By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu_
The immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kolawole Salako has noted that challenges sometimes can be turned to one's advantage.
He disclosed this on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at the official presentation of a video documentary highlighting the transformation of FUNAAB for the better under his leadership, by PR Primus Limited, a Public Relations outfit.
The event was held in the old Senate Chamber, now referred to as the "Green Chamber," due to the green colour of its refurbished furniture. The video focused mainly on his five-year tenure as the Sixth Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB.
Highlighting the display of resilience in the face of challenges during his tenure, Prof. Salako emphasised that the obstacles he faced while in office contributed to his personal growth and strength which led to the transformation witnessed in the University.
Prof. Salako expressed gratitude to God and everyone present at the presentation, extending special thanks to the Management of PR Primus led by Mr. Akin Okudero, FNIPR, for painstakingly compiling the documentary in an era when revisionists are on the prowl distorting historical facts to suit personal agenda.
Prof. Salako underscored the significance of seizing opportunities, stating that FUNAAB would have missed out on achieving those ground-breaking infrastructural developments if bold steps had not been taken over the five years.
Reflecting on the accomplishments, he said that whatever has been achieved was not for him as an individual but for FUNAAB as an institution. He said, "I ensured judicious applications of available funds up to the last month of our administration. All facets of the University were touched in terms of uplifting them.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde (Middle) with the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako (In blue agbada); CEO, PR Primus, Mr. Akin Okudero (9th Left), as well as Principal and Top Officers of the University, including staff members of PR Primus, immediately after the event_
Photo credit: Gbolahan Lawal.
He, therefore, charged the University to fully leverage the achievements and not under-utilise the available facilities/infrastructure, including state-of-the-art equipment in the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE) Laboratory, Farms, and other units. Prof. Salako acknowledged the contributions of other Principal Officers and all staff who worked with him to achieve his 12-point agenda.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, commended the exemplary achievements of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako.
Expressing his satisfaction with the comprehensive documentation, Prof. Kehinde acknowledged that no individual could accomplish everything, emphasising the importance of recognising and appreciating collective efforts, including continuity.
Earlier in his Opening Remarks, Mr. Akin Okudero, the CEO/MD of PR PRIMUS, acknowledged the support from FUNAAB's Management for allowing the documentary to see the light of day at a critical time in Nigeria.
He positioned the documentary as the initial phase of FUNAAB's broader marketing and public awareness efforts to foster engagement with stakeholders.
In his Goodwill Message, Prof. Christian Ikeobi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), extolled the sterling qualities of Prof. Salako for aligning things correctly, describing him as a visionary leader who had set records for posterity.
The University Librarian, Dr. Abayomi Owolabi commended the achievements of the former Vice-Chancellor, especially in equipping the Library, while he appreciated the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde for currently identifying with further growth and advancement of the Library.
Dr. Owolabi declared that the availability of e-resources in the Library has boosted the capacity of the Library to be IT-compliant. He stated that equipment like the Bookeye, which was purchased during Prof. Salako’s tenure is presently being used to convert hard copies of documents to e-copies.
Dr. Abdusobbur Salaam, the Deputy Registrar I (Senate and Admissions), acknowledged Prof. Salako's historic contributions, urging him to chronicle his achievements in a book.
Also, Mr. Dara Adebimpe, the editor of PR Primus Magazine, commended the unprecedented nature of the documentary, applauding the former Vice-Chancellor for his accomplishments
Highpoint was a formal presentation of the Documentary on FUNAAB's Transformational Strides to the Vice-Chancellor and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, including the Principal and top Officers of the University.
The gathering included prominent figures such as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo; Ag. Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu; Ag. Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga; Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Festus Adeosun; and his Deputy, Prof. Oluseyi Ojekunle; Mr. Dare Folarin of PR Primus; among other high-ranking officials both within and outside of the University.
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