Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other education stakeholders have urged the newly inaugurated Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University, Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, to provide visionary leadership that will strengthen academic excellence, innovation and digital transformation in the institution.

The charge was given on Tuesday during Morenikeji’s investiture as the university’s first female Vice-Chancellor, where speakers called on her to consolidate the achievements of previous administrations while positioning the institution among Africa’s leading universities.

In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Managing Director of the OOPL Foundation, Vitalis Ortese, Obasanjo described Morenikeji’s appointment as recognition of her academic and administrative accomplishments.

He urged the new Vice-Chancellor to promote innovation, strengthen practical problem-solving through education and uphold integrity alongside academic excellence.

According to the former president, universities should focus on producing graduates capable of addressing Nigeria’s and Africa’s development challenges rather than merely awarding degrees.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Remi Babalola, described the appointment as a significant milestone in the university’s history, saying the institution expected a leadership focused on innovation, integrity and digital transformation.

Babalola said the Governing Council envisioned a globally competitive university with strong national relevance, stressing the need to deepen excellence in teaching, research and community engagement while leveraging technology to improve learning and administration.

He also emphasised the importance of expanding research, attracting strategic partnerships and ensuring financial sustainability through prudent management and innovative resource mobilisation.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Adeniyi Osuntogun, expressed confidence in Morenikeji’s leadership, urging her to strengthen research output, expand collaborations and position KolaDaisi University as a leading centre for innovation, science and technology in Africa.

He also commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adeniyi Olatunbosun, for overseeing the expansion of academic programmes, strengthening governance structures and establishing the university’s postgraduate school.

Speaking at the ceremony, Olatunbosun highlighted the institution’s progress since its establishment in 2017, citing growth in student enrolment, academic programmes and professional accreditations.

In her inaugural address, Morenikeji unveiled a 13-point strategic agenda aimed at transforming KolaDaisi University into one of Africa’s leading higher education institutions.

She said her administration would prioritise curriculum development, research and innovation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, postgraduate education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, community engagement and good governance.

Morenikeji called on staff, students, alumni, parents and development partners to support the university’s vision of becoming a globally recognised institution distinguished by academic excellence, impactful research and ethical leadership.

The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from representatives of several higher institutions, including the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Lead City University, Bowen University, Osun State University, and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector.