LAUTECH: What does appointment of Kalilu as substantive VC mean?
Femi OGUNLANA
Professor Rasak Olatunde Rom Kalilu has been named the substantive Vice Chancellor of the best state University in Nigeria – Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. The announcement came last week following a rigorous screening and interview exercise by the Governing Council of the university headed by Prof Ayodeji Amole. Prof Kalilu, who is currently the Acting Vice Chancellor, emerged the choice from over ten contestants, sequel to which his name was forwarded to the Oyo state governor Engr Seyi Makinde, who is visitor to the university.
Tuesday, the Oyo state Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Salihu Adelabu, in a signed statement, announced the approval of Kalilu as substantive Vice Chancellor by Governor Seyi Makinde, unveiling his tenure will begin June 12.
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What does his appointment connote? What are the expectations looking at his one-year tenure as Acting VC?
1. Governor Makinde meets the aspiration of Ogbomoso people – The appointment of Professor Rom Kalilu is the first for Ogbomoso, the host community of the institution. He is first shon-of-the-soil in the saddle, his appointment is thus a fulfilment of the yearning of the Ogbomoso people. In its over 34 years history no indigenous person has emerged as VC. The good thing is that he did not emerge based on sentiment, it is based on merit both in terms of experience and performance.
2. Greater internationality – Prof Kalilu has activated the drive towards internationality, a vital key to development in ivory towers. His tenure as Acting VC has seen the institution attaining greater global visibility and prominence as well as collaboration with other institutions especially foreign ones and corporations. With him now in the saddle in full capacity, it’s definite this will witness a ramping up that will benefit the institution. “He is a man wired to secure international collaborations,” a don said.
3. Fiscal prudence – Under Prof Kalilu’s watch, LAUTECH is bound to experience fiscal discipline. He is a disciplined man, not given to ostentation, Spartan in living and so is expected to apply iron fist against mismanagement of funds. Misappropriation will not thrive with him at the helms. “Financial discipline will be the watchword,” a staffer of the institution said.
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4. Renewed, enhanced community partnership – The host community, Ogbomoso, has always been a willing partner in the development of LAUTECH, from (or rather before) inception. A lot of Ogbomoso persons especially have contributed in immense ways to advancing the cause of the university – the inputs of the Gbadamosis, the Ayoolas, the Owodunnis and so on will remain indelible in its annals evidenced in the donations of buildings and other facilities. Last year, to aid the fight against insecurity, a socio-cultural association in the city donated drones, motorcycles, laptops and other items, facilitated by Kalilu. With their son as Vice Chancellor for the first time in its 34 years history, a development that received a lot of enthusiasm, it’s certain more will be done.
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5. Triumph of merit over religiosity – The way members of all religions in Ogbomoso supported Prof Kalilu’s emergence is a vibrant testimony of merit over mundane consideration of religion. In fact, Christians supported his choice in large numbers despite having members of their faith in the contest.
6. New spur in LAUTECH’s trajectory – Kalilu represents a new stimulus in the growth of the university especially as it becomes a conventional one. The institution is at the dawn of a new history created by its visitor Governor Makinde, and a brilliant mind like Kalilu who is immune to inanities will be a good partner to drive the goal.
ogbomosoinsightonline.com wishes him the best as he strives to unfold the best ever tenure.
