Senior Academics, Associates Eulogise Professor Ogundipe, UNILAG VC at 61
Eminent academics, scholars and associates have taken turns to shower encomiums and commendations on Professor Ogundipe Oluwatoyin, the erudite Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos as he clocks 61 years of age on May 31.
Ogundipe, a Professor of Botany was appointed as the 12th substantive vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos in November 2017 having emerged highest in the interview conducted, beating Professor Olukayode Amund, and Professor Ayodeji Olukoju to the post.
He has since weathered many storms in his stride to develop the ivory tower and make it the most admired tertiary institution in Africa in teaching, learning and research.
Professor Ogundipe was directed to recuse himself from official duties in August 2020 following a face-off with the Former Pro-Chancellor, Dr Wale Babalakin but like a cat with nine lives fought back like and was reinstated in November to resounding cheers and applause of all stakeholders in the University community.
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Showering encomiums on the beloved foremost academic and VC, the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor Developmental Service at UNILAG, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola said: “Professor Ogundipe is a simple man, humble and kind. A man of courage and vision who is motivated by his love of the University of Lagos and love of God. Congratulations to him”.
Describing Professor Ogundipe as a detribalised and nondiscriminatory personality, Dr. Khalid Adekoya, Head, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics revealed that he met the then Dr. Toyin Ogundipe during his Master’s degree programme.
“He cut out to me as a focused , down-to-earth academic. As we grew together over the years, I saw a man of impeccable character, intelligent, an achiever, a thorough-bred academic both in classroom and in the laboratories or on field trips for research.
“Despite his strong faith as a Pastor, he relates excellently well with me and other people of Islamic faith within and outside. He has no boundary and no discrimination in his dealings. I am grateful to God Almighty that out paths cross as in-laws, academic, researcher etc.
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In her own reactions, one of the mentees of Ogundipe, Dr Temitope Onuminya said: “It’s an honour to celebrate a father, leader, teacher and Mentor – Prof. Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe at 61.
“Been under his tutelage for the last two decades, I can confidently say he is a scholar of repute, a mentor and not a tormentor, a go getter and hard worker who is always happy to carry his mentees on his shoulder that they might see the world beyond, a man of progress and a visionary leader.
“May God continue to use you to advance the University of Lagos and to make impacts in the life of many. Congratulations Sir.”
“Happy birthday to the people’s VC. The glory of God will continue to be upon you. Your vision and mission will be accomplished”, wrote Prof. Elijah Oyeyemi, the Dean, Faculty of Science.
Also, Chairman University Of Lagos Alumni Association, Dr Benjamin Oluwatosin Adesoji Olowojebutu wrote: “Professor Ogundipe FAS my father you have worked through the valley of the shadows of death you feared no evil cos our God of grace is with you.
“The grace you carry is unimaginable during the crises that bewildered our University in the last 2 years you kept telling me that our God of grace never fails. You have showed us clearly that God never fails.
“You are not a political Professor but an Academic Professor the kind of resources and grants you have brought into our University is extremely commendable.
“You are gentle, you are result driven,you are not tribalistic ,you are extremely focused on the goal, your are a great mentor.
“Your love for this great University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride is very endearing and contagious . You sleep, dream ,wake UNILAG. You are a thorough administrator.
In his own remarks, Prof. Bola Oboh, the Director, Research and Innovations at UNILAG described Professor Ogundipe as “a brother with big brains and a bigger heart.”
Oboh added: “Your positive outlook is always an inspiration. The privilege and honour of knowing you is a blessing. Your personality makes things work out such that things you touch come out sparkling. You are an amazing friend, brother and colleague.
“As you celebrate another year praying that you continue to have the grace and zeal to make everything better most especially for yourself in the years ahead.”
Prof. Olusoji Ilori, the Director, Institute of Maritime Studies simply described Professor Ogundipe as ” a man with vision, positivity, tenacity and candour.”
Describing her working relationship with Professor Ogundipe, Deputy Director Academic Planning Unit, Dr. Aderonke Samuel enthused: “Working with you had been a delight, you never treated me as a subordinate but as a leader you took me and all those under your watch as collaborators all working towards same set goal; your leadership and encouragement is appreciated.
“You had the passion to turn our university to one that is research oriented and so you made that your agenda and encouraged us and grants started rolling in of which I am a winner as well.
“You encouraged lecturers to be diligent mentors just as you are ; you believed in hard work, sincerity of purpose and diligence Is your watch word and with that you encouraged me. I am thrilled.”
Narrating his encounter with Professor Ogundipe, Prof Uchenna Udeani, the Director, Distance Learning Institute, explained: “Our students brought us together in 1998. Twenty three years of abiding friendship, we have stood by each other through the good as well as difficult, challenging times.
“I value your opinion, I value the way we can agree and disagree and still count each other as friends, I admire your humor and humility.
“Then there’s your persistence which some might call stubbornness. After so many years of knowing you I can confidently say three things about you: you are a kind, supportive and a truly amazing friend.”
“For being such a wonderful person, May God keep you happy not only on your special day but for eternity. You deserve that and so much more, ” he concluded.
