By Steve Oni, Ilorin
The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Prof. Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi has disclosed his preparedness at making the institution an enviable one for learning, teaching and research.
He made this known on Wednesday at his maiden meeting with Principal Officers, Deans and Provosts of Colleges of the institution.
He said: “No effort will be spared in the course of turning the University into a world class Institution. As Vice Chancellor, my aspiration is to make KWASU a place of opportunity and inspiration capable of attracting the most talented staff and students from within and outside Nigeria.
“My dream is to promote a world class enabling environment for learning, teaching and research. An environment that is conducive for intellectual inquisitiveness and enhances knowledge acquisition for future application in industries, business and life.
“My intention is to be the driving force of the institution, shaping the future of the institution by providing strong intellectual, innovative, team leadership and strategic direction. I will ensure financial sustainability and maximise the efficient use of University resources and facilities, taking advantage of opportunities to grow income while managing risk effectively.
“I shall engage in significant fund raising initiatives, maximising income streams from philanthropic and corporate sources. Furthermore, i intend to leverage on various networks in research funding circles, industries, government and higher education nationally and internationally.”
Prof. Akanbi noted that in the drive to move the institution forward, his administration would focus on four essential areas, including provision of a conducive learning environment for students, and promotion of teaching methods that are student centric through incorporating suggestions for students periodically via a well developed feedback mechanism, enrich the teaching and learning process through the development of ICT facilities and an establishment of an advanced computing centre, ensure digitisation of the central library, and an upgrade of the sport facilities.
Prof. Akanbi said the institution would promote cutting edge researches that are socially relevant to address critical needs in education, healthcare, safety, security management, information system, engineering and technology in Kwara State.
Speaking on Community development and entrepreneurial initiatives the Vice Chancellor said: “We know that the University was founded to be a center for community development and entrepreneurship, we will therefore engage in activities that will validate the objective by deepening the University’s commitment to community engagement through corporate social responsible activities”, urging the staff to exhibit high level of professionalism and support so as to archive success. He promised to work diligently in order to sustain the current tempo of development in the Institution.
Responding, the former Acting Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Sakah Mahmud, expressed the desire of all staff of the Institution to work with the new VC to move the University forward.
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