Ex-VC Popoola Reveals Challenges in Saving UNIOSUN from Collapse

Former Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Labode Popoola, has disclosed how he confronted powerful interests and made tough decisions to prevent the institution from collapsing during his five-year tenure. Popoola revealed this during the public presentation of his book, ‘Navigating Stormy Waters: My Voyage Through UNIOSUN’, at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan. He stated that his administration initially pursued dialogue and persuasion to get stakeholders to change their conduct in the interest of the university and Osun State.

Popoola explained that when his efforts at dialogue and persuasion failed, he had to adopt a tougher approach, including stepping on toes and offending influential individuals to protect the institution. He said he was willing to take unpopular steps to ensure the university's survival, adding that he was good at making tough decisions. Popoola also used the occasion to reject allegations of bribery against him, insisting that he had never given or received a bribe throughout his life.

The former VC further condemned the reluctance of some members of the Nigerian academic community to speak against wrongdoing, attributing it to their desire to maintain relationships with influential people and secure personal benefits. He expressed disappointment that some individuals in the academic community would prioritize personal interests over doing what was right. Popoola emphasized the need for leaders to uphold integrity and make difficult decisions when necessary.

Popoola's administration inherited an institution at risk of collapse but implemented reforms that strengthened its governance, accountability, and financial position. He insisted that the university's subsequent achievements were the product of deliberate efforts rather than chance. The former VC said his administration saved UNIOSUN from total collapse and rebuilt the institution. He also linked the institution's reported recognition as Nigeria's best state university to the reforms and long-term planning undertaken during his administration.

The book launch was attended by notable academics and stakeholders, including the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter Olapegba, and former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Lanre Fagboun. Olapegba noted that leading a university required the ability to balance competing interests while maintaining a clear sense of direction. Fagboun urged university administrators to uphold integrity, empathy, courage, inclusiveness, and a clear vision in their leadership.

Other speakers at the event, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Wale Babalakin, and Distinguished Professor Peter Okebukola, praised Popoola's intellectual capacity, dedication to scholarship, and integrity. Babalakin advised Popoola to remain committed to his values, noting that public reputation and personal character were not necessarily the same. Okebukola stressed the importance of divine guidance in leadership.

The publication, according to the Vice-Chancellor of Edo State University, Iyamho, Prof. Victor Adetimirin, is a useful record of the realities of university governance and administration. Adetimirin said the experiences documented in the book would provide valuable guidance for those who would take up leadership positions in universities. He commended Popoola's dedication to mentoring others.

Key points

• Prof. Labode Popoola's administration implemented reforms that strengthened UNIOSUN's governance, accountability, and financial position.
• The former VC rejected allegations of bribery against him, insisting that he had never given or received a bribe throughout his life.
• Popoola's book, ‘Navigating Stormy Waters: My Voyage Through UNIOSUN’, offers valuable lessons on the complexities of university administration.