Recently, President Jonathan announced the dissolution of boards of all government's establishments and parastatals, explaining that the dissolution was a normal routine to re-position government for more effectiveness and not necessarily because the sacked 'appointees have not done well'. Yes, the President has spoken. But the effect of that terse statement is much more devastating than what Mr. President himself could imagine. The seemingly innocuous dissolution, has in some cases, set the country backward. In fact, the halting of the government's machineries, in the garb of dissolution and re-constituting the board members, at a convenient time, is to say the least, an anti-climax in some situations.The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan (UI) which was constituted in February 2009 by the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, is one of those affectedby this recent dissolution. With the benefit of hindsight, one could assert that it was God himself who inspired the late President Yar'Adua to appoint Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) as UI's Pro-chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council .Since his appointment as the representative of the Visitor to the university, Chief Olanipekun has not only left the university better than how he met it, in terms of quality leadership, but has also created a record of value addition that is indelibly etched in the memories of all stakeholders. Shortly after he was appointed, Chief Olanipekun went back to President Yar'Adua to plead for the release of funds to open up the Phase Two of the university for development as the main campus is already choked up. It is on record that the argument of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria facilitated the release of a whopping sum of N1.3 billion with which Ajibode project was kick started. Amazed by his first miracle, students and staff members of the university, quickly nicknamed him the 'Father of the Modern UI.'Right from day one of his appointment, he refused to take his due sitting allowance; rather he directed that the money be kept in a special account. Chief Olanipekun who is renowned for philanthropy used the money on July 19, 2011 to launch a scholarship for undergraduate students. He gave scholarships to 15 students in three Faculties including Law, Medicine and Computer Science. He insisted that he has come to add to UI and not to take away from the university.It is too soon to forget his recent financial assistance when on August 26, 2011, rain wreaked havoc on the institution. Chief Olanipekun paid an immediate visit to UI, assessed the level of damaged and made a personal donation of N10 million to repair some of the damage property. How else can someone be more caring' What else do we expect from a Council Chairman'In August 2010, there was a terrible religious crisis in UI when a Christian female student sneaked into the Central Mosque on a Friday and derogatorily preached to the Muslim faithful to accept Jesus. In the vortex of the emerging tension, the Council Chairman stormed the campus and on the following Friday, went to the mosque where he sued for peace. He succeeded in persuading the Muslim faithful and doused the tension.Again, it is on record that he introduced what he called 'an early appointment model' in UI. The model in which Principal Officers of the university are appointed, six months before the tenure expiration of the incumbent, has since been copied by many other universities in the country. For the first time in UI, Chief Olanipekun's model saw to the appointment of the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Folorunsho Adewole, without anybody going to court.Olanipekun's model has also ensured the appointment of the Librarian without anybody complaining of cheating and foul play. At the Council's level, he directed that the Council's decisions be made available to the members of the community which was never the practice before. Yet, he did all these in a less noisome manner. But for space constraint, one can go on and on, citing Olanipekun's achievements within just two years.Now, with the dissolution of Council, President Jonathan has created a cliff-hanger. The university community is now anticipating various scenarios: Will the president bring back this selfless achiever to continue his good work or another person will be appointed' We plead for an endorsement of policy continuity.We in UI, following the remarkable achievements of sagacious Olanipekun, humbly beg Mr President to re-appoint this humane lawyer to continue with his good job. His tenure was so good that it must be allowed to last. He has just spent two years out of five. He never gained anything; rather he was spent his personal resources to better the lots of the institution. He never introduced any contractor, yet the Council, under him approved many projects. His reputation for scrupulousness is no hype.With his achievements so far, we have nothing left to wish for. Chief Olanipekun came to UI with the profundity of knowledge which has rubbed off significantly on the system. Indeed, the thoroughness of his homework, the analytical precision of his arguments and the courage with which he marshaled his points were some of the benefits UI will never forget. His personality traits certainly have corresponding impacts that will last for many years to come.Since his sack, the entire UI community seems to be under a mass hypnosis. The dissolution jolted the UI community like a thunderbolt. Like a frightened snail, we recoiled. Really, both the students and staff members were hit with a numbness that we could not explain. Only President Jonathan can heal us with the re-appointment of our Council Chairman. It is only his return to UI as Council Chairman that can brighten our grim circumstance. We have expectations; President Jonathan should ensure the manifestation.Saanu, can be reached via sundaysaanu@yahoo.com
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