The VC, Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole (Standing) presenting his Vision and Mission to the Senate Members at its 189th Statutory Meeting held in the Senate Chamber, last week.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole, has presented a new roadmap, encompassing his Vision and Mission, for an accelerated development of the institution, tagged; “Evolution of FUNAAB into A Leading World Class University”.
Presenting the blueprint at the 189th Statutory Meeting of Senate, last Thursday, Professor Oyewole said he owed the University Senate the privilege of revealing his plans and agenda for the period of his tenure of office.
The Vice-Chancellor paid glowing tributes to the institution’s Founding Fathers and the Governing Council, as well as the past Chief Executives, whom he noted, were untiring in their selfless pursuit of the goals of the University and that he was determined “to build on the dreams of the past leaders”.
Professor Oyewole said, “I have come to thank the members of the Senate and indeed the entire staff of the University. I take cognizance of my need to provide effective leadership in order to achieve my Vision and Mission.
I have been receiving the excellent support of the Governing Council; I also need the support and cooperation of the University Senate, for the great tasks at hand. I have therefore come to share with you, not only my Vision and Mission, but also my plan of action, my agenda”, the Vice-Chancellor stressed.
Professor Oyewole then unfolded an 11-point agenda, pivoted on:
1. Visionary leadership and sustainable management of resources;
2. Quality value;
3. Sustainable funding and fund management;
4. Research;
5. Teaching for meaningful learning;
6. Community engagement;
7. Collaboration, Partnership and Internationalisation;
8. Excellent staff welfare and management;
9. Campus development and security;
10. World-class operational standard models; and
11. Strategic plans;
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated the fact that he developed the agenda, based on his conviction that universities should impact on society and take the initiative of driving the engine of development of their immediate environment.
He listed some critical issues that would be required for the advancement of the University community to include students’ welfare and empowerment, towards ensuring cordial relationship, borne out of honesty, transparency, fairness and adherence to due process.
While assuring of uninterrupted municipal services, the Vice-Chancellor said, “Curricula will be reviewed to ensure skills and competences required of the students of the 21st century”, but was quick to add that his administration “will not tolerate cultism, indiscipline and other vices”.
Professor Oyewole assured the University staff that “constant dialogue, fairness, transparency and regular consultations” will be deployed on issues affecting them, while he shall be “very proactive in the treatment of general welfare issues”.
The Vice-Chancellor further demonstrated his commitment to continue with the core strategic programmes of the University which include the Community-Based Farming Scheme; Graduate Farming Employment Scheme; Commercial Tree-Crop Plantation Programme and the Industrial Food Processing Park.
The conclusion of the Vice-Chancellor’s presentation drew a loud ovation of the Senate members, who in their individual remarks appreciated the foresight of the new Chief Executive and pledged their supports for the success of the administration as well as the sustenance of the goal of the University for global excellence.