The outgoing Vice Chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, has unveiled a new book entitled; Setting the Sail: Repositioning Bowen for Excellence.
The new book is a compendium of his five years stewardship as the fourth Vice Chancellor of the institution.
The official launch of the book held on Thursday at the Blue Hall, College of Health Science in the university, drew distinguished fellow Nigerians from all walks of life, with Dr Babatope Michael Agbeyo, Chairman, Cornfield Group Ltd, as Chief launcher.
The book reviewer, Dare Babarinsa, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Gaskia Media Ltd, asserted the relevance of the book to administrators, managers and leadership at all levels in any organization. Babarinsa described the author, Professor Ogunwole, as one of the country’s most distinguished soil scientists whose exploits on the international scene have done honour to the Black race.
Babarinsa noted in his comment on the book that it is not all the time that the captain of the ship has the opportunity to tell the story of his voyage, arguing that the ship might be lost to pirates or become wrecked due to violent storms or engine malfunction, but according to him, Ogunwole did not suffer any ship wreck to tell his good memorable story.
“This book of eighteen chapters is written in accessible language and great prose. Being a scientist, Ogunwole prefers to hit the nail on the head always. There is no prevarication, no twisting of meanings, no ambiguities, no unnecessary philosophies and no sermons. This is a down-to-earth memoir where the readers get told the truth, and nothing but the home truth. The author moved far and wide and shared his thoughts about the Nigerian Baptist Convention and other issues that are germane to the management of a higher institution. Some of his views may be considered controversial. Expect no less from an honest intellectual.
“The book is illustrated with many pages of pictures, some of which recall the turbulent period after the rationalization of staff. Ogunwole is not the only hero in this book, he acknowledged the contributions of many other members of the Bowen community to the success he recorded in his five years tour of duty. It is an act of courage for a leader to know that he could not have done it all alone. He came and changed Bowen University for the better. Because he was here, the next captain can now navigate with enormous confidence and greater clarity into the uncharted sea of the future,” Babarinsa stated.
Speaking in the same vein, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of the university, Deaconess Joan Olatoyosi Ayo (OON) also described the book as a narration of how the author had doggedly trodden a rugged path to greatness .
She said: “As the Pro- Chancellor of Bowen University, Professor Ogunwole has given a book to the coming generations so that they would know the Acts of Joshua Ogunwole and be encouraged to excel. Without any iota of doubt, the coming generations of Bowen and the youths of Africa would know that the future is bright because Ogunwole was here. This book is a testament to the courage of a formidable warrior who won most of his battles.
“I recommend it to everyone who cherishes good leadership in every sector and what this could mean for the transformation of our great,’’ the reviewer said.
Speaking further, she added that “As the Pro- Chancellor of Bowen University, where I have been privileged to work with Professor Ogunwole as my Vice Chancellor, I have discovered in him, a man whose character and resilience, have been forged in the crucible of chances and changes, pleasant and unpleasant experience with all his might.
“This book will help people with objective and unbiased mind to forge their path towards greatness,” she said, adding that the book is for leaders who desire to leave lasting legacies in their area of human endeavour.
In his response, Professor Ogunwole attributed all his leadership contributions to the upward development of Bowen University in the last five years to God by His divine wisdom, Protection and to the team work of his principal officers and the entire university community.
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