AN international online investigative publishing outfit, Afrikanwatch Network Communications has explained why the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe won its 2021 Man of the Year award.
Ogundipe was conferred with the award on Saturday, August 2, at the awards and annual lecture of the publishing outfit held at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos.
Ogundipe chaired the event and was honoured alongside other eminent Nigerians, including the deputy Senate President, Mr Ovie Omo-Agege; Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; chairman, Governing Council, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; chairman, Governing Council of Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Dr Tunji Abayomi; and former Special Adviser to the President on Media, Dr Reuben Abati at the event.
The organisers said Ogundipe was honoured based on his refusal to bow to unethical practices and pressure in an institution as UNILAG, as well as promotion of research, entrepreneurship and creativities among staff and students of the university.
Ogundipe, according to the Editor-in-Chief of Afrikanwatch, Mark Columnus Otgu, was also known to have demonstrated determination to turn UNILAG to a better brand that would rank high among world universities.
He noted that other award recipients were equally honoured based on what he described as their immense contributions to nation-building and humanity.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Ogundipe in a statement made available by the university’s spokeswoman, Mrs Nonye Oguama, thanked the orgainsers for considering him for the honour, saying he would forever cherish the gesture.
He, however, charged Nigerians to be positive-minded about the country, saying “there is no perfect country, nor institution nor individuals in the world.”
According to him, every country has its ugly side, and what would make the difference would be for citizens of some countries to choose to celebrate their positive sides over the negative, and through that, attract foreign investments directly into their economies.
“So, let us all take active parts in the processes that will lead our dear country Nigeria to become economically and politically prosperous,” he stressed.
Oguama added that Professor Solomon Akinboye of the Department of Political Science, UNILAG was also honoured as the Afrikanwatch National Grand Mentor at the event.
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