Bayode Popoola, the first substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, has disclosed his readiness to focus on seven key priorities, which include curriculum innovation, research and innovation in teacher education, staff development and capacity building, as well as the welfare of staff and students.
According to him, others were infrastructure, ICT and learning environment, funding, income generation and Alumni Relations.
Popoola, a professor of Guidance and Counselling, who disclosed this before the university community at the weekend, described his appointment as “divine arrangement by God.”
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“I know that I have not been called merely to assume a position, but I have been given the mandate to lay the foundation of a university that is destined to become a centre of excellence in teacher education, research, innovation and national development,” he said.
He, therefore, promised to elevate the institution to greater heights. “In the coming weeks, we shall roll out comprehensive plans for structural reform, staff development, academic programme expansion and infrastructure renewal.”
The VC, who also lauded members of the University Governing Council for the roles played during the selection process preceding his appointment as the first substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution said; “it is commendable that the governing council ensured that the selection process was fair, credible and transparent, it is a demonstration of integrity and uncommon courage that our council members did not succumb to pressures but remained guided by the principle of justice and fairness throughout the various stages of the selection process.
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“Also, we shall ensure prompt payment of staff salaries and allowances, and with the support of the council and other well-meaning stakeholders, this administration will clear all outstanding financial indebtedness to staff within the shortest possible time.
“We shall also engage in constant dialogue with our staff unions to foster mutual understanding and timely resolution of all issues affecting staff welfare”.
