[NEWS UPDATE]

A must read for Bowenites.



In the Christian’s holy book, Apostle Paul, says in one of his epistles “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race and I have kept the faith.
Last Wednesday, Professor Timothy Olagbemiro, the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Bowen University, Iwo, had a similar experience, though in another dimension, as the university community celebrated him with an appreciation service in recognition of   his 10 years of indelible stewardship to the ivory tower.
From all indications, Professor Olagbemiro had indeed, fought the good fight of academic and infrastructural development for Bowen University, finished the race of accrediting  all the academic  programmes in the university, as well as developing  new  programmes, just as he kept the vision and  mission  of the university.
Obviously, the exit of Professor Olagbemiro from the university as Vice Chancellor was a glorious one, as many people, including the staff of the university, eulogised him on the account of his outstanding performance and achievements at the university during his tenure
The Pro-chancellor and chairman, Governing Council of the university, Dr Gamaliel   Onosode,  described  Professor  Olagbemiro  as a God-sent man  to set the pace for others who would succeed him. According to Onosode, “the  council is trusting that  the likes of Professor Olagbemiro’s  character will join the university.”
“Indeed, Professor Olagbemiro is a leader with administrative acumen of high repute,’’ Dr Onosode also said.
The President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Supo Ayokunle, in his comment, asserted that Professor Olagbemiro was a builder, as the university witnessed tremendous development during his tenure. Similarly, the Provost, health sciences of the university, Professor Taiwo Ajewole, said that the outgoing Vice Chancellor was a gift to the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
According to him, Olagbemiro was a committed, God fearing and sound university administrator whose foot steps are recommendable for emulation.
Also, comments from the staff about   Professor Timothy Olagbemiro were very encouraging. According to Dr Olabisi Alaba Fawehinmi, a lecturer, Professor Olagbemiro is a visionary leader.
“His administration was marked with peace, progress, development and academic excellence. His administration ensured that the capacity of the members of staff was developed by sponsoring the participation of staff members in conferences both within and outside country and through the university linkage exchange programme. He supported staff members that won various research grants and this quality enabled the institution to secure full accreditation for all her programmes. His regime also got the approval for the establishment of the Post Graduate School of the institution which has awarded M.A, M.Sc and PhD degrees to her graduates. He never believed in gainsaying.”
Dr O.E. Atobatele from the Department of Biological Sciences described him with a few words. “ Oga”,  as we fondly call him, is a mentor and motivator par excellence, inspirer, disciplinarian, an achiever and a man who values, appreciates and celebrate success. I have known him as a man who celebrates milestones and makes you to realise and appreciate that you have just achieved a “feat.” Many leaders are “vision killers”, Olagbemiro is an astute manager of resources, a man of vision and mission, a disciplinarian to the core, he is very blunt; and speaks the truth no matter whose ox is gored”.
 According to Oroniran Oluyinka, National Vice President, Bowen University Alumni Association, Professor Olagbemiro has been of great support to the alumni body of the great institution. “He has employed about 25 to 30 Bowen Alumni members into various departments and units of Bowen University of which I am a beneficiary. He encourages us to work hard so we can add value to our alma mata and make it a better place,” he said.
 Mr Samuel Omotoso, Principal Assistant Registrar, Student Affairs, described Professor Olagbemiro as a  man that “understands the limitation of logic, reasoning and argument that characterise the traditional system, as he  employs different techniques to focus his thinking, towards  building an enduring infrastructure and superstructure, a promising faith-based tertiary institution for this country.”
Also speaking in the same vein , Dr (Mrs.) T.E Sangoyomi, a lecturer  in the institution said  that  Professor Olagbemiro is known as a hardworking and untiring man.
Professor Timothy Olugbemiro, in his response, thanked the Nigerian Baptist Convention for the opportunity given to him to serve the university as Vice Chancellor. He attributed his success to God’s grace, support from the staff and the entire management of the university.
He also added that he would continue to support the progress of the institution. According to him, Bowen University has a conducive working environment for staff to display their God- given administrative skills.
Professor Olagbemiro was born in 1948. He attended Baptist Day school and Baptist Secondary school, Jos. He proceeded to Stetson University, Florida, to study Chemistry, got his first degree in 1971.
He got his PhD at Howard University in 1976. He came back to Nigeria in 1978 to join Bayero University, Kano, as a lecturer. He was appointed Professor of Chemistry in 1984 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. He joined Bowen University in 2003.  The appreciation service drew dignitaries from education, business and government circles to grace the occasion