The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan as assured all the students that the revised academic calendar would be presented to the Senate on Monday.

In a statement signed by him, he assured the public that the revised academic calendar would be presented to senate on Monday.

“My Dear Colleagues, Compatriots, Friends and Staff of the University of Ibadan,

The last eight months have been very harrowing, traumatic, disturbing and unnerving for our University community and to me particularly, for the financial hardship and emotional stress and strain occasioned by the avoidable strike and withheld salaries. I feel pained in the face of my helplessness as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan seeing people going through such terrible experiences.

My heart bleeds and I inwardly shed tears for the inhumane treatment we all have been subjected to in our patriotic service to our great Nation. I feel your pain and I share in the anguish of this very difficult time.

One glaring truth I cannot deny is that you have all sacrificed immensely to make this system works even while the strike lasted; your responsibilities of research and community service continued unabated while on strike. I go online daily and I see new publications in reputable journals, societal engagements, grant awards etc., by staff and students of our great University, all of which have culminated in the result of the recently released Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2023 where the University of Ibadan maintained her lead as the best University in Nigeria.

You have sacrificed greatly and you are still

You have sacrificed greatly and you are still sacrificing, as a matter of fact, it is almost impossible for me to ask that you make additional sacrifice. However, if we must achieve the lofty heights we all envisage our beloved University gets to, you will please

indulge me to plead for sacrifices as we trudge on.

Esteemed compatriots, I was quite glad when Comrade President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke said there is light at the end of the tunnel and the strike was thereafter suspended. We might not have achieved the ultimate with the strike, but it is my believe that we have moved some steps forward in the realization of the dream to make our University what it should truly be. It is my sincere hope that the Federal Government will keep faith with the understanding reached and make the dividends of the strike to “drop” soonest.

May I humbly state here that the 14th of October, 2022 is particularly an emotional date for me, one, the strike clocked exactly eight month on that day and the suspension was announced that day; two, the day was exactly one year that the Council announced my name as the 13th Vice Chancellor of this great University. You therefore can understand my mixed emotions.

With the strike behind us, we have to pick up from where we were to continue the Session.

To ensure a smooth takeoff, the Committee of Provosts, Deans and Directors met on Friday 14 October, 2022 to consider a revision of the Academic Calendar, the proposal will be taken to Senate on Monday 17 October, 2022 for discussion, further input and approval.

Esteemed Colleagues, I passionately appeal for your understanding in this very difficult circumstance, to please join hands with the Management as we go forward to complete this Session and move on to the next.

I solemnly promise that I will do all within my power and ability of the Management to ensure that needed support is provided to make your job hassles free.

We are all aware of the challenge of funding, but we will prudently manage whatever is available for the good of all.

Once again, I sincerely appreciate your commitment to the system, unending sacrifices and doggedness to make the University of Ibadan truly great, and sustain the University System in Nigeria. Specifically, I thank the ASUU, UI, JAC UI and NAAT UI, for showing understanding.

I do hope I can continue to count on your goodwill.

To again borrow the words of Comrade President Emmanuel Osodeke, there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel, and I pray that nothing will put out the light we have seen.

God bless you and your families.”

Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, mni, FAS

Vice Chancellor

14 October, 2022