OAU appoints Prof. Adebayo Banire as new VC

Blessing Akorowosi, Osogbo

Professor Adebayo Simeon Banire has been appointed as the new substantive Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The management of the institution stated that while the tenure of the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede expires on June 6, 2022, the new VC will take over by June 7, 2022.

The Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Council, Owelle Oscar Idoko, during a press conference at the institution stated that Prof. Bamise was selected after rigorous screening of 20 applicants.

He said the Selection Board painstakingly examined the Curriculum Vitae and interacted with each candidate, and scored them accordingly to stipulated criteria after which the three highest-scoring candidates were presented to the Council for further consideration as provided by the law.

Idoko noted that the entire exercise of the Joint Selection Board was witnessed by the representatives of the Federal Character Commission who affirmed that the exercise was fair and transparent and carried out in full compliance with the provisions of the Federal Character Commission Act.

The Chairman of Council said, “As you are aware, the post of the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ile will become vacant by 7th June 2022.

“Council, at its meeting held on 7th December 2021 flagged off the processes for the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor who is expected to assume duties on 7th June, 2022.

“In line with the approval of the Council, the vacancy was widely advertised in compliance with relevant Statutes and Acts guiding appointment to the position.

“At a Special Meeting of 14th February 2022, the Council perused the Curriculum Vitae of all the twenty (20) applicants who indicated an interest in the position. At the end of the exercise, sixteen (16) of them were shortlisted, having met the advertised criteria.

“In line with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act as amended, the report of the Selection Board was considered by the Council which, after a careful and dispassionate review of the report, decided to appoint Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, Professor of Agricultural Economics from the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as the Vice-Chancellor of the University with effect from June 7, 2022.

“The decision of the Council shall be communicated to the Visitor to the University, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari through the Hon. Minister of Education.”