Gbenro Adesina
The appointment of a new vice chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), took a tribal dimension today, as the indigenes of Ile-Ife kicked against the appointment of Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire as the institution’s VC.
Some Ife indigenes, under the aegis of Ife town and gown, opposed the appointment of the Oyan born Bamire because he is not from Ile-Ife, saying that it was high time an Ife born indigene made the VC of the institution.
The VC-designate from Oyan town in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State will have his tenure run from June 7, 2022 to June 6, 2027.
The moment the new VC was unveiled, some indigenes of Ife invaded the school gate and locked the entrance thereby obstructing and creating gridlock in and out of the campus.
PrimeStarNews gathered that 22 Professors contested for the exalted position, with10 professors from the university and 11 from other universities.
The candidates from the institution are: Rufus Adedoyin, Professor of Physiotherapy and former acting Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences who is the candidate of Ife Indigenes, Simeon Bamire, a Professor of Resource Economics and Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics; Kayode Ijadunola, a Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine and former provost of the university’s College of Health Sciences; Gbenga Alebiowu, a Professor of Pharmacy and former provost of the institution’s Postgraduate School; Mabayoje Aluko, a Professor of Sociology and Anthropology and former chairman, Committee of Deans, Gbemisola Adeoti, a Professor of Literature at the university’s English Language Department; Sola Aderounmu, a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering; Bioye Aluko, a Professor of Estate Management; Kehinde Taiwo, a Professor of Food Engineering, Jimoh Farinde, a Professor of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology; and Willie Siyanbola, a Professor at the Centre for Energy Research and Development of the institution.
During the screening exercise, the Council shortlisted 16 candidates, which was later reduced to three, out of which Bamire emerged as the new VC.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Owelle Oscar Udoji, announced the appointment of Bamire as the 12th OAU VC at the Main Hall Africa Centre of Excellence in ICT-Driven Knowledge Park of OAU, on Thursday, in Ile-Ife.
According to Udoji, the council decision would be forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari through through the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.
Udoji noted that the selection process of the 12th OAU VC started on Tuesday December 7, 2021 at the last Council meeting, when it advertised the position in line with the relevant statutes and Acts guiding appointment to the position.
He stated that shortly after the widely advertised position in the media, “the curriculum vitae of all 20 applicants were submitted and at the end, 16 were shortlisted, having met the advertised media”, adding that all the 16 candidates appeared before the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board, with each candidate scored according to stipulated criteria.
He explained that the three highest scoring candidates were presented to the council for further consideration as provided by the law stressing, “The entire exercise of the Joint Selection Board was witnessed by the representatives of the Federal Character Commission, who have confirmed the exercise was fair and transparent.”
Udoji further explained that the exercise was carried out in full compliance with the provisions of the Federal Character Commission Act saying that in line with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act as amended, the report of the Selection Board was considered by the Council.
“After a careful and dispassionate review of the report, they have decided to appoint a Professor of Agricultural Economics from the Faculty of Agriculture of the institution, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, as the next vice-chancellor with effect from June 7, 2022. The decision of the Council shall be communicated to the Visitor to the University, President Muhammadu Buhari, through Hon Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu”, he stated.
Born on January 18, 1959, Bamire completed his primary education in St. Clares’ Nursery/Primary School, Osogbo, Nigeria and his secondary education in St. Charles’ Grammar School, Osogbo.
He was admitted into the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) to read Agricultural Economics in the Faculty of Agriculture.
He completed his first, second and tertiary education in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria with Bachelor of Agriculture in 1985, M.Phil., in 1992, and Ph.D. in 1999.
His PhD thesis won the “National Universities Postgraduate Thesis Award” in 2001. He is presently a Lecturer/Professor in the same Department. Prof. Bamire has also received different awards for his contribution to development of the educational sector.
These include: Award of excellence for contribution to Growth & Development of the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University.
Comments 2