Asaooni of Ora-Igbomina, Alayeluwa Oba Surveyor Joshua Tinuoye Atolagbe, The Oranguns of Ila and Oke-Ila , HRM Oba Wahab Oyedotun and HRM Oba (Dr.) Adedokun Abolarin and many other distinguished sons and daughters of Igbominland have been sending congratulatory messages to the eminent scholar, who emerged as the first female Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, FUTA, Akure; Prof. (Mrs) Adenike Temidayo Oladiji.
Prof. Oladiji is from Asaooni dynasty in Ora-Igbomina, the daughter of Late Chief Õlóògúún Afolayan of Òkèwûgbó.
In his congratulatory message, Asaooni Atolagbe said “Your achievements never cease to amaze me. This new appointment is remarkable: an honour and a testament to your worth. Congratulations on the new role, it suits you perfectly.
You dreamed big, you worked hard, and you’ve earned the recognition that comes with your new appointment. Congratulations my daughter! Omo Àdèsí ohun pò l’éwù … May all your work and dreams continue to bring you to new levels and may the Almighty God continue to be your guide and guard”
The Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba (Dr.) Adedokun Abolarin who was very elated by Oladiji’s appointment said “This is a great honour to our land. A pointer to a beautiful fact that we have resourceful, brilliant children from the land and that if we collectively work together, we can be the delight of Nigeria. This indeed, is a great news. I wish her the very best in this onerous assignment. Lord, we are grateful.”
While congratulating the new Vice Chancellor, the Chairman of Ila/Ifedayo Traditional Council, HRM Oba Wahab Oyedotun, The Orangun of Ila wrote “Stepping into a new position is an exciting feat, and I’m delighted you have this opportunity. Knowing you, you’ll shine more in this new role than you already do. Congratulations on your new appointment my dear Prof!”
To Prof. Tunde Ajiboye, her appointment is seen as a reward of hardwork, diligence and discipline . ” Your discipline, knowledge, skills, and indeed your very essence, have garnered you the new appointment. Congratulations! It’s a well-earned reward for all that you do.” Ajiboye stressed.
The award recipient of ‘Black Business Award/ UK Entrepreneur of the Year ( 2016) Mr. Lasisi Kolawale of Alabhai Motors wrote “What great news to learn of your appointment! I’m sure you’ll excel in this new position, it was practically made for you. I look forward to watching your continued rise and rise”
The Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA has just appointed Prof. (Mrs) Adenike Temidayo Oladiji of the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, as the Eighth substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.
The Council, presided over by the Pro-Chancellor, Chairman of Council, Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Igali, ratified the appointment at its Special Meeting held on Thursday May 12, 2022.
At the commencement of the process, the Council shortlisted 20 candidates out of the 27 male and one female that applied for the position for interview at the close of application for the post.
FUTA Registrar, Mr Richard Arifalo, who is also secretary to the council, in a statement said nineteen candidates were interviewed with one of the shortlisted candidates failing to show up.
At the end of the interview the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board recommended three candidates for appointment in line with extant regulations governing the process.
“Because of the closeness of the score of the three recommended candidates, a diffrence of 0.1%, Council decided to put it to vote and Professor Oladiji came out tops, hence her appointment.
“Under extant laws, appointment of Vice Chancellors of Universities is domiciled with the Governing Council of Universites which, on the advice of an internal selection committee, has the power to choose from any of the three best candidates submitted to it.
“According to a letter of appointment personally signed by Ambassador (Dr.) Igali, Professor Oladiji’s appointment which takes effect from Tuesday May 24, 2022 is for a single term of five years.”
Oladiji was born on 27th April, 1968. She attended Christ Anglican School, Ijomu-Oro, Iludun Oro Nursery and Primary School between 1972 and 1977 and St. Claire’s Anglican Grammar School, Offa from 1977 to 1982, all in Kwara State, for her secondary education.
She holds a B.Sc Biochemistry, Second Class Upper Division Degree from the University of Ilorin, 1988, MSc. Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, 1991 and Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin, 1997.
She joined the services of the University of Ilorin in July 1992 as Assistant Lecturer and was appointed a Professor in September 2011.
She has over 29 years of continuous service in the university system. She has held various positions and served on almost all University Committees as Chairman and Member.
The new vice chancellor has also served in various capacities including Head of Department; Sub Dean of Faculty; Deputy Director, Center for International Education; Director, Center for Research and Development and In-House Training; Director, Central Research Laboratory; Dean, School Of Basic Medical Sciences (Kwara State University); Dean, School of Life Sciences and Member, Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa and Crown Hill University, Eiyenkorin, Ilorin.
A prolific reseacher with over 100 publications, Prof Oladiji has won many distinctions and awards which include University’s Merit Award, Certificate of Merit and scholarships among others.
She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and Fellow, Nigerian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
She has served as Member of various Scienctific Committees at the National Universities Commission, NUC, Tertiary Education Fund, TetFund and has been an external examiner in over 20 Universities in Nigeria and outside the country.
She is a Member of Professional Bodies such as the West Africa Research andrþ4//4//4/444 Innovation Management (WARIMA), American Society of Nutrition, Organization for Women in Science for Developing World (OSWD), Science Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology.
She is happily married and blessed with children.
Professor Oladiji succeeds Professor Joseph Fuwape, whose term ends on Monday, 23rd May, 2022.
