The staff unions at the University of Ibadan (U.I) has described the nomination of the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Adewole as minister by President Muhammadu Buhari, as one based on merit, rather than primordial sentiments. The unions also urged the President to appoint the Professor of gyneacology, Health Minister or Education Minister.
The prof's tenure would lapse as the VC on November 30, 2015 after five years in the saddle, a period which many has described as that of a meritorious positive turn-around and improving the ranking of the university in International community and infrastructure on campus.
The Chairmen of Academic and Non-academic unions in the university, while reacting to the nomination of Adewole, stated he would do well if placed in the Education or Health ministry, however, maintained that the outgoing VC was a good manager of men and resources.
The chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), U.I chapter, Prof. Olusegun Ajiboye, stated the five-year tenure of Adewole witnessed monumental achievements, stating that though the nominee would deliver well on any ministry assigned to him, he would prefer him to be assigned the education ministry.
He said, “The university grew in leaps and bounds. He was admired by both the staff and students. I am sure he is a potential asset to the country.
"He will surely deliver in any assignment given to him. I wish he is assigned to the education Ministry”
Adewole was recently conferred with Doctor of Science degree by University of Sutherland, UK for his outstanding academic career and commitment to the promotion of medical screening and preventive medicine in Nigeria.
As stated by Ajiboye, the nomination was a right step towards the change that Nigeria needs by appointing change agents who have achieved global recognition in their chosen academic career and have unblemished administrative records
The chairman of the university’s Senior Staff Association of Universities, Comrade Wale Akinremi, said: “the nomination of Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole as a minister was received by the university of Ibadan community with great enthusiasm. We can vouch for his professional pedigree and administrative competence.”
“He is a good manager of men and resources, good listener and compassionate leader. He is competent to handle many of our ministries.
"He has the prayers and support of the vast majority of the University of Ibadan community and we assure Nigerians that whatever ministry given to him is going to enjoy tremendous development.”