By Steve Oni, Ilorin
No fewer than eleven prominent socio- cultural associations and professional bodies have hailed the appointment of Professor Mohammed Mustapha Akanbi as the new and second vice chancellor of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
The associations in separate press statements made available to newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara state capital on Thursday, described Akanbi’s appointment as well deserved and a right step in the right direction.
They praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for putting the right peg in the right hole in the appointment of a new vice chancellor for the state owned university.
The groups while acknowledging the intimidating profile and track record of achievements of Prof. Akanbi as a former chairman of the Ilorin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dean, Faculty of Law and Director, Institute of Preliminary Studies, University of Ilorin thanked Governor Abdulrazaq for making the right choice in the appointment of a new vice chancellor for KWASU.
The associations expressed confidence in the ability of Akanbi to make KWASU truly Kwarans’ institution as against the past practice where those at the helm of affairs in the university were made to place premium on the interest of a few and those that appointed them.
The associations that have applauded Akanbi’s appointment include the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressives Union(IEDPU), Balogun Gambari Youths Development Association, Nigeria Bar Association, NationalInstitute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)MGIVIT, KWASU chapter and
Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, (CLASFON) Ilorin Branch among others.
The IEDPU, in a message by its
national president, Alhaji Aliyu Otta Uthman, said that the appointment of Prof. Akanbi was well deserved and an indication of the resolve of the Kwara state government in putting right pegs in right holes.
The umbrella body for all the socio- cultural associations in Ilorin Emirate saluted the sagacity of Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRasaq, for approving the appointment of Prof. Akanbi, who it described as a refined scholar, foremost lawyer, seasoned university administrator and distinguished son of Ilorin Emirate.
The Ilorin branch of NBA in a statement by its secretary, John Mayokun Dada, described Prof. Akanbi as an astute Bar leader, university don and Senior Advocate of Nigeria who is well equipped for the task ahead, adding that “we pray that he will take the institution to a world class academic citadel. ”
“Most importantly, we wish to commend His EXCELLENCY, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for appointing a round peg in a round hole.It is our conviction that this appointment will propel this institution to greater level of academic excellence,” NBA stated.
The NILDS, Abuja, in a statement signed by Prof. Bright Edoba Omoregie said:” I use this opportunity to thank the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, for this appointment.
Sir, by this appointment you have taken away from us the best intellectual and role model we have in the Institute and DLSS.
“We are however confident that Prof MM Akanbi SAN will justify his appointment based on his academic and leadership sterling qualities. ”
Also, the MMGIVIT, KWASU branch said on Akanbi’s appointment : “We express our gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for given our University a proven Student centred administrator and intellectual giant to become our next Vice Chancellor. We wish to state that this is a wonderful appointment Your Excellency have made so far, if not the best for the growth and development of our University.
“To our new VC, we’re happy to tell you that, you’re coming home. We pray to Almighty to guide, support and assist you through your stay and administration. ”
For its part,the Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria, (CLASFON) Ilorin Branch in a message by its secretary, J.K Atoyebi hailed Akanbi’s appointment and pray God to grant him all that is required to discharge his duties and move the university to its highest pinnacle.
The state government through the commissioner for Tertiary Institutions, Science and Technology, Hajiya Sa’a datu Modibbo Kawu on Wednesday announced the appointment of Akanbi as the new vice chancellor of KWASU.
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