UPDATED: UI names Prof Adebowale as 13th VC By Yinka Adeniran

Professor Kayode Adebowale has been named as the 13th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan in Oyo State. Adebowale, a Professor of Chemistry, was the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin) of the University until he was named. His emergence followed the final screening by the Joint Senate-Council Selection Board of the University at the Adeoye Lambo Senate Chamber on Thursday. - Advertisement - The board had reduced the number of candidates to eight on Wednesday after screening the 15 applicants for the position. The eight successful candidates participated in the final interview on Thursday after which three candidates were selected. - Advertisement - Those who scaled through screening on Wednesday include the Acting VC Prof. Adebola Ekanola; Professors Yinka Aderinto, Adebowale, Ademowo and Salako. Unveiling the new VC at a press conference which at the Conference room of the VC’s office, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governor Council, John Odigie-Oyegun said the candidate emerged after a rigorous exercise. Oyegun said: “On Wednesday, 13 October, 2021 Council interacted with all 15 candidates. All members of Council scores the candidates using approved Council guidelines. At the end, eight candidates in order of merit were shortlisted for the final interview. “At the meeting two members of Council as required by law were also appointed. Earlier in the week, Senate had elected two members of Senate to serve on the Selection Board for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor. “Today, Thursday the Joint Council-in-Senate Selection Board interviewed the eight candidates shortlisted. Two representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education were in attendance. “At the end of a very thorough, transparent and highly competitive exercise, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale emerged as the best candidate for the position if the Vice Chancellor. “The Governing Council as it’s just concluded meeting today considered the report of the Selection Board and approved the recommendation of the Board to appoint Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale as the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.” Speaking after his presentation, the new VC said he was not the best candidate but God gave him the opportunity because there is work to be done. He said: “It is a privilege for me to serve. The Professor Adebowale seated here is not the best out of the candidates. “God just want me to serve. The University has gone through some challenging times and there are so many things we have learnt there. “I am not the best but God just put me there because there is a work to be done. “With the support of Council, Senate, workers, congregation and all others, we shall move this university to a greater heights.” The post became vacant on December 1, 2020. The process of appointing a substantive VC has been married with some crisis which led to the appointment of an Acting VC, Prof Adebola Ekanola currently his second term of six months.