The University’s participation and contributions to the ongoing democratization process was visible Monday last week as the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kolawole Salako presented the result of the 2019 Presidential Election in Lagos State at the National Collation Centre, Abuja.
The eyes of millions of Nigerians within and in diaspora were on Professor Salako, who in his capacity as Lagos State Collation Officer for the Presidential Election, presented the result of Presidential election.
Lagos State which is unlike any other state in Nigeria, is indisputably the most strategic and important State in the Federation, having carved a niche as the nation’s former capital, the country’s commercial nerve centre and as Nigeria’s Centre of Excellence.
Given the pedigree and prestigious status of Lagos State, observers are of the conviction and consensus that the fact that FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salako presented the result of Lagos State in the Presidential election is a morale and corporate image booster for the University.
Professor Salako for Sixteen (16) solid minutes commanded the attention of millions of viewers and listeners all over the world who stayed glued to their television and radio sets, as well as their android phones as the VC in a live telecast transmitted by scores of electronic media churned out the votes polled by each of the parties, one after the other with a flawless and audible voice that reverberated into the airwaves and earlobes of many Nigerians, especially politicians of “Sai Baba” APC fold who eagerly awaited the good tiding of electoral victory.
Clad in a crisp designer suit otherwise known as ‘fitted’, Professor Salako made his way to the VIP seat reserved for the Collation Officer at exactly 3.56pm.
The Collation Officer for Lagos State and our own Vice-Chancellor took his seat at exactly 3.58pm and immediately swung into action by introducing the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, Mr. Sam Olumekun and thereafter decleared, “I want to proceed with the result of the presidential election”.
At exactly 4.24pm, Professor Salako was done with his presentation as he presented the election result formally to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu who briefly scrutinized the result, appended his signature, took a quick glance at the Vice-Chancellor, extended a warm handshake and said “Thank you very much Professor Salako”.