Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo, Ondo State, is poised to become a centre for excellent teacher education, research, innovation and national development.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Bayode Popoola, outlined this priority upon his assumption of office as the institution’s first substantive Vice Chancellor.
Popoola assumed office last Thursday, after the expiration of the term of Prof. Samuel Akintunde, who had been the VC in acting capacity since the upgrade of the school to a university from a college of education.
Popoola, speaking on Monday, promised to, in the coming weeks, unveil comprehensive plans for structural reform, staff development, academic programme expansion and infrastructure renewal.
Popoola added that some of his focus areas included curriculum innovation, research and innovation in teacher education, staff development and capacity building, as well as the welfare of staff and students.
Others are infrastructure, ICT, conducive learning environment, funding, income generation and alumni relations.
He said, “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.
“It is commendable that the 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.”
He solicited the support and cooperation from staff, students and other stakeholders towards ensuring that the institution is a reference point in the training of professional teachers, educational leaders and change-makers in Nigeria.
