The valedictory ceremony organised in honour of Adebowale was held at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, with the theme “Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service”. The event attracted members of the university community, government officials, union leaders, religious leaders, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders. Enitan, who chaired the ceremony, described Adebowale’s leadership as one that had helped preserve UI’s proud heritage while building a resilient and responsive institution.
Enitan said Adebowale’s achievements aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to position Nigeria for greatness through strong institutions and a knowledge-driven economy. He also disclosed that the Federal Civil Service was undergoing comprehensive reforms aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, integrity and service delivery. These reforms, Enitan said, would be pursued more vigorously under his leadership to ensure effective implementation of government policies and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
In his valedictory address, Adebowale declared that he was handing over a strong, although imperfect, institution to his successor. He maintained that the university had recorded significant progress during his administration but acknowledged that more work remained to be done, particularly in the areas of funding and infrastructure development. Adebowale stressed that adequate funding remained critical to building a world-class university capable of providing excellent infrastructure and sustaining academic excellence.
Adebowale highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships and research collaboration in ensuring that university research addressed national development needs. He noted that the university had ensured that its researches served the needs of the country through partnerships with government agencies. The outgoing Vice-Chancellor also emphasised that leadership was a burden, and that every decision carried the weight of lives and destinies.
The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ibadan chapter, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, commended Adebowale for his friendly disposition towards the welfare of academic staff. Afolabi, who was represented by his Vice-Chairman, Dr Tayo Ajibade, said Adebowale demonstrated concern for the interests of union members throughout his tenure. He, however, charged the incoming 14th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Olapegba, to make staff welfare a priority in his administration.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on Adebowale’s leadership, celebrate his contributions to the university and outline expectations for the institution’s next phase of development. Adebowale’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor has been marked by significant progress, and his successor will be expected to build on his achievements. The university community will be watching closely to see how the institution continues to evolve under new leadership.
Key points
- The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olumuyiwa Enitan Caleb, commended Adebowale for preserving the institution’s heritage and strengthening its capacity to address emerging challenges.
- Adebowale’s achievements aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
- The Federal Civil Service is undergoing comprehensive reforms aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, integrity and service delivery.
