… Credits God, Gov Abiodun, Staff, Students For Five Years Of Growth, Resilience
Ayomide Awe
The Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, Prof. Oluwole Sikiru Banjo, has bowed out of office after five years of what he described as “a journey of faith, fortitude, and fulfillment,” marking his final appearance before the university congregation on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
In an emotional valedictory address, Prof. Banjo expressed deep gratitude to God, the university community, and the Ogun State Government for what he called “five impactful years of service,” noting that his tenure witnessed remarkable academic, infrastructural, and administrative transformations despite daunting challenges.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude and deep humility that I stand before you today as I take my final bow from the office of the Vice-Chancellor of this great institution,” Banjo said.
“We have labored faithfully, faced challenges with courage, and together written a chapter that will stand the test of time.”
Highlighting key milestones, the outgoing VC said TASUED maintained a 100 percent accreditation record for all its academic programmes under the National Universities Commission (NUC).
According to him, fifteen academic programmes underwent successful accreditation exercises in 2025, including Computer Science, Library and Information Science, Educational Management, Transport Planning and Management, Biology, and Early Childhood Education, among others.
He also noted that the university hosted 30 inaugural lectures within five years — a record in TASUED’s history — contributing immensely to scholarship and intellectual visibility.
Prof. Banjo listed several completed and ongoing projects that, he said, transformed TASUED’s physical landscape and improved academic and residential life.
Among the completed projects are:the Independent Power Project, providing 24-hour electricity on campus; completion of the Science Laboratory Complex, University Health Centre extension, Smart Classroom, and Postgraduate College building; ongoing construction of a 1,000-seater multipurpose hall by TETFund; completion of the COVTED building at Ososa Campus and Home Management Complex; landscaping and beautification of Ososa Campus; construction of a staff club donated by Dr. Dotun Sanusi of Ilaji Resort; and a 30-room guest house project facilitated by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, CEO of SIFAX Group.
Banjo also mentioned renovation of key university structures, perimeter fencing, a new fuel station, student toilets, and new transportation assets — including Toyota buses and a Coaster Bus — all funded through various support channels.
“Our focus was to create an enabling environment for teaching, research, and learning. I am proud that we achieved this despite limited resources,” he stated.
The VC said his administration implemented sweeping administrative reforms to enhance efficiency and accountability, restructuring the Registry, Bursary, and other vital units to align with global best practices.
He emphasized that his tenure prioritized staff welfare and industrial harmony through regular promotions, training, and prompt salary payments.
“Today, I am profoundly grateful to say our university has achieved consistent salary stability. Salaries are now paid regularly, often before the end of the month,” he said.
“We defrayed ten months of outstanding deductions inherited from previous administrations. This was possible through prudent financial management and the collective understanding of our staff.”
He noted that TASUED had overcome early financial turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged strikes through increased internally generated revenue (IGR) and fiscal discipline.
On student affairs, Banjo said the university enhanced welfare services through improved counseling, health, and advisory systems, while maintaining constructive engagement with student leaders.
The administration, he added, also prioritized campus safety, illumination through solar installations, and technology-driven learning with the establishment of a Smart Classroom and expansion of ICT infrastructure.
Prof. Banjo paid tribute to staff members who died during his tenure, describing them as “heroes of knowledge whose legacies will forever remain part of TASUED’s history.”
“Their dea
th left deep voids in our hearts and in the life of this institution,” he said solemnly. “Even though they are no longer with us, their contributions remain indelible.”
Expressing gratitude to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his administration’s support, Banjo said the university’s achievements would not have been possible without the government’s collaboration and intervention through TETFund and other agencies.
He also appreciated the Governing Council, Senate, staff unions, and students for their cooperation.
“To our students — though they are not here — you remain the heart of this institution. Your enthusiasm and pursuit of excellence inspire hope for a brighter future,” he said.
“To our alumni, your achievements bring pride and honor to TASUED. You remain our enduring ambassadors.”
Banjo concluded his farewell address with a prayerful wish for his successor, expressing hope that the next administration would build on the foundations laid.
“My earnest prayer is that the next administration will take our university to greater heights,” he said. “May God bless TASUED and all who work and learn here.”
Prof. Oluwole Sikiru Banjo, a Fellow of several professional bodies including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FWISON) and the African Institute of Management Professionals (FAIMP), was appointed substantive Vice Chancellor in 2021 after serving in acting capacity from July 2020.
His five-year tenure, marked by stability, innovation, and steady growth, ends in early November 2025.
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