Why JABU installs Ooni of Ife as grand patron – Akinbiyi, VC

By OLUWAGBENGA BANKOLE
 
Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Osun State has installed the paramount ruler of the Yoruba race, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife as her Grand Patron for the N2.5billion endowment fund raising programme.

Speaking in a closed door meeting at the palace of His Imperial Majesty, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Chief Executive Officer, Mutual Benefits Life Assurance Ltd and Chairman, JABU Endowment Committee presented the Ooni of Ife with the letter from the University.

Dr Ogunbiyi disclosed that JABU is set to stir a radical change in the education sector of the country via the endowment fund for the University. Ogunbiyi revealed that the essence of the fund-raiser is to ensure that all the necessities needed to groom students in JABU is adequately installed with the necessitated manpower in place.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sola Fajana and Registrar, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Barrister Wale Aderibigbe unanimously showered His Imperial Majesty with appreciation for not only accepting the honorary degree bestowed upon him; but also for adding glamour to the 7th Convocation ceremonies of the University with his presence.

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, appreciated the JABU delegation for deeming him worthy for the position; adding that he will do all he can to see the vision for the endowment become a reality.

Recounting history, the Ooni of Ife revealed that his predecessor, Oba Sijuade Olubuse II had the best interests of JABU at heart; a mutual interest and realignment of values between the past and the present.

He however gave kudos to the Dr. Ojerinde, a front-liner in ensuring that education in Nigeria is at its peak in Nigeria, for the role he played, and is currently playing in JABU and in Ife. He prayed the former Director General of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the former Registrar of the National Examination Council as well as West African Examination Board Chairman not to relent in the disposition of his duties.

Present on the JABU Delegation were; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Professor Anthony Imevbore, members of JABU Endowment Committee, Registrar and Vice Chancellor, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.