Head Of Service Hails Adebowale For Preserving UI’s Heritage, Building Resilient Institution

Enitan gave the commendation while chairing a valedictory ceremony organised to mark the successful completion of Adebowale’s tenure as vice-chancellor at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.

The ceremony, themed: “Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service,” brought together representatives of government, university administrators, union leaders, religious leaders, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders in the university.

In his remarks, the Head of Service said Adebowale’s leadership aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to position Nigeria for greatness through strong institutions and a knowledge-driven economy.

He said the Federal Civil Service was undergoing comprehensive and focused reforms aimed at making it more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred.

“In appreciation of the foregoing and in the wider context of ensuring effective implementation of government policies to improve the living conditions of Nigerians, the Federal Civil Service is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred in tandem with Mr President’s reform agenda,” Enitan said.

He added that the reforms would be pursued more vigorously under his leadership as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, expressing confidence that the university system would benefit significantly from their positive outcomes.

In his valedictory address, Adebowale said an organisation that failed to care for its people could not fulfil its mission, adding that his administration was leaving behind a strong, though imperfect, institution.

He acknowledged that more work remained to be done at the University of Ibadan, particularly in addressing funding challenges and providing the infrastructure required to build a world-class institution.

“Leadership is a burden. Every decision carries the weight of lives and destinies. I have led by listening to the community and through consultations. I have insisted on due process, defended autonomy, and governed with integrity,” he said.

Adebowale noted that the university continued to attract outstanding students and reputable scholars, adding that his administration had worked to ensure that its research addressed Nigeria’s needs through partnerships with government agencies.

He emphasised the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure and institutional development to strengthen the university’s capacity to deliver on its academic and research mandates.