were in the university while I was VC and so it was very difficult for them. It was a very trying moment for them particularly, when we have little challenges.

I think at the end of the day, we give all glory to God. It is a very fascinating job, very challenging. It takes a lot from you. As far as Vice Chancellorship is concerned, if you succeed in Ife, you will succeed anywhere in the world. At this time we can say we have done something and that the tenure has not been all problems. There is more on the positive side that one can look back and say that I have made a contribution to my Alma matter.

PROFESSIONAL INDUCTION: OAU GRADUATES 198 DOCTORS AND DENTISTS

University.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Michael Faborode, stated this during the 28th Professional Induction Ceremony for 198 Doctors and Dentists at the amphitheatre section of Oduduwa Hall of the Institution.

Professor Faborode, who expressed his appreciation for the effort being made by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to streamline the registration of doctors and dentists, said that the large number of students that had been trained was done at personal and institutional sacrifice.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, states that the University is poised to maintaining the MDCN quota and will continue to ensure compliance in the admission process, adding that OAU admitted only 94 students for Medicine this academic session in compliance with the MDCN directive.

The Vice-Chancellor then charged the inductees to be conscious at all times that providence has placed upon them higher responsibilities, first to their patients, and then the Nation.

Professor Faborode also implored them to be good ambassadors of OAU anywhere they are, urging them not to do anything that can dent the image of their families and professional callings.

Challenging them on ethics and moral values, the Vice-Chancellor advised the new doctors and dentists to set a good example of morality in order to rescue Nigeria from its corruption and decadence, urging them to use their knowledge and skills in the interest of humanity and to also treat their patients as human beings.

Earlier, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Eyitope Ogubodede, had enjoined the newly qualified graduates of Medicine and Dentistry not to abuse their positions and to treat every patient politely while also respecting their dignity and privacy.

Encouraging them to keep their professional knowledge and skills up to date through regular participation in Continuing Professional Development Programmes, Professor Ogunbodede urged them to acquire, at least, one postgraduate degree and do everything within their power to save the lives of their patients.

The Provost advised them to build their future success on a foundation of integrity, good character, honesty, hard work, a compassionate lifestyle and honest dealings with the people they meet and those who come under their care, adding that the international community has duly acknowledged the professional competence of �our products�.

He, therefore, prayed that God shall grant the inductees His favour anytime and anywhere they found themselves.

ONDO GOVT TO PARTNER WITH OAU

known by the Governor of the Sunshine State, Dr. Segun Mimiko, when the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Michael Faborode, paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Akure.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, states that Governor Mimiko, who is an alumnus of the College of Health Sciences of OAU, said he was very much pleased with the academic, administrative and infrastructural developments taking place in the Institution under the leadership of Prof. Faborode.

Dr. Mimiko then implored the Vice-Chancellor to come up with idea(s) that can be of much benefits to the re-organization and smooth running of the Ondo State owed tertiary institutions, especially Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.

The Governor, who said OAU was his political incubator and that his presents ideals were injected into him during his Student Union days at �Great Ife�, urged the present leadership of the Students Union not to allow exhibition of exuberance to erode the labour and beautiful gains of their past heroes.

He, therefore, called on the stakeholders to jealously guard and improve upon the academic standard and intellectual sanctity of OAU so that the University can further build up and maintain its leadership position both nationally and continentally.. Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Faborode, had congratulated Dr. Rahman Segun Mimiko on his assumption of duty as the new Governor of Ondo State. He urged him to use his talents and the innate qualities of those around him to formulate and implement policies that would be beneficial to the masses and make life more meaningful to them. Professor Faborode, thereafter, called on the OAU alumni within and outside Ondo State, all the indigenes of the state, and other stakeholders to rally round Dr. Mimiko�s administration in order to make it a huge success. He promised that OAU will do all within its power and resources to partner with Ondo State Government in assisting its education sector.

PRAY FOR US: OYINLOLA, FABORODE, URGE CHURCHES

compromising the integrity of the faith passed to us by the Apostles of old in the scriptures.

Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, gave the advice at the Oduduwa Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, during the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, states that Governor Oyinlola, who was pleased by the theme of the meeting: �The Youth of Our Church�, enjoined parents and church leaders to combine their effort in making sure that the younger ones are brought up in the way of the Lord.

He noted that Osun State has a very large population of youths in various institutions of higher learning, and is peaceful and conducive for conferences, seminars and tourism. He added that this might have informed the choice of the state by the Anglican Communion as a venue for the meeting (the second time within 18 months).

Prince Oyinlola emphasized that for Nigeria to achieve the objective of becoming one of the economically developed nations by the year 2020, �our youths must certainly have a crucial role to play, and the church is strategically placed to prepare them for future leadership roles�.

According to him, the church must, as a matter of policy, nurture the wide and varied talents of our youths as well as their vibrant energy for the acquisition of sound character and nation-building, adding that parents and elders must certainly pay particular attention to their development.

Governor Oyinlola appealed to the citizenry to joined hands with government in tackling issues like poverty, cultism, get-rich-quick, thuggery and fallen standard of education, urging all stake-holders to invest in youth development to secure the future of our great country.

Earlier, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd. (Dr.) Peter Jasper Akinola, in his welcome address, cautioned Nigeria�s political leaders and office holders against greed and inflation of contract, adding that war against corruption has been stalled.

In his words: �Nigeria sells its own oil, and rather than invest the proceeds wisely in productive sectors of economy, its political leaders simply shamelessly and selfishly distribute the money in the name of remuneration packages, outrageous allowances and totally unnecessary travels for estacode�.

Reminding those who take sinful pleasure in diverting national, state or church resources to private and personal use, Primate Akinola said that �a fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapour and a deadly snare�, adding that �like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay is the man who gains riches by unjust means�.

He, therefore, called on �all thieves to repent and, like the biblical Zachaeus, turn a new leaf�.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Faborode, who commended the Anglican clergy for their prayer which have been sustaining the country, urged them not to relent in committing the youths and their �moulders� into the hand of God.

Prof. Faborode, then, thanked them for choosing OAU as their place and venue of meeting, enjoining them to savour the beauty of the campus and pray for the Council, Senate, Staff and Students of the University for mutual understanding and cooperation, and an uninterrupted academic calendar.

DELTA GOVERNOR COMMENDS OAU ALUMNI

and excellence wherever they are ,thereby contributing positively to the overall growth of Nigeria in general and Delta State in particular.

A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University ,Mr.Abiodun Olarewaju, states that Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan of Delta State made this known in Asaba during a dinner and special awards night organized by the Asaba chapter of the Great Ife Alumni Association.

Apparently elated by the presence of the Principal Officers of the University, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Faborode, the Governor, who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, applauded the authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, for inculcating sound moral and academic discipline into its students.

According to him, the successes recorded by the successive administration in Delta State could be largely traceable to the diligent and hardworking nature of OAU graduates who occupy very sensitive positions of higher authorities within and outside the state civil service.

Governor Uduaghan, who was one of the four awardees, then appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to keep the flag flying, urging him to tell Great Ife in Delta State to venture into politics so that their native wisdom and academic knowledge could be tapped and broadly used to positively advance the cause of Deltans.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Faborode, had commended the government of Delta State under Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan for formulating and implementing policies that are truly beneficial to the people of Delta State.

Prof. Faborode then thanked the Governor for finding OAU graduates worthy of being appointed into sensitive positions of higher responsibilities. He stated that Great Ifes are trained to be kind, loyal and dutiful, adding that no OAU graduate will demonstrate anything less.

Welcoming guests to the occasion, the Chairman of the Asaba Chapter of the Great Ife Alumni Association, Sir, Eseoghene Peter Ogagifo, implored tertiary institutions in Nigeria to show more than passive interest in the organization of their Alumni Associations.

According to Sir Ogagifo,: If this body is properly harnessed, tertiary institutions will experience both financial and material surplus. It will open up massive infrastructural and human development needed for academic progress.

He added that Alumni Associations, especially those of the old generation Universities, could execute projects well over one billion naira each year on campus.

Apart from Governor Uduaghan, other awardees are: Senator Francis Nwajei (1966 graduate of OAU), Engr. Peter Sunday O. Gbandi and Chief Austin Izagbo.

OAU CAMPUS RADIO GETS LICENSE

presented license for the operation of campus radio to 18 universities in Abuja.

This followed the approval given by the Federal Government for the operation of such services by the institutions.

The Obafemi Awolowo University was not left out as the campus radio station set to broadcast on FM94.5 finally got the nod of approval.

Speaking at the occassion, Engr. Bolarinwa stated that �the main purpose of a Campus Radio is to train students of the institution to become professionals in their chosen fields of broadcasting such as scripting, presentation, directing production, engineering, IT, etc.

The Campus Radio is also used to broadcast educational programmes generated from the curriculum of the institution.

He also reiterated the need to give a voice to the unsung talents hidden within the walls of the universities as they rarely get a chance from the mainstream media houses. Engr. Bolarinwa explained that having a campus radio will help in disseminating relevant information to its audiences as it will enable them to report news events that are relevant to the campus community, engage in public service announcements and campus related personal paid advertisements as well as serving as a medium for expression and interaction between and among members of the community.

He however sounded a note of warning, saying that the benefiting vice chancellors will be held responsible for whatever goes on air.

OONI SHOWERS ROYAL BLESSINGS ON COUNCIL MEMBERS

University to the outside world.

This assertion was made by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, during a courtesy visit paid to him by the Council members.

Oba Sijuwade, who aulogised President Yar�Adua for the caliber of people appointed to be on the Council of OAU, said it is not a coincidence that providence has brought them together to serve the country, Nigeria, meritoriously via OAU.

Describing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Faborode, as an achiever and a cool-headed intellectual whose administrative prowess has brought about visible and spectacular progress and peace to the University, Oba Sijuwade urged the members of Council to work harmoniously with the Vice-Chancellor so that more monumental achievements can be recorded during their tenure.

Apparently elated that Professor Faborode will be working with Nigerians of impeccable credentials who will make his job much easier, the Royal father said that we never had it so good, praying that God would grant the Council the needed wisdom, knowledge and sound health to take OAU to a much greater height.

Earlier, the Chairman of Council, Chief Abiola Morakinyo, has solicited the support and royal blessings of the referred monarch and urged him to give them advice on a constant basis.

While commending the innumerable and immeasurable support Oba Sijuwade always gives the University, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Faborode, thanked him immensely for the role he played during the 36th Convocation Ceremonies, particularly for hosting the President of Republic of Benin, Dr. Boni Yayi, and giving him a chieftaincy title.

Professor Faborode then called for continuous harmonious relationship between the Town and the Gown.

ICAN TEAM VISITS OAU, COMMENDS MANAGEMENT

profession is excellent and exceptional.

The team leader of ICAN to OAU, Dr. I.R. Akintoye, FCA, gave the commendation during the team�s courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Faborode, in his office.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, states that Dr. Akintoye, who said that ICAN is very much proud of Obafemi Awolowo University, especially its Management and Accounting Department, for producing Accountants, majority of whom are already qualified before graduating from the University, also enjoined the University authority to constantly put quality control process in motion. According to him, since accountants of OAU extraction are good ambassadors of the University, the process that produced them should not be compromised under whatever guise, adding that the better your product, the brighter your image before colleagues, and before Local, State, National and International communities.

Welcoming the ICAN team on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Funmi Togonu-Bickesteth, eulogized ICAN for bringing the desired sanity to the accounting profession.

She informed them that the University administration would appreciate whatever advice or suggestion the team may give to it to further improve on the existing standard of the Management and Accounting Department, so that its products can remain excellent.

Professor Togonu-Bickesteth also appreciated the dedication to duty of the staff of the Department, adding that Management and Accounting is one of the flagship programmes the University authority is very proud of.

OAU COUNCIL MEMBERS VISIT OSUN GOVERNOR

particularly in the areas of Agriculture and the expansion of Opa Dam, a mini-water scheme,so that portable water will be available at every nook and cranny of the University Community.

Governor Oyinlola stated this in Osogbo when the members of the newly inaugurated Governing Council of the University paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He congratulated the council members for being found worthy to be appointed by President Yar�Adua into the Governing Council of a first class University like OAU.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the University,Mr.Abiodun Olarewaju,states that the Governor who admonished them to see their appointment as a clarion call to serve their fatherland, also appealed to them to use their wealth of experience as celebrated professionals in their various fields to do everything within their skills and means to further upgrade the standard of OAU.

Prince Oyinlola said his administration would commit financial and material resources to the expansion of Opa Dam and purchase more engines and pump with much bigger capacity that can adequately cater for the needs of the community.

The Governor also promised to donate additional tractors to the University to complement the ones he earlier donated in order to boost production of food and crop.

Earlier, the Chairman of Council, Chief Abiola Morakinyo, had lauded Governor Oyinlola on the monumental achievements recorded by his administration and the positive impact of his policies on the entire citizenry.

Chief Morakinyo then pledged, on behalf of other members of Council, that their tenure will bring about physical and progressive developments in OAU.

Thanking the Governor for sparing time to attend to them in spite of his crowded schedule, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Faborode, applauded Prince Oyinlola for according Education a greater priority.

Professor Faborode then promised that OAU will do anything possible to assist to nurture the nascent Osun State University to an enviable institution of higher learning.

OONI SHOWERS ROYAL BLESSINGS ON COUNCIL MEMBERS

University to the outside world.

This assertion was made by the Ooni of Ofe, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, during a courtesy visit paid to him by the Council members.

Oba Sijuwade, who aulogised President Yar�Adua for the caliber of people appointed to be on the Council of OAU, said it is not a coincidence that providence has brought them together to serve the country, Nigeria, meritoriously via OAU.

Describing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Faborode, as an achiever and a cool-headed intellectual whose administrative prowess has brought about visible and spectacular progress and peace to the University, Oba Sijuwade urged the members of Council to work harmoniously with the Vice-Chancellor so that more monumental achievements can be recorded during their tenure.

Apparently elated that Professor Faborode will be working with Nigerians of impeccable credentials who will make his job much easier, the Royal father said that we never had it so good, praying that God would grant the Council the needed wisdom, knowledge and sound health to take OAU to a much greater height.

Earlier, the Chairman of Council, Chief Abiola Morakinyo, has solicited the support and royal blessings of the referred monarch and urged him to give them advice on a constant basis.

While commending the innumerable and immeasurable support Oba Sijuwade always gives the University, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Faborode, thanked him immensely for the role he played during the 36th Convocation Ceremonies, particularly for hosting the President of Republic of Benin, Dr. Boni Yayi, and giving him a chieftaincy title.

Professor Faborode then called for continuous harmonious relationship between the Town and the Gown.