•Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi presenting award to Prof. Ogunsola
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Professor Folasade Ogunsola was among the three awardees at the 2024 Leadership Tribute Colloquium of the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL).
The 64th edition of the Leader Without Title Colloquium was held recently at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos with the theme; “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Women Leading the Way in Education”.
Prof. Ogunsola’s award, according to the Founder/CEO, Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), Professor Pat Utomi, was in recognition and acknowledgement of her outstanding contributions to tertiary education in Nigeria.
Other personalities who were honoured in the same capacity as Prof. Folasade Ogunsola were her counterparts at the Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello and Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Adenike Oladiji.
In his remarks, Prof. Utomi who spoke virtually, said the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) chose to honour the three VCs in recognition of how they have broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings, challenged the status quo and made valuable contributions to university administration in Nigeria.
Besides honouring the awardees, the Professor of Political Economy and Management expert said the three female VCs are also being tasked “to continue to set the pace, clear the path for and inspire the upcoming generations.”
While expressing concerns over the inability of several outstanding females to achieve managerial positions in industry, Prof Utomi stressed the need for the society at large to desist from ways and cultures which sees women as mere possessions, and subjugates their contributions to the society at large.
Speaking during the colloquium discussion, which was also graced by a crème de la from UNILAG and beyond, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ogunsola, who shared her thoughts on issues involving leadership and gender emancipation, said her interest and decision to go into university administration was fuelled by curiosity and her desire to shape scholarship.
Describing her “Future-Ready” Agenda as one geared towards making a difference in university administration, Ogunsola advocated a paradigm shift in the training and tutelage methods especially for the female gender.
She also solicited that educators see education as a means of raising inquisitive minds and not just to impart knowledge.
In her remarks as chairman of the occasion, Secretary to Lagos State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu Hundeyin, who was represented by Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi congratulated Prof. Ogunsola alongside other honourees. She described their awards as well deserving given their values and impact in tertiary education.
Dr Ogunyemi said the three female vice chancellors have not only raised the bar but have also inspired the younger generations with their sacrifice, perseverance and milestones.
The event was graced by members of management, principal officers as well as deans and directors of UNILAG, former VC, Professor Rahamon Bello and Emeritus Professor Ayo Ogunye, who also converged to identify with Prof. Ogunsola as she was being awarded for her outstanding contributions to tertiary education in Nigeria.