PROF. ADENIPEKUN’S MANIFESTO IS RELEVANT FOR THE COLLEGE
By: Deji Yesufu
As another round of elections draw close at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, one can not but appreciate the democratic process employed at appointing a Provost there. When I put up my last article on Prof. Adenipekun on social media, somebody from Abuja asked pointedly if such appointments were truly democratic. I told him, rather proudly, that this is the case. In fact, even the model of voting, which was via the internet four years ago, is a model that could someday be developed and implemented by the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). University of Ibadan, always a pacesetter on matter like these, can guide the country to a more credible electioneering process. This is how institutions of higher learning influence societies in developed countries, and this can be replicated in Nigeria also. It is within this great University of Ibadan, and at her College of Medicine, that Prof. Adeniyi Adenipekun is seeking to become Provost. Prof.’s manifesto gives a picture of an individual pursuing to build on the worthy initiatives and visions that the College has enjoyed through viral leadership over the years.
Staff and students’ welfare is Prof. Adenipekun’s foremost and chief concern. The College of Medicine is an organization populated by a viral workforce. Prof. understands that nothing engenders greater productivity than a happy staff. Under Prof. Adenipekun’s administration, lecturers would be supported in publishing their papers: College A&P meetings would be held at least six times a year – to facilitate promotion of staff; there would be conference funding support; beyond promotion, staff would be rewarded for exemplary services; and Prof. Adenipekun would work with the college cooperative and other workers’ groups to enhance the welfare of staff at the College. Those of us who worked under Prof. Adenipekun as head of department, know for certain that top of oga’s concern is staff welfare. This would certainly be replicated at the College under his leadership.
Something else that is paramount in Prof. Adenipekun’s manifesto is a smooth transition from the former administration to a new one. “Continuation” is the key word here in Prof’s manifesto. Prof. Adenipekun does not believe that time and energy should be spent on past issues; he is more concerned with getting the job done and thus would be hitting the ground running. Prof. understands that there are cases of lecturers not having conducive office spaces – he would be endeavouring to solve this problem the very first week he is in office.
Under his leadership, the College would ensure the provision of lecture halls and classrooms for a conducive learning space for students. Existing offices would be renovated, renewable energy sources would be provided for lecture halls, seminar rooms, and offices. College would ensure that TETFUND helps in providing dentistry a new building for their clinics and laboratory. Effective internet services would be provided to offices, and the central animal house at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences would be upgraded – all these, among others, are things that Prof. promises in his manifesto.
“Environment” is another key word in Prof. Adenipekun’s manifesto. Besides providing more lecture halls and offices, he would also be embarking on a wholesale upgrade of research and teaching laboratories. There would be a wholesale revamping of the internet services at faculties in the College. And the campus shuttle systems will be revamped to help in transporting students and staff between the two campuses of UCH and UI.
Money is the backbone of every system, and Prof. Adenipekun plans to sustain and improve the finances of the College. Funds meant for faculties, departments, and various units will be given to them without compromising financial standards. College staff would be trained on how to ensure successful grant applications. Research grantees will be assisted in accessing resources and delivering on their project effectively and on time. There would be training of staff and students on the use of modern IT skills that will aid them in their academic and research activities. Accountability will be the watch word of Prof. Adenipekun’s time in office.
Prof. Adenipekun’s biggest strength in office would be accessibility to him: he promises to be a Provost that would listen. He would provide the College with a management team that will help staff and students achieve their various academic goals. Prof. Adenipekun would provide the College leadership – not autocracy. Again, those of us who have worked under him at the department of Radiation Oncology are in the best position to testify to his leadership qualities. We look forward to seeing him at the helm of affairs at the College of Medicine, and we will be counting on you, dear esteemed voters, to bring him to office.
You can view and download Prof. Adenipekun’s manifesto here
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