Two shall chase a thousand…These were the words of Mr. Ganiyu Oke Saliu as he shared views with the management team of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) when they paid him a courtesy call in his new office as the Registrar of Nigeria’s premier University. The visit took place on Wednesday 19 April 2023.
In her opening comments, the Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS congratulated the Registrar, Mr. G.O. Saliu on his appointment, wished him success in his endeavours and prayed for a tenure filled with great accomplishments and progress for the University. The Provost used the opportunity to speak about the pivotal role of CoMUI in contributing positively to the ranking of University of Ibadan through concerted research efforts, grantsmanship, teaching and community service. She then called the attention of the Registrar to some of the problems facing the College, especially the poor staffing situation. Other members of the team also expressed their goodwill to the Registrar.
In his response, the Registrar thanked the Provost and her team. He acknowledged that theirs was the first congratulatory letter he received in the new office. He recalled how growing up, he heard glowing remarks about the University of Ibadan and the University College Hospital, Ibadan. He expressed his desire to see the Institution achieve such lofty heights and reckoning again in the near future. He however cautioned that this can only be achieved through joint efforts and shared vision hence his quote about the united force of two chasing a thousand. He maintained that the University has to be seen as a unified system and every staff must add value through excellent service delivery.
He emphasized the need for all cadres of staff to be resourceful and to do all within their power and the bounds of law, to provide first-rate services and perform their duties with commitment. He admitted that the University was struggling with gross understaffing and poor funding. He observed that the situation is further worsened by the rate of attrition of staff due to retirement and relocation to greener pastures occasioned by the nation’s socioeconomic situation. He promised to do all within his power to move the University forward but implored that all available hands must be ready to work towards the achievement of this lofty goal. The Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun was on this courtesy call with the Deputy Provost- Professor A.F. Adeniyi, Secretary to the College -Mr. A.E.J Odedele, Acting Financial Controller- Mrs Olayinka Adesanya, Medical Librarian- Dr. Grace Ajuwon, Acting Controller, Biomedical Communication Centre- Dr Olayinka Egbokhare, Chief Internal Auditor -Mr O.J. Folurunsho, Head, Information Technology Unit- Mr A. Adetule , and Mr. A. Adedayo, Senior Assistant Registrar, Office of the Provost, CoMUI. The Registrar, Mr. G.O. Saliu received the team in the company of the Principal Assistant Registrar in the Registrar’s Office, Mr. O.O. Afolabi.
The appointment of Mr. G.O. Saliu was approved by the University Governing Council at its meeting on Thursday 09 February, 2023.
