By Olasunkanmi Olajide
In accordance with tradition, the University Management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde convened an Appreciation Meeting with other Principal Officers on Friday, May 3, 2024, to honour Prof. Christian Ikeobi, the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, whose tenure ended recently.
Addressing attendees at the meeting held at the International Scholars’ & Resource Centre (IS&RC), the Vice-Chancellor stated that the purpose of the meeting was to honour Prof. Ikeobi for his dedicated service to the University, adding that his tenure was marked by a commitment to excellence, thoroughness, and integrity.
The Vice-Chancellor observed that Prof. Ikeobi, whose name became synonymous with sterling qualities, approached his role with zeal and passion, having previously served in various capacities within the University.
According to him, his extensive experience in academic and administrative leadership, spanning from Departmental Headship to Directorship and Deanship, equipped him well for the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic.
Prof. Kehinde noted that under Prof. Ikeobi’s stewardship, discipline and order were upheld within FUNAAB’s academic structure, reflecting the University’s commitment to maintaining high standards.
Drawing on the biblical injunction, the Vice-Chancellor likened the reverence of Heads of Departments towards the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, to the beginning of wisdom, highlighting Prof. Ikeobi’s significant contributions in upholding FUNAAB’s standards.
According to him, “Prof. Ikeobi ensured discipline and order in the academic structure of FUNAAB and the least we can do is to appreciate him with this kind of gathering.”
Corroborating the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, lauded Prof. Ikeobi’s humility and dedication to academic excellence.
He noted that Prof. Ikeobi’s passion for academia extended beyond administrative duties, as he actively engaged in teaching and supervising students, even while in office as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic.
Prof. Akinyemi, however, said, “We have not seen your best yet and we have not seen your end yet.”
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo, on the other hand, recounted his longstanding relationship with Prof. Ikeobi, commending his steadfastness and commitment to the University’s traditions.
According to him, “Prof. Ikeobi taught me as a student and one of those things I learned from him was how to say no to our colleagues and the ability to stand firm in the face of adversaries.”
In her comments, the Acting Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu stated that it was a great honour for her to have met Prof. Ikeobi, recalling when she was the Deputy Registrar in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, and when Prof. Ikeobi was appointed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, adding that she enjoyed working with him.
She, however, expressed gratitude to Prof. Ikeobi for the support and encouragement when she became the Acting Registrar, while Dr. Abayomi Owolabi, the University Librarian, commended Prof. Ikeobi for his familiarity with names of virtually every member of the University and his contributions to the development of Library and Information Science as a course at FUNAAB.
Responding to the accolades, Prof. Ikeobi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve FUNAAB, attributing his career path to divine providence.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor for giving the University a good atmosphere which was evident in the meeting, adding that Prof. Kehinde was very knowledgeable about the system.
According to him, “There is nothing you can do to hoodwink him. There is nothing I know on this campus that he doesn’t know, he is a super encyclopedia of rules and regulations, including students’ results.”
Speaking further, he said he took it as a special privilege to have served as HoD, Director, Dean – COLANIM, Dean – Student Affairs and DVC, Academic, noting that he was not perfect as he could have made mistakes.
He equally appreciated the other Principal Officers for their kind words and well-wishes, even as he also acknowledged the support of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako for nominating him as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of a large portrait and gifts to Prof. Ikeobi, symbolising the University’s appreciation for his service and dedication.
