The first female provost of the College of Medicine of the University of Ibadan (COMUI), Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, completed her five year term.
Omigbodun, a professor of Psychiatry, in a speech available to PrimeStar News said, “As I conclude my tenure, my hearts is filled with gratitude.”
She said, “First and foremost, I want to thank God for granting me this opportunity. I have led with the consciousness that I would one day give account to Him for this privilege, and I can confidently say that He has indeed been my guide and strength throughout this journey, showing up with miracles when we needed them most. As the psalmist says, He is truly the God who performs miracles and displays His power among the people.”
The psychiatrist enumerated some challenges her administration faced saying, “From the onset, we faced the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and the protracted strikes of virtually every union, including the 8-month ASUU strike. We had to come to work every day even when we weren’t paid salaries. We did our very best through all the challenges.”
Pointing out that the true goal of leadership is to ensure continuity, Omigbodun hoped that the incoming administration would build upon the work her administration, and take the College to even greater heights.
She concluded, “I believe deeply in building people, systems, structures and institutions, and I believe within the resources available to us we did our best with the help of God. As we close this chapter, let us remember that leadership is not about being in charge but about taking care of those in our charge. May our legacy endure in the strength and wisdom we have imparted to others. I hope we have inspired everyone to believe that change, progress, and adding value are possible in our respective spheres of influence.”
