The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo in a cheerful mood with
the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun during a visit to the Monarch.

Though the occasion was a courtesy call on the monarch by the members of the Presidential Visitation Panel to UNAAB, Oba Gbadebo could not hide his admiration for Professor Balogun, who guided the Panel to the palace, saying his record of achievements since he assumed office, over three years ago, was unprecedented in the history of the University.

Ake Palace literarily stood still for the Vice-Chancellor when the Royal Father, who spoke as the “representative of the host community”, declared thus:

“I especially wish to place on records and appreciate the sterling qualities of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor of the University, who since the inception of his administration has left nobody in doubt as to his unalloyed commitment to take the institution to greater realms of excellence”.

Oba Gbadebo, who is known for not mincing words, thanked the Presidency for giving UNAAB, Professor Balogun, whom he described as “a visionary administrator whose deftness and outstanding leadership acumen, unambiguously distinguished him as being primus inter pares”.

The Paramount Ruler, who expressed joy over the development and progress of UNAAB, passed “a vote of great confidence on the quality execution of its (UNAAB) mandate of research, teaching and extension”.

He stressed, “We are especially delighted at its record of achievements of an unprecedented employment generation for the educated, artisans and youth generally.  As such, the University holds a pride of place in the heart of every Egba indigene, both at home and in the Diaspora”.

Responding, while giving a vote of thanks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, thanked the Paramount Ruler for his usual prompt response to the University’s clarion calls, even at a short notice.

He stated that Oba Gbadebo’s favourable disposition to the University, underscored the enviable, harmonious relationship between the academic community and its host.

Prof. Balogun pointed out that Oba Gbadebo’s ‘fatherly’ role had helped greatly in moving the University to greater heights while his Olori (Queen), had equally proven to be an exemplary mother to both students and staff of the University.

The Vice-Chancellor also thanked Egba High Chiefs for gracing University events and more importantly, for always being at the palace to receive UNAAB team whenever it is visiting.