Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Minister of State for Finance, and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of KolaDaisi University KolaDaisi University, Mr. Remi Babalola; the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adeniyi Olatunbosun, and other prominent stakeholders have charged the new VC of the institution, Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, to provide visionary leadership driven by innovation, integrity, character development and digital transformation to position the university among Africa’s leading universities.
Obasanjo and the academic leaders gave the charge on Tuesday during Morenikeji’s investiture as the university’s first female Vice-Chancellor, urging her to consolidate the achievements of her predecessors while preparing graduates capable of addressing national and global challenges.
In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Managing Director of OOPL Foundation, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, Obasanjo congratulated Morenikeji on her appointment, describing it as a recognition of academic distinction and administrative competence.
He said universities require leaders who combine intellectual excellence with moral courage, vision and administrative discipline.
“As you assume full stewardship of this noble institution, pioneer innovation with purpose. Build an environment where academic rigour meets practical problem-solving. Our universities must not merely award degrees; they must produce innovators, thinkers and builders equipped to address Nigeria’s and Africa’s pressing challenges,” Obasanjo said.
The former President urged the new Vice-Chancellor to uphold character alongside learning, stressing that knowledge without character constitutes a danger to society.
“Lead with courage and inclusivity. University administration demands firmness paired with empathy. Be a bridge-builder across faculty, staff, students and external partners,” he added.
