NEW REGISTRAR, BURSAR ASSUME DUTY IN AJAYI CROWTHER UNIVERSITY. ARCHBISHOP ENJOINS THEM TO DO THEIR BEST FOR THE INSTITUTION

A new Registrar and a new Bursar have assumed duty at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. A welcome service was held today at St. Andrew’s Chapel in the University for Dr. J E. T. Babatola ( Registrar) and Mr. Ayodele John Olusanwo ( Bursar), both of whom assumed duty in the University on June 1, 2021. Both men were recently appointed by the Governing Council of the University to take over from their predecessors, whose tenure had lapsed.

Delivering a sermon at the welcome service, the retired Archbishop of Ondo Province, Church of Nigeria( Anglican Communion) and current Dean, Faculty of Humanities in the University, Most Rev. Prof. George G.L. Lasebikan, told the two new Principal Officers of the University, that God has equipped them for the new job they are about to undertake. In a message titled ‘ what do you have in your hand?’ (Exodus 4.2), he stated that, like Moses in the bible, they have a rod in their hands which they have acquired through their education, and various training, for which they were found worthy to be appointed. He told them that they also have experience in their hands, given that they have rendered such services in the past in other places. He said the difference is that they had come to do it in another place, which can rightly be described as a change, stating that change is the most constant thing in life. He told them not to be intimidated by the new challenge, stating that they had all it takes to deliver on their mandate. He advised them to follow God in obedience, and be focused. He advised them to be bold and courageous. The Archbishop, who is a professor of Old Testament Studies in the Department of Religious Studies, admonished them with the words of the late Winston Churchill, a former Prime Minister of Britain, who said ‘ the pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity, but the optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty ‘. He enjoined the duo to see new opportunities in their new job. He prayed that God would grant them success in their new endeavour. The bible lessons for the service, Proverbs 24: 3-10 and Phil.3: 12-16, were read by the new and Bursar Registrar respectively.

Before the service came to an end, University Chaplain, Ven. Olalekan Onanuga, asked the new Principal Officers to make brief remarks. Dr. J.E.T Babatola, the Registrar, expressed delight in coming to Ajayi Crowther University, saying it was a homecoming of sorts, given that he was the Registrar of a polytechnic in Bayelsa State, from where he came to assume duty. He pledged to discharge his duty without sentiments and asked the staff to ensure that they abide by the rules. He coveted the prayers and cooperation of everyone, saying he would be fair to all in the discharge of his duties. Mr. Ayodele Olusanwo , in his response, thanked the appointing authorities for giving him the opportunity to contribute his own quota to the development of the University. He said he was coming with over 30 years experience on the job, stating that he would do his best to sustain the financial health of the University.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Abiodun Adebayo, Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments and Units, and other members of staff attended the service.