“BEFORE YOU BECAME VC, YOU WERE JUST PETER”: Prof. Akin Ogundiran speak to UI NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR
At what point does an ordinary student become a professor, a university administrator or even a Vice-Chancellor? And what responsibility does that journey place on those who eventually rise to positions of influence?
That was one of the powerful messages delivered by Prof. Akin Ogundiran at the inauguration lecture of the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter O. Olapegba.
Addressing the new Vice-Chancellor, Ogundiran urged him to reflect on his journey from the time when he was simply Peter to the highly respected position he occupies today.
His message was clear: today's students may not yet know what they are capable of becoming, but with the right opportunities, encouragement and institutional support, they too can rise to positions of global relevance.
He challenged the new Vice-Chancellor to recognise that there are many young people on campus today, Peters, Jumokés and others whose potential may not yet be visible, but who could one day occupy important positions and compete successfully with their counterparts around the world.
The responsibility of university leadership, therefore, goes beyond managing an institution. It also involves creating an environment where the next generation can discover their abilities, develop their talents and become globally competitive.
Ogundiran also made a strong case for alumni involvement in student development, urging university alumni to explore scholarship programmes that can support students.
He cited the scholarship he established in honour of his lecturer, Prof. Agbaje Williams, explaining that the initiative had benefited several students in the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology.
According to him, scholarship support can help students concentrate more on their academic pursuits and give deserving young people a better opportunity to succeed.
He further urged Prof. Peter Olapegba to be more generous in embracing collaboration, partnerships and opportunities that could strengthen the University and expand its global relevance.
On the broader purpose of higher education, Ogundiran called on universities to see education as production rather than merely economics, stressing the importance of shaping students who can contribute meaningfully to society and compete on the global stage.
Taken together, his interventions presented a compelling picture of what university leadership should represent: not just the administration of today's institution, but the deliberate preparation of tomorrow's leaders.
Perhaps the most important lesson in his message is one that extends beyond the University of Ibadan.
Never become so elevated by your position that you forget the person you were before the opportunity came.
The student sitting quietly in a lecture hall today could become tomorrow's professor, business leader, public administrator or Vice-Chancellor.
The question is whether the university is creating the opportunities, partnerships and support systems that will help that student get there.
And perhaps that is the real challenge Prof. Ogundiran has placed before the new Vice-Chancellor: remember the Peter you once were, and help create opportunities for the many Peters and Jumokés who are still waiting for their moment.
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