OBAMUYI’S MIDAS TOUCH IN ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY
By Olusola Aladesuru
The emergence of Prof. Obamuyi as the 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor (VC) was orchestrated by God, as attested to by the torrential rainfall during his inauguration. In Yoruba culture, such downpours are believed to cleanse the physical space, washing away lingering negativity or obstacles ahead of a new beginning.
The Reopening of the University’s Main Gate and Guest House Gate
Within a few days of assuming office as VC, he ordered the reopening of the main gate to ease the burden that its closure had hitherto placed on the university community. Previously, commuters had to take long detours to access the campus, burning many litres of fuel just to enter the university’s Western Campus. Staff, students, and visitors groaned under this hardship, and many had tragic stories to tell.
One particularly unfortunate incident during the closure involved a staff member who commuted from Ikare. In her bid to save fuel, she would park her car behind the fence (near Pa Adefarati’s property) and trek into the campus through a small pedestrian gate. She did this daily until one afternoon when she returned and found her car had been stolen. No trace of the vehicle has been found to this day, and she received no compensation whatsoever.
While I am not unmindful of the tragic incidents that originally led to the gate’s closure, the State Government had already put safety measures in place to forestall a reoccurrence. I believe that all that was needed was to ensure those security measures remained intact, rather than permanently closing the gate.
Similar woes befell those who regularly needed to use the Guest House gate. They had to embark on a long, arduous journey just to access the University Staff School, which is situated close to the Guest House. As a result of this closure, patronage at the University Guest House and Staff School plummeted to an absolute minimum, leading to heavy financial losses. The lost man-hours, pupils enrolment and revenue cannot be overemphasised. Therefore, it brought immense relief and joy when the gate was eventually reopened.
Procurement of Needed Equipment
In one fell swoop, Prof. Obamuyi galvanised support to purchase some lawnmowers to enhance the university’s aesthetic appeal. To him, an institution is only as good as its outlook. Remarkably, he achieved this without inflicting any financial burden on the university’s already lean resources.
Prof. Obamuyi has an uncanny knack for leveraging his network and contacts to facilitate infrastructural development wherever he goes. This selflessness appears innate, especially considering the general tendency of many Nigerians to hold back unless there is personal gain involved. Prof. Obamuyi remains a stellar exception to this mindset.
For instance, without any prior prompting, he previously facilitated gigantic buildings for his school/faculty at FUTA. Needless to say, they were completed and commissioned to the glory of God and the benefit of humanity. This underscores his deep-seated selflessness. AAUA is truly fortunate to have him, and the community has not seen anything yet!
The Return of TETFUND
Since assuming office, the VC has been making frantic efforts to ensure the return of TETFUND to AAUA. TETFUND is responsible for massive infrastructural developments across Nigerian universities. Recognising that TETFUND is a vital partner to court, his diplomatic efforts are expected to yield positive results.
Windfall Interventions in AAUA
In recent times, AAUA has never had it so good. Receiving two months’ salary in quick succession had previously been wishful thinking, but it recently became a reality to the admiration of all. Many thanks go to the State Government, ably led by the worker-friendly Governor, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Executive Governor of Ondo State.
While staff were still reveling in the euphoria of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s kindness, the university unions brokered a truce with the State Government to end the strike that was ongoing at the time—a clear harbinger of good times ahead. The Governor generously increased the university’s monthly subvention in an unprecedented manner.
This financial boost made the implementation of the Federal Government-Unions agreements possible, bringing the various strikes to an abrupt end. Consequently, AAUA staff now receive an enhanced salary package that will make life much more comfortable in this high-inflation economy.
Furthermore, Prof. Obamuyi has brought his extensive expertise as a long-standing Professor of Finance and Entrepreneurship to bear on the management of the university’s scarce resources. He has opened his doors to everyone who can contribute meaningfully to the institution’s development.
Just a few days ago, he received a comprehensive report from the prestigious Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Akoko District, on how to mobilise more funds and block financial leakages. In the coming days, he will also be meeting with the AAUA Alumni Association, recognising the pivotal role alumni play in the developmental agenda of any university.
Meeting with Critical Stakeholders
Upon assuming office, the VC visited traditional rulers (Obas) and Local Government Chairmen in the four(4) Local Government Areas in Akoko to strengthen the bond between the university and its host communities—an initiative that is already yielding positive fruits.
In his ongoing quest for AAUA’s development, Prof. Obamuyi also paid a visit to the elder statesman, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, who has consistently remained a respected voice in the political landscape of Ondo State.
Internet Connectivity
Prof. Obamuyi’s yearning for a 21st-century university, properly so called, is unmatched. In the realisation of this laudable aspiration, at AAUA, you can now connect to the rest of the world seamlessly via the Internet. In the days ahead, staff and students will be able to browse as they go and work within the comfort of their classrooms and offices.
Many thanks to his innovative leadership.
For me, this marks a new dawn at AAUA. It is a toast to many years of remarkable achievements and the ultimate fulfilment of our founding fathers’ dreams.
Welcome, Prof. Obamuyi!
ALADESURU, A Professional Auditor Writes From No. 37 Ogbon-Omo Street, Owo, Ondo State
