The Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife gave the address during first diamond jubilee activities which kicked off on Sunday, June 6th, 2021 at the Interdenominational Service at the institution’s All Souls’Chapel on Campus.
Prof. Eyitope Ogunbode urged the students and staffs to give thanks to God for His mercy since the inception of the institution as the University hit the diamond age on 8 June.
The service flagged off the other ceremonies lined up to celebrate the anniversary.
He said that there was cause for the community to rejoice and give thanks to God for the privilege to witness the Diamond Jubilee of the institution inaugurated on June 8, 1961.
The institution had its name changed into Obafemi Awolowo Univerity to honour the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of Western Region, who died May 9, 1987.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that though, the beginning was small, but he thanked God that the latter end is greatly increased.
He expressed happiness for the university’s achievements, stressing “in everything, we need to give thanks to God, for He’s good and this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning the school”.
According to him, the university has faced diverse challenges, numerous ups and downs, but among them all, there is chance for them to appreciate God.
Ogunbodede thanked God for restoring peaceful coexistence and ensuring academic excellence among other things in the university.
Speaking to Journalists, Ogunbodede said after the anniversary, people should expect rapid advancement, and more commitment of alumni, staff and students of the university.
“After the event, the university will rise higher among other universities both nationally and internationally, while the school’s authorities will galvanise all the resources better than ever before.” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that though, the beginning was small, but he thanked God that the latter end is greatly increased.
He expressed happiness for the university’s achievements, stressing “in everything, we need to give thanks to God, for He’s good and this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning the school”.
Ogunbodede disclosed that the University is set to honour 60 distinguished people at the grand finale of the celebration
The diamond jubilee which commence on June 6 will come to its climax with the convocation ceremonies in December, 2021.
The next activities will be followed by a World Press Conference on Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Addressing Journalists, Ogunbodede said There will be specific college, faculty and departmental activities where the major research and innovations of the university will be exhibited. This is in addition to the international press briefing, anniversary lecture, carnivals, funfair and other activities.
Over the 60 years of our existence, many people have willingly saddled themselves with the onerous responsibilities of using their resources to assist the university in various ways, thereby promoting the rapid development of the institution and also uplifting the society and humanity at large. Therefore, 60 of such individuals will be honoured as part of the diamond jubilee celebration.
Hence, the university is also extending invitation to all our alumni, friends, corporate organisations, and stakeholders, and will be very pleased to also discuss potential brand expression and visibility during and after the ceremonies.
Also, Rev Samuel Adeniyi, the Chaplain of All Souls’ Chapel, OAU, in his sermon, said that the university had produced many scholars, philanthropist, political leaders, ministers of God, among others.
Adeniyi urged all and sundry not to lose hope, but to put all their trust in God for prosperity, no matter the challenges of life.
“Don’t allow your current position to limit what you’ll achieve in life, trust God and you’ll do greater things in life.” he said
Rev Samuel Adeniyi, the Chaplain of All Souls’ Chapel, OAU, in his sermon, said that the university had produced many scholars, philanthropist, political leaders, ministers of God, among others.
Adeniyi urged all and sundry not to lose hope, but to put all their trust in God for prosperity, no matter the challenges of life.
“Don’t allow your current position to limit what you’ll achieve in life, trust God and you’ll do greater things in life.” he said
