The irresistible fervour of responsible leadership seeped through the Vice Chancellor's Conference Room, captivating celebrants and guests alike on Friday, 19th January 2024 as the University Management rolled out the drums to celebrate two of its former members, Prof. Wahab Elias, who was Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic between 26th August 2020 and 26th August 2022, and Prof. Emmanuel Layi Adebayo, who was University Librarian between 2nd December 2019 and 30th November 2023.
The sendforth party which, in the words of one of the celebrants, Prof. Wahab, was "unprecedented" culminated in the showering of effusive praises on the motherly Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM who, although not one of the celebrants, unwittingly became the centre of attention for giving life to the initiative.
When the VC took the microphone to speak, it was to give the two former principal officers, the onset of whose tenures predated her assumption in office, their flowers, in a show of large-heartedness.
"We conceived this idea because we saw the need to appreciate those that have laboured for the university, especially during my tenure. You can come in as a leader with great visions, but when you don't have the men to run with the vision, you can't achieve anything", she reflected rather philosophically."
She then said of the former DVC, Academic, Prof. Elias: "When I assumed this position, he approached me to know what he could do to further the vision of my administration and I told him my target was to realize the vision of the establishment of three new Faculties. He told me to consider it done, and went on to work assiduously, leading the team that prepared the curriculum for the new programmes. Today, those programmes and even those that were already in the pipeline before we came, have all been accredited.
"Prof. Wahab was one of those men who helped me achieve my vision, and I thank him most sincerely."
She also had some kind words to say about the former university's librarian. "Your wit helped to enliven our management meetings; you are very constructive in your contributions, and under you, our library has made tremendous progress. I thank you particularly for playing your part in the success of our accreditations."
On a final note, she added, "If you need somebody to work with you as a leader to achieve success, you need reliability, loyalty, trustworthiness and competence, and these men have those attributes."
The VC's speech paved the way for further tributes from former colleagues of the celebrants in the university management, the DVC, Academic Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan; the DVC, Administration, Prof. Adenike Boyo; the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel FANU; the Bursar, Mr. Said Olayinka and the University Librarian, Dr. Omawunmi Makinde. The Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Shehu Akintola and Director, DICT, Prof. Toyin Enikuomehin also extolled the virtues of the duo on behalf of Deans and Directors present at the event.
To crown the occasion, the Vice Chancellor presented gifts on behalf of the management to the duo in appreciation of their services.
When it was time for responses, Prof. Wahab, an alumnus of LASU and former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, expressed his gratitude to the VC for the honour. He said, "From the bottom of my heart, I thank the VC. I have been in LASU for many years and I have never seen this kind of gesture; it is unprecedented. Throughout my service as DVC, she gave me free hands to work and welcomed my contributions. My prayer is that you will finish well, ma."
On his part, Prof. Adebayo, who is now the Acting Dean of the School of Library and Archival Studies, also praised the VC for being "a good person and a welfarist" who encouraged all her team members to succeed. "She gave me all I wanted to succeed, and I am grateful to her."
In addition to the Deans and Directors present, the event was witnessed by the wife of Prof. Adebayo, colleagues of the celebrants and members of the Vice Chancellor's office.
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