The new Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Professor Kayode Ijadunola has spoken on the need for strong collaboration between Ondo State Government and the University.
He was speaking while paying a courtesy call on the Governor of Ondo State, Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa at the Government House in Akure.
He said the Founder of the University, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo has invested so much in the University, not so much for what he stands to gain but as a deliberate commitment to building Ondo State and Ilara-Mokin, the host community.
The Don said the University employs no fewer than 500 Ondo State indigenes alongside others around the world who today contribute substantially to the socio-economic growth of Ondo State, as well as the human capital which is pivotal to sustainable growth and development.
He said, though Elizade University is a private investment, yet it remains a worthwhile property in Ondo State, which will outlive the Founder and continue to prosper the state in a re-generative manner that will impact posterity and the entire human race.
Professor Ijadunola pleaded with the state government to extend its assistance of solar-power to the University which of course is academic home to many students of the Institution who are also of Ondo State origin.
The Vice-Chancellor said he was in the office of the Governor to inform him of his assumption of office as the 4th Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University and to identify with the mood of the state over the demise of the erstwhile Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredelu while also praying for strength and wisdom for Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Responding, the Ondo State Governor, Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa thanked the new Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Professor Kayode Ijadunola whom he described as very agile and responsive.
He appreciated him for being thoughtful as well as for his empathy towards the state government.
He said the death of the former Governor was a big loss because of the great contributions he had made in all spheres of human endeavor.
According to him, the burial of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredelu will not be a gloomy affair but the celebration of life of a patriot who was true to life and mankind.
He said the former Governor will be given a well- deserved state burial, as the family is being awaited for further briefing.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that Elizade University remains a fantastic University and the State Government holds the Founder, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo in very high esteem.
He said the Government and people of Ondo State are proud of the giant strides being made by Elizade University and promised that the request of the Vice-Chancellor for the solar-power light-up of the campus will be given attention.
Meanwhile, the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ijadunola had visited the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi as well as the Alara of Ilara-Mokin, Oba Abiodun Aderemi Adefehinti.
At the Deji’s Palace, Professor Ijadunola solicited the support of the Royal Father and his Kingdom for Elizade University to build a society where the impact of Education will not just be in “paper qualifications” but in the attainment of the “total man” for genuine transformation.
Oba Aladetoyinbo assured of the cooperation of his Kingdom while encouraging the new Vice-Chancellor to break new grounds.
At the Alara’s Palace, Professor Kayode Ijadunola pleaded with the Kabiyesi for continued Royal assistance in order to engender harmony of relationship between the community and Elizade University.
He stressed the need for genuine manifestation of the Town- and Gown experience which of course will bring about real development of un-imaginable transformation.
The Alara, Oba Abiodun Aderemi Adefehinti said Elizade University is the baby of the community and will therefore as a people stop at nothing to preserve and protect the University and its interest.
He assured the new Vice-Chancellor of the support and co-operation of the Alara-in-council and that of the entire community, noting that the Founder of the University, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo and Elizade University remain the glory of Ilara-Mokin kingdom.
On the entourage of the Vice-Chancellor are: Principal Officers, Deans and some key academic officers of Elizade University.
