Leadership is all about responsibility and accountability. Without doubt, an administrator in a world of bureaucracy is a man who, by the abstraction of his non-entity, can feel huge. He feels terrified by a genuine person in touch with actual things. In support of this school of thought, Steven Berkoff restates that: “A great opera theater is governed by a brilliant administrator, not by a director”.
There is no better way to capture the administrative prowess and brilliancy of Professor Rasaq Olatunde Kalilu at the helm of affairs of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso; than his personality as a symbol of excellence and embodiment of enviable fears in the realm of higher education administration in Nigeria.
Significantly, Professor ROM Kalilu, as he is fondly called, he does not only embody the epitome of leadership, but with apt and inspiring innovation and integrity. To begin with, as the Acting-Vice Chancellor, Kalilu’s tenure has been characterized by unwavering dedication, transformative initiatives, and a commitment to nurturing a conducive environment for expanding academic, staff welfare and personal growth.
Within the space of eight months of his appointment as the Acting-Vice Chancellor of the prestigious citadel of learning, his impacts has touched the least expected areas of the institution, the entire Ogbomoso environ, Oyo State, Nigeria and the world at large – through his leadership style of broad consultation approaches as diplomacy, which has earned him widespread acclaim and positioning him as the prime, noble and timely candidate for the substantive Vice Chancellor position of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.
In this comprehensive exploration, it is important to examine the multifaceted qualities and accomplishments that distinguish ROM Kalilu as the ideal choice to lead Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, into a future defined by excellence and distinction.
From its inception, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology has thrived under the visionary leadership of Professor ROM Kalilu. As one of the university’s pioneers, he played and still playing pivotal role in shaping its foundational principles and strategic direction. He knows the necessary steps to be taken at each particular juncture. He doesn’t mince words, he knows what timely actions could lead to, likewise the consequences of belated steps.
Moreover, his foresight and innovative thinking have been instrumental in establishing the university as a trailblazer in technological education, research and arts. His ability to anticipate emerging trends and adapt to dynamic educational terrain, has enabled LAUTECH to stay ahead of the curve and remain at the forefront of innovation. As Francis Bacon once said: seeing is believing.
As an innovator, the University under his stewardship has witnessed and still witnessing the transforming its campus into a vibrant hub of intellectual activities and innovations. His unwavering commitment to creating an environment conducive for academic excellence has laid the foundation for the university’s continued growth and success.
At the heart of Kalilu’s leadership philosophy, lies a steadfast commitment to discipline, integrity, and ethical conduct. As Acting-Vice Chancellor, he has upheld the highest standards of professionalism and accountability, instilling a culture of excellence and integrity throughout the university community. His unwavering adherence to principles has earned him the respect and admiration of students, members of staff, and various stakeholders alike; which solidifies his reputation as a principled leader with unwavering integrity and being visionary. What matters again?
Furthermore, within the duration of his acting roles and his leadership qualities, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology has experienced a resurgence of discipline and accountability, with a renewed emphasis on academic rigour and excellence. Through the implementation of robust governance, administrative mechanisms, prompt and regular payment of staff salaries and transparent decision-making processes; he has fostered a culture of trust and accountability, ensuring that the university operates within the utmost integrity and transparency.
Importantly, Professor Kalilu knows the significance of human relations. He makes friends before he will needs them. His public image is enviable. He appreciates little efforts as signs of sincerity of purpose. As Voltaire once noted: “Appreciation is a wonderful thing: it makes what is excellence in others, belongs to all of us”. His unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and equity has earned him the trust and confidence of stakeholders across the university community, positioning him as a model of integrity and ethical leadership. There is no controversy on that. What matters again?
In his role as acting Vice Chancellor, Professor ROM Kalilu has demonstrated unparalleled administrative acumen and strategic foresight. With a keen understanding of the complexities of higher education administration, he has adeptly navigated the myriad challenges facing the university, implementing innovative solutions and strategic initiatives to drive organizational effectiveness and efficiency. His visionary leadership has enabled Ladoke Akintola University of Technology to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities for growth and advancement, positioning the institution for long-term success and sustainability.
Through his strategic leadership, he has spearheaded initiatives to enhance academic quality, promote research excellence, and foster innovation across all facets of the university life. His strategic vision and innovative approach to administration have resulted in tangible improvements in student performance outcomes, faculty engagements, and institutional reputation. His proactive leadership style and hands-on approach to administration have earned him the admiration of noble men and women; solidifying his reputation as an administrator par excellence.
Within the span of more than 200 fruitful days on the saddle, Professor ROM Kalilu has left an indelible mark on Ladoke Akintola University of Technology , propelling the institution to new heights of excellence and distinction. Under his visionary leadership, the university has experienced unprecedented growth and advancement, with notable achievements across all areas of academic and administrative operations. From enhanced academic programmes to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, Kalilu’s transformative leadership has set the stage for continued success and achievement.
Since his assumption of office, his tenure as acting Vice Chancellor, he has demonstrated the highest levels of leadership, integrity, and innovation, earning the trust and confidence of stakeholders across the university community. His stellar leadership, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to excellence have positioned LAUTECH for continued growth and success in the years to come. As one of the architects of the university’s transformation and a champion of its core values and principles, Professor ROM Kalilu is uniquely qualified to lead Ladoke Akintola University into a future defined by excellence, innovation, distinction and inspiration to the next line of actions towards the promised land.
In the annals of higher education leadership, few figures come with substances. Among those who are privileged by nature to be endowed with native intelligence and refined wisdom is Professor ROM Kalilu, whose visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have propelled Ladoke Akintola University of Technology to the pinnacle of academic distinctiveness.
As acting Vice Chancellor, he has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to the growth and development of the institution; coupled with his sustained integrity. We live in the era of rare examples. He is the only one prime ad ideal to continue the reconstruction of LAUTECH he has strated in terms of administration, academic qualities, staff welfarism, and continuous general corporate image promotion of the institution.
Without mincing words and with the outlook of things, the stage is set to appoint a substantive Vice – Chancellor for the University, Professor ROM Kalilu is a suave, capable and polymath scholar – who will steer the academic ship of the institution for another fruitful and meaningful three years. To discernible mind, nothing is as good as allowing continuity, which is the hallmark and entrenchment of continued development, progress and laying down of indestructible, solid and enduring legacies worthy of emulation to be allowed to champion the course he has started.
On this premise, the power to appoint and disappoint, the wisdom to make or mar lies fully well in the prodigious knowledge, sagacity and hands of the University visitor, in person of the great political leader and innovator, reformer and performer, administrator per – excellence and game changer, prodigious and indefatigable Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, whom l strongly believe in his power of intuition and vision lies the courage to make the right choice among the candidates jostling for the vacant position, and who among them is qualified and have the drive to move the wheel of progress and even development of the University forward, and to the enviable and unprecedented height.
Remarkably, Governor Seyi Makinde, as earlier said, has the good grace and opportunity to appoint a substantive Vice Chancellor who will continue to uphold the university’s legacy of excellence and lead it to even greater heights of success. For the sake of continuity, , academic excellence, progress, growth, development and crisis-free environment, l have no iota of doubt in my mind, that Governor Seyi Makinde will find in Professor ROM Kalilu leadership; qualities of unmatched qualifications and accomplishments, visionary leadership, crisis management capacity and unwavering commitment to excellence.
As a matter fact and based on general public acceptance, the road to be taken is to appoint the great Professor ROM Kalilu as the substantive Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. He is the most acceptable choice, with capabilities to drive dynamic contexts in the right direction, which the contemporary world of leadership entails.
As a result, makes him the ideal choice to continue to serve Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State and Nigeria in general. To sum up, I lean on the words of Rosalynn Carter, to say that: “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be”. Professor ROM Kalilu has more than what it takes to take LAUTECH to where it ought to be. What matters again?
– Sayò Àlàgbé is a media practitioner at TIMFRED Comm. Nig. Ltd. He is a culture promoter, radio consultant, author and publisher.
