LAUTECH: High expectations as first Ogbomoso indigene becomes VC
Sunday OGUNKUADE
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As Professor Rasaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu was announced as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, expectations are high, especially given the stiff competition that attended his emergence. He would certainly be challenged by the salient issue that trailed his emergence from the ten other applicants that scrambled for the exalted position who felt short-changed due to speculations that he was favoured on account of town of origin. Contrarily, Prof. Kalilu parades an impressive resume which gave him an edge over other aspirants. Besides, he did not emerge based on sentiment, it is based on merit both in terms of experience and performance.
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What next then? What are the expectations? Prof. Kalilu would be under pressure to build and surpass the performances of his one year tenure as acting Vice Chancellor. Because, the impression among the students and staffs as well as the general public is that he did very well,, which earned him a lot of plaudits. It is therefore, the thinking among the students, staffs and the general public that as he becomes substantive Vice Chancellor, he should hit the ground running.
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There is no doubt, Prof. Rom Kalilu is a man of dignity to watch out for as he takes over the mantle of leadership of one of the highly rated state universities in Nigeria. And as the first Ogbomoso man to become the Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH in the institution’s thirty-four year history, a development which received a lot of enthusiasm, certainly all eyes would be on him. I therefore advise him to deploy similar extraordinary courage, uncommon expertise, integrity, principle and commitment to duty that defined his one year tenure as acting VC, and which endeared him to both the students and staffs. He fought against all forms of indiscipline and corruption and was able to awaken a sense of orderliness in the campus. His stern principle and self-discipline are qualities required of a VC that LAUTECH needs at present. Compared with the past Vice Chancellors of the institution, Prof. Kalilu’s administration would go on record as a watershed in the annals of LAUTECH.
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On a final note, all world religions teach that it is God that gives power to whosoever he deems fit. Professor Rasaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu cannot become substantive Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH except with the knowledge of the Almighty Allah. To move LAUTECH forward, everyone must join hands with him and eschew bitterness. With Kalilu in the saddle, the era of ignominy has come to an end. His experience as acting VC is enough to see him through. Congratulations to the entire people of Oyo State because Prof. Kalilu’s appointment is no doubt a round peg in a round hole.
Ogunkuade sends this piece from Ogbomoso via 08036142877
