By Job Osazuwa
The President/Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof Ademola Stephen Tayo, has assured that the faith-based institution was strategically moulding Nigerian future leaders, who, when given public offices would not be guests to Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies.
He stated this when the executive members of the university’s alumni association paid him a courtesy visit recently. According to him, the university would not relent in its efforts in inculcating into the students, sound morals and discipline that would become part of them even after leaving the school’s environment.
Ademola, who assumed the office of the Vice Chancellor in December, last year, called for the reawakening of moral value and fear of God among youths.
He said Babcock thrives on the foundation of holistic education, the training of a total man in terms of physical, spiritual, social and mental aspects.
The VC said his administration would focus on the spiritual life of the students, staff welfare and academic consolidation of his predecessor, Prof Kayode Makinde. He promised that the school would contribute its quota to human capacity building and overall national development.
“We believe in the holistic education of the students. And that is why both the administration and staff teach by example. As enshrined in our curriculum, we strive to reflect the need for us to value the dignity of labour and to treat others the way we would want to be treated.
“At the core of our administration is moral value instilled in the sub-conscious of all within the four walls of our institution. Our first point of consolidation is in the spiritual realm because if we put God first in all we do, we are bound to have success. We are looking forward to a time where we will have all our academic programmes well- grounded, by having state- of- the- art equipment in our library and laboratory.
“Another area we are looking at is improving our management and staff relationship, as well as strengthening the understanding between the university and alumni association, including the parents, who will bring their expertise into bear for nation building.”
During the visit, the association’s alumni President, Chief Owolabi Shitta, described Babcock as God’s own university, pointing out that the school has witnessed unprecedented giant strides, especially in the last 10 years.
He stated that the strength of any university lies in the quality of relationship with its alumni and friends. He regretted that Babcock has not fully explored this relationship option, and consequently threatening the survival of the university.
“Our alumni network of over 15, 000 membership is making significant contributions in their different fields, either public or private,” he said.
Shitta said the association would give an annual scholarship of N1m to help 20 indigent students to support their school fees. On his personal magnanimity, he also donated N1m to the institution, saying that was his own way of giving back to his alma mater that had impacted so much on him.
The President revealed the association’s resolve to embark on a N250 million Alumni building project, saying that necessary arrangements were already concluded with the physical planning unit.