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Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi : The Proverbial Tailless Cow

Published

4 years ago

February 14, 2022

By Micheal Ahundu PhD.

A story was told of a grocery store owner whose only cow supplied the milk he sold to the small town where he lived. However, he left the cow to roam the village in the daytime in search of food. This meant that the cow occasionally wandered into people’s farms and grazed on their crops. This led to several confrontations and complaints between the inhabitants of that town and the owner of the cow until he decided to sell it off. Suddenly there was no more fresh milk again at the grocery store. People began to complain and finally realized that the poor wondering cow was the source of their milk.

The story above validates the saying that you do not know the value of what you have until it’s taken away from you. Human nature is often given to criticisms rather than commendation. Our empathy and sympathy are short-lived and often directed at people we have an emotional attachment with only. The lack of national unity or the threat to national unity has polarized us and created a mindset that is bent on discrediting even the most professional persons saddled with the affairs of the state if they fail to play according to our dictates. National interest is often sacrificed at the altar of selfishness and greed regardless of the pain it will cause others. We are always quick to attack people especially when their strength and accomplishments intimidate us.

History is replete with people whose laudable efforts are never recognized and appreciated. People who have lived all their lives offering essential services to everyone and doing their bits to make the society hospitable to others. The current vice Chancellor of federal university Lokoja, Prof Olayemi Akinwumi is one of those rare sacrificial and yet unsung heroes.The Federal University of Lokoja community has never experienced the level of academic excellence that this gentleman has brought to bear on the nation’s tertiary education system. This has been confirmed in the recent international ranking of universities. What more can we expect just under a few months in office! It is best to give him the necessary support to sincerely carry out his tenure with the vigor and enthusiasm with which he is already doing and not to discourage him with hate and petitions.

Like the proverbial cow that does not know the importance of its tail until when it’s cut off, some Nigerians have began to run down Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi’s giant strides and reforms at the Federal university of Lokoja. Unfortunately, his critics are certainly not people who can do half of what he is doing. They don’t even have any valid reasons to question his leadership and administrative credentials except that he has blocked all financial loopholes. Calling for his sack under any guise at all is just a way of distracting the public from the main issue. Mr. President and Nigerians can’t be fooled. Prof. Akinwumi must certainly finish his tenure and reposition the University to enviable heights before handing over to any other person.

Those whom for unpatriotic reasons are calling for prof Olayemi’s head less than one year into his appointment by Mr president are making a big mistake and like the little town, they might realize too late that the man burning the midnight oil to improve the standard of excellence at Federal University Of Lokoja was the person they were castigating and demanding for his sack in place of personal gains. Just like the proverbial cow, they might probably only realize the importance of the tail that safeguards them from ‘flies’ only when the tail is cut off. But fortunately, Nigerians have woken up to fight for their own, the one working for the interest of the education in general and the Federal University of Lokoja in particular. As can be seen in the public support enjoyed by the Vice Chancellor, it is a wake-up call to all well-meaning Nigerians that it is better to appreciate the brains behind Nigeria’s positive growth in education. Inciting the masses against their leaders and country is not just unpatriotic but also uncharitable. A man who won and open and keenly contested selection process must not be treated like a pauper who was brought through the back door. Prof. Akinwumi deserves better and most not be subjected to hate politics in an academic environment.

We must remember that no country will ever grow amid real and artificial crisis built on falsehood and hate. Bringing politics into the University system is a dangerous development. Universities must be autonomous of outside interference especially by disgruntled elements who see every venture as an venue to siphon money from. The University community and relevant stakeholders must not give in to this blackmail but must allow the erudite scholar to continue with the good work he is already doing.

History will be fair to Prof Olayemi for his tireless efforts and his praises will be sung on the lips of many Nigerians and scholars all over the world for the great work he is doing at FUL. That will be the best way to spur the relentless hero to greater achievements and wins. The numerous achievements so far within a short time in office to his credit such as the movement to the permanent site, revamping of the University Library, staff audit, improved ranking and many more even though not publicized, are a clear testimony that Nigerians will ever be grateful for this man who has revolutionalised excellence in education through his innovations at FUL. He has increased the visibility of the University and boosted the morale of academics and researchers in the University. This things might seem inconsequential but they are instrumental to building a viable University system

News

Super Eagles: Chelle Explains Decision to Invite New Players

Published

3 days ago

June 5, 2026

milcah

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has defended his decision to hand opportunities to several new players during the Unity Cup and the international friendly against Poland, saying the move is part of efforts to strengthen the national team.

According to DAILY POST, Chelle included eight home-based players in his squad for the Unity Cup invitational tournament as he continues to assess new talents capable of improving the team.

Players such as Femi Azeez, Owen Oseni, Arthur Okonkwo, and Rafiu Durosinmi all made their debut appearances during the competition.

Banik Ostrava defender Abdullahi Bewene also earned his first cap for the Super Eagles in the friendly against Poland, while Genk defender Christian Akpan received a late invitation for the upcoming friendly against Portugal.

Speaking to the Super Eagles media team, Chelle said the inclusion of fresh faces is aimed at raising the quality and competitiveness of the squad.

“We have analysed our game over the past year and have tried to bring in players who can help the team grow,” Chelle said.

“We need to improve because, for me and for everyone, it is often the smallest details that make the difference between being the best team and winning a trophy.”

The Malian tactician has continued to experiment with his squad since taking charge, with a focus on building a stronger and more competitive team ahead of future international competitions.

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“I Left the Frying Pan for Hellfire” — Senatorial Aspirant Laments Exit from APC to NDC

Published

3 days ago

June 5, 2026

milcah

Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, an aspirant for the Edo South Senatorial seat under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed deep frustration over his experience in the party, describing his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NDC as “moving from the frying pan into hellfire.”

Speaking on Arise News’ News Day programme on Friday, the former member of the House of Representatives alleged that despite winning the party’s senatorial primary election, he is now being prevented from appearing on the ballot.

Agbonayinwa further accused the NDC’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, of reneging on earlier encouragement for him to contest the Senate seat on the party’s platform. According to him, Dickson personally persuaded him to purchase the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms, only to later deny ever doing so.

“I have moved from the frying pan into hellfire,” Agbonayinwa said.

“After efforts to reach a consensus failed, we proceeded to a direct primary election. Party leaders brought all the aspirants together and encouraged us to step down for one another, but no agreement was reached.

“We went through a rigorous process. I understand the party is relatively new, but in all my years in both the APC and PDP, I have never witnessed this kind of situation. The primary election was held on May 29, and as of June 5, the results have still not been officially announced.”

The former lawmaker said he was particularly disappointed by the role allegedly played by Dickson, whom he described as a longtime friend and respected associate.

“Before joining the NDC, I reached out to Senator Seriake Dickson and later visited him at his residence. During our discussion, he asked why I could not pursue a Senate seat under the NDC platform.

“At the time, I was considering contesting for the House of Representatives, but after his suggestion, I told him I would consult with my political leaders. After doing so, I informed him of my decision and thanked him. To my surprise, the same person who encouraged me to obtain the nomination form has now claimed he never made such a recommendation,” he stated.

Agbonayinwa maintained that the handling of the primary election process has left him frustrated and disillusioned, raising concerns about transparency and internal democracy within the NDC.

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Some Nigerians Have Turned Insecurity Into a Commercial Venture — PDP Chieftain

Published

3 days ago

June 5, 2026

Our Reporter

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Ehilebo, has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, alleging that some individuals now view insecurity as a profitable enterprise.

Speaking on News Central’s Politics HQ on Friday, Ehilebo said the failure of authorities to bring perpetrators of major terrorist attacks and kidnappings to justice has contributed to the continued spread of insecurity across the country.

He cited the abduction of schoolgirls in Borno State and the attack on students in Buni Yadi as examples of incidents in which those responsible have not been adequately held accountable.

“When Boko Haram kidnapped girls in Borno State, till today we have not found those responsible and held them to account. Buni Yadi happened and nobody was held to account, and it spread to other schools,” he said.

Ehilebo noted that insecurity in Nigeria has evolved into different dimensions, including terrorism driven by extremist ideology and criminal activities motivated by financial gain.

“There are multiple facets and there is one that is solely domiciled within terrorism and if you look at the literal translation of Boko Haram, it means western education is haram according to radical Islamic teachings,” he stated.

He also alleged that some people now engage in kidnapping and related crimes for economic reasons, citing a recent case involving a senior special assistant in a state government who was reportedly arrested for allegedly staging her own abduction in an attempt to obtain ransom from the government.

“It has now become an industry and a commercial venture for some and for some it has become literally a religious thinking process,” he said.

The PDP chieftain argued that the lack of consequences for criminal acts has encouraged the persistence of insecurity, stressing that stronger political will is required to address the challenge effectively.

“The bottom line that has kept this is the consequence, which is almost driven by political will,” he added.