Obasanjo Tasks New KolaDaisi University VC On Innovation, Integrity, Digital Transformation

Obasanjo Tasks New KolaDaisi University VC on Innovation, Integrity, Digital Transformation Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has charged the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University, Professor Olajumoke Morenikeji, to lead the institution with innovation, integrity, character development and digital transformation as she begins her tenure. Obasanjo gave the charge during the investiture of Morenikeji as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the university, where he joined other stakeholders, including the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Remi Babalola, and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adeniyi Olatunbosun, in urging her to provide visionary leadership that would position the institution among Africa’s leading universities. In a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Managing Director of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Foundation, Mr. Vitalis Ortese, the former President congratulated Morenikeji, describing her appointment as a recognition of her academic achievements and administrative competence

Obasanjo advised the new Vice-Chancellor to promote purposeful innovation and ensure that the university produces graduates capable of solving Nigeria’s and Africa’s developmental challenges. He emphasised that universities must go beyond awarding certificates by developing innovators, thinkers and builders, while also stressing the importance of combining knowledge with strong moral values. “Knowledge without character constitutes a danger to society,” Obasanjo warned, urging Morenikeji to lead with courage, inclusiveness and empathy while building bridges among staff, students, faculty members and external partners. The former President also commended the founder and Chancellor of KolaDaisi University, Chief Kola Daisi, CON, for investing in human capital development through the establishment of the institution. Speaking at the event, Babalola described the investiture as a significant milestone in the university’s history, charging Morenikeji to strengthen innovation, integrity and digital transformation.

He said the Governing Council expects the new administration to consolidate existing achievements while introducing reforms that would improve teaching, research, community service and global competitiveness. Babalola identified technology-driven transformation as a major priority, noting that digital tools would be essential in improving academic delivery, administration and the university’s international outlook. He also called for stronger research output, strategic partnerships and sustainable funding models. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Professor Adeniyi Osuntogun, urged the new Vice-Chancellor to build on the foundation laid by previous administrations by expanding academic excellence, research partnerships, grants and entrepreneurship initiatives. In her response, Professor Morenikeji unveiled a strategic vision aimed at transforming KolaDaisi University into one of Africa’s leading institutions through academic excellence, impactful research, innovation, entrepreneurship and ethical leadership. She announced a 13-point strategic agenda focusing on curriculum renewal, research and innovation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, postgraduate education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, community engagement and good governance. Morenikeji said the university’s ambition would extend beyond becoming a respected Nigerian private university, with a goal of gaining recognition as an African institution known for knowledge creation, innovation and service to humanity. She called on staff, students, alumni, parents and development partners to support her administration in building a university whose impact would go beyond its campus. The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of several higher institutions, including the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; Olabisi Onabanjo University; Lead City University; Bowen University; and Osun State University.