Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, is a different person to different people, depending on the prisms of perception and shared relationship. Indeed, there are many choice angles of gaze from which to draw descriptions. However, the truth remains that a legend has no truer proof than his enduring legacy. For me, immediately I was appointed as Director of Public Affairs and Communication, I began to search into his background in order to know the kind of a leader with whom I would be working. Having previously worked with four Vice Chancellors at both the University of Ibadan (UI) and Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, I guess, residual knowledge as Media Assistant in this capacity would be of help.
As if to scare me off, some pundits described him as a choleric and difficult man to work with, while others called him a man of unpredictable temper whose stock in trade is to ruffle feathers and disorganise the system. But all these prejudices soon faded when I read through some available literature on him, including his autobiographical account, entitled: “Setting The Sail: Repositioning Bowen For Excellence.” The 354-page book, to those who can see beyond the given, accurately diagnoses this enigma called “Coach”, explaining the reasons some people always like to paint him in colours that bear no semblance with this man whose kindness has healed hearts in hundreds. But, why does Prof. Ogunwole appear controversial to some people? The answer is simple: he believes so much in truth and justice which some people don’t like. He believes everything must be done properly without compromise. Some people like shortcuts. To buttress this assertion, let me cite two examples from his book.
On page 191, chapter 12: Centrifugal Forces, Prof. Ogunwole explains his head on collision with some Baptist Church members, the owners of Bowen University when he was the Vice Chancellor. According to him: “I met a culture where a Director in the Baptist Building could send a note to the Vice Chancellor seeking a job placement for someone. Sadly, I received several of such notes, but never acted on any of them. I often felt insulted by such requests and ignored them. This was one of the reasons I was tagged an arrogant person as they found me impenetrable. How do I single out a job referral when papers piled up on the table of the Registrar, of other Baptists and other Nigerians looking for the same job?”
Again, on pages 194 and 195 of the book, the then Bowen VC narrates his fight with the paramount ruler in Iwoland. His words: “Several things happened that affected my relationship with the paramount ruler. The paramount ruler is someone that is very unpredictable, he could be amiable today, and unfriendly the next day. The paramount ruler informed me of an invitation he got to speak at a Commonwealth event and wanted me to accompany him. I told him there were lots of work I was handing and I couldn’t go with him. He then requested that we paid his flight ticket. I told him that I could only pay one-way while he paid for the return ticket” Prof Ogunwole further recounts other details which culminated in the intervention of intermediaries, saying, “when they returned from the palace, I sensed an unusual sobriety on the faces of all members. The king had dramatically cast aspersions and placed what he called a curse on the VC, placing further, his fly-whisk on the throne to presage doom, if I failed to leave the community. These actions and the attendant utterances of the king brought about fear to some of the council members. …I laughed within me …as I was sure that a curse without a cause is with no effect.”
However, this write up is not about a book review, but a tribute to Prof. Ogunwole on his birthday. The two references are simply to conduct a check on him in the belief that we know what a man can do, by what he has done. Reading through the book, it is obvious that Prof. Ogunwole is a courageous leader who has survived many leadership challenges, outlived several administrative boobytraps, and triumphed over cataclysmic systemic headwinds with praiseworthy aplomb. From his early days at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, to his esteemed position as a Professor, and now to his present status as FUOYE VC, Prof. Ogunwole has consistently exemplified the highest level of integrity, sacrifice, service and selflessness. He has built his profile on principles as everything about him bespeaks superior grooming, with the way he conducts himself with class, distinction and decorum.
As American novelist, John Updike will say, paradoxically though, Prof. Ogunwole is a leader who “out of madness or goodness, volunteers to take upon himself, the woes of a people” His leadership style represents a rare blend of courage, competence and convictions, translating ideas into measurable outcomes. Since he became the FUOYE VC in February this year, however, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities characterized by wisdom and unparalleled dedication to the progress and prosperity of FUOYE. He has declared war against the dirty deals of the past, including students extortion, sex-for-grade, cultism and all manner capable of tarnishing the image of the university. He is out to rebrand the image of the university as his regime promises to be a watershed in the history of FUOYE. It’s no gain saying the fact that the task he has set for himself is huge, with many harrowing bends and bumpy stretches, yet, he takes pride in giving FUOYE a new name.
For Prof. Ogunwole who is a year today, the essence of true leadership transcends individual achievements. True leadership, in his own definition, lies in the creation of strong and empowered ecosystem that possesses the capacity to guarantee unlocking people’s potential for greatness. Therefore, it is not strange for him to push us to do the best we are ever capable of doing, creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged and critical thinking is nurtured. So far, he is fully committed to entrenching what he calls cultural transformation, driving growth, innovation and excellence with a view to promoting optimisation and productivity in the system. The Coach, as he is being admirably addressed by some people , takes pride in promoting efficiency, always brimming with ideas.
Refreshingly, since I have been working with him, he has made the work, not just a job, a joy with his incredible brilliant ideas.
For me to have a good grasp of the happenings in the entire university, he made it mandatory for me to attend the weekly management meeting. He has also compelled me to attend opening of bids towards giving out jobs to contractors. This is a demonstration of his culture of transparency. He says he has nothing to hide. In one of the management meetings where a decision to buy certain items for his office was to be taken, he excused himself, urging his Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Tajudeen Opoola to take charge. After the decision had been made and he was called back to the meeting, he told us, “that was the best practice all over the world”. Indeed, I really appreciate his disposition towards the Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC) which I head. I must confess that I cherish and celebrate this uncommon chemistry of relationship with him.
Interestingly, God in His grace often endows a system or community such as FUOYE with such an astute leader at intervals. Without doubt, Prof. Ogunwole is an agent of change, and architect of a new order in FUOYE. He is currently spearheading transformative initiatives that are really impacting the system positively. And, from his body language, there is no looking back, no matter the machinations of minions of darkness. He is genuinely out to create a reputable and resilient institution that will set a benchmark for excellence. His approach integrates transformational and digital strategies, driving impactful outcomes through a commitment to innovation and excellence.
With the gait that is all his, Prof. Ogunwole sways with an assured grace that is both inspiring and endearing. It hardly needs to be said that he is like the scriptural Nathanael whom Jesus describes as a man in whom there’s no guile. He remains a friendly father-figure to his students, seeing his success in their successes. This pragmatic leader is probably a man with a coat of many colours, with the way he performs daring and difficult duties almost effortlessly. Amazingly, he appears as a present-day mythical King Midas in FUOYE, turning around wastes to wealth, transforming rubbles to bubbles, and theft to thrift. He is an exemplary leader who has been dogged and resolute in the excellent discharge of his responsibilities.
However, there is hardly a man of great means and mission in history without his imperfections. Like every human being, Prof. Ogunwole has his own foibles as there’s no perfection in humanity. You want to know? Well, don’t provoke him if you don’t want to see his red eyes. His fury is as fierce as a lion. You may not be able to withstand it. But give it to him, he is a nice man with a clean conscience. As his dressing is distinct so his is crackling laughter. He carries himself so gracefully as he is a custodian of culture, charting a progressive path.
Born July 23, 1967 in Ibadan, Prof. Ogunwole, began his early education at St. Anne’s Primary Boarding School, Kakuri, Kaduna (1972–1977), proceeded to Tafawa Balewa Memorial College, Samaru-Zonkwa (1977–1982), and later attended the School of Basic Studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1983–1984). He holds a B.Sc in Agriculture., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Soil Science from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he began his illustrious academic career. Over the years, he has served in various capacities across institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Adamawa State University (ADSU), Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Bowen University, Iwo and Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), contributing significantly to institutional growth, staff development, and student success.
Above all, as he celebrates his birth anniversary, we honour his impactful leadership, hinged on wisdom and unwavering dedication to people as his life’s journey stands as a shining testament to excellence, innovation and transformation.
. Saanu, Ph.D, is the Director of Public Affairs and Communication of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State.
