The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, on Friday, November 5, attended the UI Mosque for the Jumat service.
Prof. Adebowale, who is now the substantive 13th VC of the Institution, survived ‘many battles’ that lasted for about 17 months, during the VC race. During these periods, some individuals within the University’s community were aggrieved and hurt, for one reason or the other; a phenomenon common in such situations.
Consequently, in what could be termed a ‘peace mission’, Prof. Adebowale, the new VC of the premiere University, attended the UI Mosque Jumat service, to address the Muslim Community who he referred to as ‘distinguished’, ‘brothers and sisters.’
In his speech, VC Adebowale said,
“I am here to plead with you, my brothers and sisters, that the fear of the Almighty, and the unwavering focus on the progress of the University of Ibadan that kept us calm and cool at that period, (VC race), should now propel us into working together as a team. I said it during the inauguration service, and I want to repeat: “By the special grace of God, we will run an administration that is God-fearing, an administration that seeks service, and pursues the welfare of everyone, not minding their ethnicity, faith and creed.” I still stand by those words and you can hold me by my word.”
He continued,
Therefore, the events of the last seventeen months, presented us with a unique opportunity to tell the world, the whole world, the direction it should go: the direction of interfaith harmony, acceptance, and the pursuit of peace. And together, we did tell the world; we made that statement clear and loud. I believe that the women and men who guided and guarded all of us during that period will one day be honoured and praised by us mortals, and certainly by the Almighty when they finally stand before Him. No act as peace-making will go unrewarded. After all, in one of the Hadiths, the Holy Prophet Muhammed (Peace of Allah be on Him) said, “You will not enter Paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace among yourselves”.
Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, thanked the Muslim community, especially the Chief Imam of the Mosque, for granting his request to come attend the Jumat prayer session; and for the absolute display of maturity displayed by the community during the seventeen (17) months that the VC race lasted.
He said,
“I am thankful to you for the opportunity you have given me to address this esteemed congregation of our people today as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. At the peak of the protracted process for the appointment of the Vice Chancellor, I promised myself that if I was finally appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, I would make sure I speak with the congregation of the Muslim Community within one week of assuming office, God helping me. When I approached my father the Chief Imam with the request to be here this afternoon, and he granted it, I was beside myself with joy and gratitude to him and to the Almighty.”
“What really is my intention? I want to thank this Community for the absolute display of maturity and resolute defence of the peace and unity of the University of Ibadan in the seventeen months that the VC race lasted. Insinuations were many; accusations and rumours were innumerable. These figments of imagination sought to achieve one thing: turn members of the UI community against one another, provoke violence and thereby bring shame and embarrassment on the University as a whole. There were clear indications that some of these were fuelled and nurtured by those from outside the university.”
In response to the VC’s address, the Muslim leaders unanimously said, they felt honoured to have Prof. Adebowale in their midst; adding that, no Vice Chancellor of Institution ever deemed it fit to visit the Mosque at the inception of his term in office as done by the new VC.
SarahReports also gathered that, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale is a serving Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The meeting which ended peacefully, took place at the University of Ibadan Mosque events centre, on Friday, November 5, 2021.
The meeting was well attended by dignitaries within the University’s community.
Congratulations, UI! This VC is Bridge Builder
You’re doing well sir.