OAU, alumni hail ex-VC Roger Makanjuola at 80
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University has congratulated its former vice-chancellor, Roger Makanjuola.
Mr Makanjuola clocked 80 years on Saturday.
The OAU in a LinkedIn post on Sunday described the erstwhile vice-chancellor as “a true titan of academic leadership, a refined scholar, a compassionate healer and a quintessential gentleman”.
“Today, the Obafemi Awolowo University community celebrates a true titan of academic leadership, Professor Roger Makanjuola, on his 80th birthday,” the school stated.
Recalling his tenure, the institution extolled Mr Makanjuola’s integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to excellence.
“He led during a pivotal era, restoring stability and upholding the highest standards of learning and culture. Beyond his administrative brilliance, his contributions to the field of Psychiatry have mentored generations and transformed mental health care in Nigeria,” it stated.
The university thanked Mr Makanjuola for exercising visionary governance, setting the highest standards of transparency and merit, and creating a legacy that has continued to inspire students and staff of the institution.
A professor at the university and pioneer vice-chancellor of the Osun State University, Sola Akinrinade, said Mr Makanjuola “rendered selfless service and demonstrated that it is possible to serve without compromising one’s values”.
“The part about his legacy being defined by integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to excellence really hit different. Celebrating 80 years of a life well-lived is truly special,” a LinkedIn user, Ajibola Oladoke, stated.
An alumnus of the institution, Abimbola Olowookere, said the former university administrator directly undertook initiatives and actively engaged or mobilised other members of the university community.
“I remember sending him a mail during one of the closures and his swift response. I also remember seeing him around on campus very vividly in faculty areas, student hotels, etc. He led from the front and had his hands on deck,” Mr Olowookere stated.
Another alumnus, Lateef Wahab, appraised Mr Makanjuola’s simplicity.
“Unlike many vice-chancellors you only see during major ceremonies like convocation, you see him around the campus in a simple dress like any other person. He listened to students,” Mr Wahab said.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Suspect arrested over alleged vandalism of TCN towers in Yola
The TCN noted that vandalism posed a severe structural threat to the towers.
NationWide
FRSC targets improved road services
Mr Akume said that the session reflected the need to build stronger institutions.
States
Leaders urged to enthrone security in Northern Nigeria
Mr Adebayo advocated sustained investment in agriculture and productive enterprises to create jobs and reduce poverty.
States
Northern leaders advised to curb almajirai menaceÂ
The professor lamented that while lavish mansions continued to spring up across the region, millions of children remained homeless, hungry and without access to education.
NationWide
Consumers willing to pay for electricity if accurately metered: Expert
Mr Adekahunsi said that poor metering remained a challenge in the country’s power sector.
States
Gov. Makinde to roll out 50 electric buses to ease transportation in Oyo
Mr Makinde noted that projects nominated by residents during town hall meetings were already being implemented across the state.
