Prof. Balogun Has Set A Benchmark – Dr.Ogunlesi
Dr. A. O. Ogunlesi, CMD, NPH, Aro, Abeokuta
The Provost and Chief Medical Director, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Adegboyega Oyekanmi Ogunlesi, has given his assessment of the tenure of Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
His verdict; “Certainly, Professor Balogun has set a monumental and unimpeachable benchmark. That benchmark is outstanding and it is highly commendable. Professor Balogun has laid a solid foundation, which makes the job quite easier for his successor”.
Dr. Ogunlesi, who only two weeks ago became a Fellow of the prestigious Royal College of Psychiatry, United Kingdom, spoke in an exclusive chat with FUNAAB Bulletin, in his office.
Apparently impressed by the catalogue of Professor Balogun’s achievements in office, the Provost could not hold back his showers of commendations, while extolling the sterling leadership qualities of the Vice-Chancellor, who is about to complete his tenure of office.
Dr. Ogunlesi continued, “Save for bureaucracy and fairness, I wonder why a good man, an astounding achiever like Professor Balogun should leave an establishment that he nurtured to unprecedented heights. One good term should deserve another”, he added.
“The Vice-Chancellor’s achievements are something that will outlast him. They are legacies that will endure; which is unimpeachable. His tenure will stand out in bright colour”, he added.
Speaking further, the Chief Medical Director said he was not surprised that Professor Balogun was highly successful, noting that he is God-fearing and was really prepared for leadership.
According to him, “Before he became, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Balogun had been groomed for leadership. He had worked with giants in the academia.
Professor Balogun had sat on the shoulders of giants and as such, was programmed to see far better than the giants as FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor. Besides, he also has the fear of God in him”.
He described the Vice-Chancellor’s success in office as a challenge to those of them coming behind him to succeed.
He urged professor Balogun to package his leadership experiences into a memoir, in order to serve as reference point and guide for upcoming Chief Executives and Administrators.
His words: “To some of us that are still coming behind, it is a challenge to us. If Professor Balogun can do well, we also can do better. We hope he will write a memoir on his giant strides as Vice-Chancellor, so as to serve as guide to upcoming Administrators”.
Baring his mind on the challenges before the in-coming Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Dr. Ogunlesi gave some hints: “Professor Balogun’s successor must have to combine some of the attributes that stood him out. He or she must have the ability to synergize with every stakeholder of FUNAAB”.
He also said the next Vice-Chancellor “must identify the appropriate mode of interacting with Abuja (the government), in such a way that the University’s funding profile will not go down but rather appreciate”.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ogunlesi has called on the Federal Government to take advantage of Professor Balogun’s sterling qualities and wealth of experience by engaging him for more services, at the national level.
He stated that Prof. Balogun had a lot to offer the nation, saying, “It is imperative for concerned authorities to find a way of bringing Professor Balogun to national relevance. With all his achievements and sterling qualities, he should not just go back and be wasting away in the classroom. He has a lot to offer this nation. I pray God to spare his life”.