chapter one laying the foundation the introduction of the
TRANSCRIPT
1
CHAPTER ONE
LAYING THE FOUNDATION
The introduction of the free primary education programme by the
government of Western Region of Nigeria in 1955 brought about the urgent
need for manpower in sufficient numbers and quality, especially in the
teaching profession. The Regional Government sought external assistance
to face the Herculean task squarely. In response, the Ohio State University
from the USA with her International Cooperation Administration Project
came on board. The need had arisen for more Grade Two teachers, and
therefore, there was the need to produce more teacher trainers. By 1958, a
post-grade two certificate institution was established at the Moor Plantation
in Ibadan to produce Grade 1 teachers. In 1960, Ransome-Kuti College of
Education, a full fledged College of Education(COE), running a three year
programme, leading to the award of the Nigeria Certificate in Education
(NCE) was established to complement the efforts of the Ohio State University
project.
The Government of Western Region did not stop there as it was
ensured that the Moor Plantation Project was upgraded to another COE
named Olunloyo College of Education. One would have thought that with
the establishment of those two Colleges of Education, the Regional
Government would have been satisfied with her giant strides in tertiary
education. No, that was not to be. The free Universal Primary Education
programme had started to produce students for the few existing secondary
schools in large numbers. Teachers were then needed, not only for Teacher
Training Colleges, but also for the expanding secondary schools in the
Region.
In corroboration with the dream of the Western Regional Government,
the Ashby Commission recommended that the country needed to produce
more middle-level manpower for the economy. The Western Regional
Government went ahead in 1964 to establish yet another College of
Education named ADEYEMI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ONDO. Just as the
2
earlier two Colleges were named after pioneer educationists, this third
COEwas named after Reverend Canon Moses Craig Akinpelumi Adeyemi.
Canon M. C. Adeyemi was born on the 5th of September, 1882 to
Seriki Lawani Adeyemi, a Prince from one of the royal families in Oyo, and
Madam Olatunwonsi Adeyemi from the famous Awosika family of Ondo.
Among the schools, Canon M. C. Adeyemi attended were St. Stephen’s
Primary School, Ondo; St. Andrew’s College, Oyo; and Forah Bay College,
Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he studied classics. On his return from his
postgraduate studies in Education at Cheltenham College, England, the
Church Missionary Society (CMS) appointed him as the Education Secretary
and Inspector of Schools. While carrying out this big task, the need for a
secondary school in Ondo land dawned on him, the CMS and the Ondo
community. He had to resign his appointment as Education Secretary to
become the first Principal of what turned out to be called Ondo Boys’ High
School. He retired from the headship of the school for full ministry as a
priest. He was appointed the Vicar of St. Stephen’s Church, Oke-Aluko,
Ondo in 1939 a position he held until he died in 1942.
It is noteworthy that twenty-two years after his death, a decision was
taken on the 24th of April, 1964 by the Western Regional Government to
immortalize his name by naming the new COE after him–ADEYEMI
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, Ondo.
On the 22nd of May, 1964, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo was
formally opened by the Government of Western Region of Nigeria with 93
students made up of 69 male students and 24 female students.
Discussing the location briefly, Adeyemi College of Education is
located in Ondo town between latitude 7o 5’N and 7o 83’N of the Equator and
between 4o 5’E and 4o 83’E of the Greenwich Meridian. It is bounded in the
North by Laje Road, in the East by Ondo/Ore Road, in the West by the
National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), and
in the South by Palmgrove-Oka quarters. The College covers a total land
mass of about 264,792 hectares (654,314 acres).
3
Aims and Objectives of the College
Ransome-Kuti College of Education and Olunloyo College of Education
were merged with Adeyemi College of Education in 1965 and 1968
respectively. When the College was opened in 1964, it had the following
aims and objectives:
i) to provide an additional source of preparing highly qualified non-
graduate teachers for secondary schools and teacher training
colleges in the Western Region;
ii) to conduct in-service training programmes for teachers of
secondary schools and teacher training colleges;
iii) to conduct research and experiment on methods at all levels of
education.
These were the lofty objectives of the College at its inception. Financing the
big project was to become a big challenge for the Regional Government when
the UNESCO came on board to help the three regions in Nigeria then –
North, East and West to set up such COEs. For the Western Region,
Adeyemi College of Education came handy for the UNESCO project. While
the Regional Government provided funds for the building of physical
structures on the 654,314 acres of land donated by Ondo community,
UNESCO paid the salaries of its experts, stocked the library and provided
financial assistance for staff training as well as equipment worth ₤390,600
for the College use.
The seriousness and the commitment of the Western Region
Government at that time can be appreciated through the long list of the
initial structures put up in the College : one administrative block, two
spacious classroom blocks, a language laboratory, two lecture theatres with
a seating capacity of 150 people each, a student dining hall with modern gas
cookers and electrical equipment, four students’ hostels including one for
the female students, a large theatre for the staging of plays with aseating
capacity for 600 people and another air-conditioned projection theatre for
only 100 people. Also on the list were a big library and three well equipped
4
laboratories for Chemistry, Biology and Physics as well as a well equipped
gymnasium for the teaching of Physical and Health Education. Finally, fifty-
six quarters for senior and junior staff members were put in place.
SOME OF THE FIRST SET OF BUILDINGS IN PICTURES
1. Administrative block
2. Old Arts block
3. Old Mathematics/English block
4. College Auditorium in/out
5. The two old theatres in/out
6. One fence hall one mile hill
7. The gymnasium
8. One senior quarter, one junior
Administration of the College
Throughout this early life of the College, it was just a unit of the
Ministry of Education of the Western Region of Nigeria. The Ministry was
responsible for the recruitment of staff and the administration of the
College, thus making the staff public servants. They were subjected to civil
service bureaucracy which impacted negatively on the development of an
academic culture. However, the academic programme of the College at this
initial stage was moderated by the Institute of Education of the University of
Ibadan.
Administrative headship of the College was strictly limited to public
servants. The first Principal of the College was Mr. Jack C.E. Greig who
served in that capacity for one year, 1964 to 1965.
He was succeeded by the second Principal, Mr. A. O. Ogundipe,also
headed the College for one year, 1965-66. The civil service bureaucracy
mentioned earlier can be clearly seen at work, now when one considers the
short and ineffective tenure of the principals. Mrs. P. A. Ogundipe succeeded
Mr. Ogundipe as principal, and she too served in this capacity for just one
year.
5
Mr. L. O. Sofenwa, was luckier than his predecessors as he was
allowed to head the College for three years. No wonder he was able to
solidify the academic programmes of the College between 1966 and 1969.
Chief W. B. Akingbola came in, in 1969 as the fifth principal of the
College succeeding Mr. L. O. Sofenwa. Although, he was in office for only
one year,he happened to have experienced the first students’ protest in the
history of the College. It was caused by the dwindling number of academic
staff in the College which emanated as a result of the overseas programmes
being pursued by many of the academic staff at that time. Mr. Sofenwa was
able, through wisdom and God’s grace, to control the crisis.
Conclusion
Starting a new project especially a new academic institution is not an
easy task. The seriousness and determination of the Western Region
Government at that time coupled with the timely intervention of UNESCO
should be seen as a great blessing for the powerful and successful take-off of
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. The coming of the sixth Principal, Mr.
B. O. Rotimi, takes us into another phase of the life and history of ournoble
College.
THE FIRST SET OF PRINCIPALS IN PICTURES
Mr. Jack C.E. Greig
Mr. A. O. Ogundipe
Mrs. P. A. Ogundipe
Mr. L. O. Sofenwa
Chief W. O. Akingbola
6
CHAPTER TWO
THE EARLY YEARS
• The First Convocation Ceremony in 1967 • The Period of Mr. W.Akingbola1969-1970 • Administrative Structure/Organogram • Town-Gown Relationship • Concluding Remarks
7
CHAPTER TWO
THE EARLY YEARS
The First Graduation Ceremony in 1967
The first convocation of the College was held in 1967.1Itcame up
during the Nigerian civil war, hence, it was a low-key celebration. The
Principal who organised the convocation ceremony was Mr. L.A. Sofenwa. In
his remark during the ceremony, he laid emphasis on the success so far
made by the College in the training of teachers for the secondary level of
education in the then Western State by the College.2
Mr. Sofenwa was of the opinion that since the inception of the College,
there had been a very high improvement in the production of teachers who
could handle the intermediate level of the country’s education. In all, 90
students were awarded the NCE certificate at that graduation ceremony.3
THE PERIOD OF MR. W. O. AKINGBOLA 1969-1970
Mr (later Chief) L.O. Akingbola was the 5th Administrator or Principal
of the College.He resumed duties in the College as Principal in 1969, after
the exit of Mr. (later Chief) L.A. Sofenwa.He was an indigene of the town
and this was used very well to his advantage. Mr. Akingbola was described
by those who worked with him as very good and fluent in Latin.4 He
administered the College for just a year within which he managed the
second students’ protest in the history of the College. The protest was said
to have been caused by reduction in the number of academic staff due to
8
overseas programmes pursued by many of them.5 His wisdom in managing
the students’ crisis was one major achievement credited to him. There were
insinuations that Mr. W.O. Akingbola was high handed in the management
of the College. Being diligent, he was commended for managing the
College well.
Mr. W.O. Akingbola(1969-1970)
Mr. Akingbola was described as a very funny and jovial administrator
who treated his colleagues to many of such jokes.6 For instance, when he
was replaced by the government of Western State in 1970 during a public
meeting where the representative of the government announced a change in
9
the headship of the College without a formal letter to that effect, he was
reported to have made a funny remark using a Latin word to qualify his exit
in the same public meeting without injuring the feelings of his audience.7
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE/ORGANOGRAM IN THE EARLY YEARS:
1964-1991
The College administrative structure or organogram could be seen
from two different perspectives looking at it in two separate historical
epochs; 1964 to 1984 and 1984 to date. During the first twenty years, there
were eight Principals at the helm of administration in the College. However,
by 1984, the nomenclature changed to Provost and to date, there had been
seven Provosts including the incumbent.
At the helm of the College affairs during the early years was the
Principal who was responsible for the day to day administration of the
College. He was to over-see the other staff both teaching and non-teaching
staff.8 He was the custodian of all College records. He ran the institution
more or less like a secondary school. He was responsible to the Ministry of
Education in Ibadan.9 Directives, promotion and appointments of staff were
handed down from the Ministry. The College at this stage therefore did not
have any well structured registry as we have it today.10
The Principal of the College was assisted by a Vice Principal also
appointed by the Ministry but on the recommendation of the incumbent
Principal.11 His duties included assisting the Principal in the daily
administration of the College. He deputized for the Principal in case of his
absence at any College statutory meetings or briefings.
10
Next to this in the hierarchy of administration of the College at this
early stage were the Heads and Coordinators of Units, Hall Wardens and
other lower officers.12 There was a College Kitchen which took care of
students’ feeding and this was coordinated by a College Catering Officer.13
Supplies to the kitchen in particular was handled from the Ministry
through contractors sent from Ibadan but on the recommendation of the
Principal. The Office of the Principal and Vice Principal had secretarial and
clerical staffs who were appointed from the Ministry of Education.14
However, after the tenure of Mr. J.O. Oyewale as the Principal of the
College (1976 – 1979), the nomenclature of the Chief Academic Officer of the
College was changed to Provost and the first Acting Provost was Mr.
Vilanilathu Ninan (1979-1984). It was at this point that heads of tertiary
institutions were given the powers of Chief Executive. Under this new
arrangement, the Chief Executive was to be directly responsible to
Governing Council. However, as the College was under the supervision of
the University of Ife coupled with the absence of a full-fledged Governing
Council, he could not operate appropriately in that capacity.15
The manifestation of the new structure did not come into force until
Professor Segun Adesina assumed duties as the first substantive Provost.
He was on sabbatical leave at University of Ife but was seconded by the Vice
Chancellor to be the first Provost of the College.16As the Provost, he had
some power to operate at a higher level under the supervision of the Interim
Governing Board already put in place by the University of Ife. He could also
11
preside over the Academic Board which was the highest academic and
result-approving organ of the College. He was assisted by a Deputy Provost
who could stand-in for the Provost to preside over certain statutory bodies.
The first Deputy Provost of the College was Dr. (Mrs.) Phebean Olusola
Fayemi.17
The Chief Administrative Officer of the College was the College
Registrar, who also was the Secretary to the Governing Council. He
coordinated the Registry made up of several divisions and units today.
In all, there are five Principal Officers of the College who oversee the
day to day running of the administration along with the Provost who himself
is responsible to the Governing Council. These are the:
1. Provost,
2. Deputy Provost,
3. Registrar,
4. Librarian and
5. Bursar.
Beside these Principal Officers, there are also Deans of Schools, Vice Deans
and Heads of Departments and Units. The interrelationship between the
various organs of the College Administration is as indicated in the College
Organogram.
12
The College Academic Structure
The College is made up of the following:Schools, Departments, and
Units. Each School is headed by a Dean who is responsible to the
Provost, while the Departments have Heads who are responsible to the
Deans. Activities of the Departments for the academic members of staff
include active engagement in teaching, research and community
service.
Seminars are also organized at School level while lecturers across Departments
contribute and present papers at academic conferences. Besides, they
regularly attend learned conferences to update their knowledge and
competence in their chosen fields.
School of Arts and Social Sciences
The School of Arts and Social Sciences is one of the foundation
Schools in the College. It was formerly known as the School of Arts until
1992/93 academic session. The School, which was formerly Division of
Arts, was headed by Deans in the following order:
1. Dr. E. A. Abiodun
2. Prof. D. O. Oke
3. Rev. B. F. Adeniji and
4. Dr. I. A. Osisanwo
When leaving office, Dr. Osisanwo handed over to two Deans: Dr. O. Oshin,
School of Arts, and Dr. L. O. Arohunmolase, School of Languages.
The School initially housed three departments, namely: Department of
Geography, History and Religious Studies. Others established later were the
Departments of Economics and Social Studies (1992/93), and Music (2011).
Their introduction had severally increase student enrolment, human and
physical resources, responsibilities of the School towards manpower
development in Nigeria.
13
The School of Arts and Social Sciences had been administered by the
following Deans since its inception in 1994:
• Dr. V. E. A. Akorede 1st August 1994 – 31st July 1998
• Mr. C. O Ayodele 1st August 1999 – 31st July 2003
• Mr. J. O. Arowolo 1st August 2003 – 31st July 2005
• Mr. C. O Ayodele 1st August 2005 – 31st Dec. 2006
• Dr. S. I. Fabarebo 1st January – 31st July 2007
• Dr. J. S. Babatolu 1st August 2007 – 31st July 2011
• Dr. D. A. Falade (Acting) 1st August2011-31st July 2012
• Dr. A. Ikuejube 1st August 2011-date
Since its inception, the School has trained thousands of competent
professional teachers who have served and still serving in various Nigeria
educational institutions. In the same vein, some graduates had gone for
further studies which have enabled them to become successful bankers,
lawyers, business parliamentarians and civil servants.
The School of Arts and Social Sciences has regular academic
publications which include Ondo Journal of Arts and Social Sciences, Review
in Social Science, Zaxred, Periscope, Conference Procedures, and the annual
book publications. These scholarly publications and annual conference of
the School severally attract researchers, lecturers, teachers and professional
organisation from all over the country. Generated ideas and reflections on
the contemporary social, economic and political development across the
world in referenced books and journals are sourced by notable libraries and
learners as instructional materials.
Furthermore, a number of academic staff serves the College in many
positions of responsibility, and other higher educational institutions as
visiting lecturers and External Examiners for quality assurance of their
academic programmes. The School is also rich in talented fellows who are
resource persons to some reputable national and international
organisations.
14
School of Education
The School of Education is one of the foundation Schools established on 1st
January, 1985. It mainly provides compulsory education service courses for
students in other four Schools. The School of Education comprises eight
departments, namely: Department of Adult and Non-Formal Education,
Department of Early Childhood Care and Education, Department of
Educational Administration and Planning, Department of Educational
Foundations and Counselling, Department of Educational Technology,
Department of General Studies, Department of Primary Education Studies
and Department of Special Education and Curriculum Studies.
The School of Education had been administered by the following Deans
since its inception in 1984:
• Dr. S. A. Adediran 1st August 1982 – 31st July 1984
• Dr. A. O. Aboderin 1st August 1984 – 31st July 1986
• Dr. E. A. Abiodun 1st August 1986 – 31st July 1991
• Dr. A. O. Olarewaju 1st August 1991 – 31st July 1993
• Dr. M.O. Akindehin 1st August 1993 – 31st July 1997
• Dr. R. A. Adeboyeje 1st August 1997 – 31st March 1999
• Dr. W. O. Olaniyi (Acting) 1st April 1999 – 31st July 1999
• Mr. B. A. Abanikannda 1st August 1999 – 31st July 2001
• Dr. G. B. Olaniyi 1st August 2001 – 31st July 2005
• Mr. J. B. Arogundade 1st August 2005 – 31st July 2007
• Dr. S. O. Oyekan 1st August 2007 – 31st July 2011
• Dr. (Mrs.) I. F. Alao 1st August 2011 – 31st July 2013)
• Dr. (Mrs.) O. A. Oyinloye 1st August 2013 –date.
Professional competence and ethics of teaching are imparted to teacher-
trainees in all the Education courses, especially the Teaching Methods
courses in specialised subject curricula. This makes Teaching Practice
Committee (TPC) to be housed in the School. Being College-based training
15
machinery, TPC has the Dean, School of Education as Chairman; all Heads
of Departments in the School; and representatives of other Schools as
members. Annually, TPC makes concrete arrangement for teaching practice
by posting student teachers to primary and secondary schools in Ekiti,
Ondo and Osun States; mobilising qualified Supervisors; and submitting a
comprehensive report on the teaching practice to the Academic Board.
Teaching practice is, therefore, an indispensible exercise that exposes the
NCE and Degree students to practical teaching and professional ethics in
real classroom situations.
The School also has a functional Centre for Education Technology
(CET) which anchors micro- teaching activities of the student teachers. Our
Counselling Laboratory is equipped with necessary facilities and qualified
guidance counsellors, who readily assist the students on varying academic,
personal and career matters. Cordial relationship with the community is
further enhanced by Departments of ECCE and PES whose students teach
in many nursery and primary Schools in Ondo town.
Furthermore, the School has a number of academic publications
including the Journal of Educational Innovation and Practice, and Journal of
Educational Administration and Planning; and referenced books authored by
erudite scholars. The annual national conference of the School brings to the
College many researchers, lecturers, teachers and representatives of
professional organisations. Hence, the School focuses on effective teaching,
productive research works, and vibrant community services for sustainable
human capital development in all aspects of nation building.
School of Languages
The School of Languages was an integrated Unit in the defunct School of
Arts before it was carved out as a full-fledged School on 1st August, 1993. It
is anchored on the fact that language is an essential instrument being used
to pilot the affairs of the nation. This makes the School to be trying in the
unification of the linguistic diversity in the country.
The School of Languages comprises of five Departments, namely:
Department of English, Department of French, Department of Hausa,
Department of Igbo and Department of Yoruba. The School of Languages
had been administered by the following Deans since its inception on 1st
August 1993:
16
• Dr. L. O. Arohunmolase 1st August 1993 – 31st December 1994
• Mr. O. O. Adedeji 1st January 1995 – 31st July 1997
• Dr. L. O. Arohunmolase 1st August 1999 – 31st July 2001
• Mr. R. A. Ogunyemi 1st August 2001 – 31st July 2005
• Dr (Mrs.) Y. O. O. Akorede 1st August 2005 – 31st July 2009
• Dr. Y. M. Ogunsiji 1st August 2009 – 31st July 2013
• Dr. J. O. Ojo 1st August 2013 –date
Academic programmes in the School of Languages are designed to equip the
NCE and Degree students with creative knowledge and skills of listening,
speaking, reading and writing English, French, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.
The basic principles and techniques of teaching these foreign and Nigerian
languages are imparted to the learners in the classrooms, well equipped
ultra- modern language laboratory, French Resource Centre, Yara Isembaye
(Yoruba Museum) and acculturation centres across Nigeria. It is intended to
upscale the students’ competence and proficiency in language, culture and
literature.
The School also prepares students for remedial programmes to facilitate
their success in public examinations such as Senior School Certificate (SSC)
and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Graduates of the
School have become prominent teachers, erudite scholars, entertainers,
politicians, businessmen, bankers, lawyers and civil servant. Relevance of
the School is, therefore, shown in its production of vibrant, competent and
responsible manpowerfor nationaldevelopment.
School of Science
The School is the largest School with many of its Departments
established with the College in 1964. It comprises seven departments,
namely: Department of Biology, Department of Chemistry, Department of
Computer Science, Department of Integrated Science, Department of
Mathematics, Department of Physical and Health Education and
Department of Physics. The School of Science had been administered by the
following Deans since its inception:
• Dr. M. O. Oladimeji
17
• Dr. A. Koleoso
• Dr. B. S. Adeyemi
• Dr. T. Akinsanmi 1st August 2001 – 31st August 2003
• Dr. (Mrs.) I. Ogunlade 1st August 2003 – 31st August 2005
• Mr. A. B. Aganga 1st August 2005 – 31st July 2007
• Dr. T. Akinsanmi 1st August 2007 – 7th February 2009
• Dr. A. O. Ogungbenro 8th February 2005 – 31st July 2011
• Mr. B. F. Akinwale 1st August 2011 – 31st July 2013
• Dr. F. O. Balogun 1st August 2013 – date
Departments of Computer Science and Integrated Science came into
existence during the1992/93 academic session. Students are exposed to
the scientific principles and techniques during classroom teaching, practical
exercises and field trips as means of demonstrating academic and
professional excellence in teaching science.
Many graduates of the School are distinguishing themselves in diverse
careers in the society such as teachers, politicians, scholars and information
communication experts. A number of academic staff is occupying relevant
Collensis positions of responsibility thereby contributing to the growth and
development of the College. Early processing of examinations in the College
was facilitated by the development of a database application known as in the
Department of Computer Science.
The School has some academic journals which attract contributors
across the tertiary educational and research institutions. Reflections on the
global trends in science and technology during seminars and conferences
are published in referenced books and journals.
School of Vocational and Technical Education
The School of Vocational and Technical Education emerged from defunct
School of Applied Arts and Sciences.All its Departments were established in
1964 except Department of Business Educcation which came into existence
18
in 1992.Other old Departments are Department of Agricultural
Science,Department of Fine and Applied Arts and Department of Home
Economics. Students are exposed to the basic knowledge, entrepreneurial
skills and managerial attitudes that enable them become competent
teachers and employers of labour.
The School of Arts and Social Sciences had been administered by the
following Deans since its inception in 1984:
1. Dr. (Mrs.) P. O. Fayemi 1st August 1984 – 31st July 1986
2. Mr. R. O. Ajidahun 1st August 1986 – 31st July 1990
3. Dr. S. I. Ogunrinde1st August 1990 – 31st July 1992
4. Dr. J. O. Adejumo1st August – 31st December 1992
5. Dr. O. Oyerinde1st January 1993 – 31st July 1993
6. Dr. (Mrs.) A. Aliu 1st August 1993 – 31st July 1995
7. Dr. J. O. Adejumo1st August 1995 – 31st July 1999
8. Dr. F. O. Adegunloye 1st August 1999 – 31st July 2001
9. Dr. O. R. Adeniyi1st August 2001 – 30th November 2004
10. Dr. F. O. Adegunloye 1st December 2004 – 31st July 2009
11. Dr. O. R. Adeyemi1st August 2009 – 31st January 2010
12. Dr.E. O. Adeleye1st February 2010 – date.
The School has a functional Teaching and Research Farm with poultry,
goatry, rabbitary, piggery, and crop production units. With its oil pam
production, quality home management techniques, creative artistic designs
and business orientation of students to explore viable survival options for
19
creation of employment and wealth, the graduating students are empowered
to contribute to the economic growth of the nation.
Furthermore, the School organises stimulating seminars, workshops and
conferences on critical issues associated with sustainable agricultural
production, entrepreneurial development, artistic creativity and poverty
eradication. Generated ideas and reflections on human survival devoid of
unemployment, poverty and diseases are published in referenced books
and learned journals such as the Journal in Management and Business
Education. Since its inception, the School has produced many self-reliant
and competent professionals in public and private organisations associated
with farming, cottage industries, artistic designs and quality nutrition acros
the nation.
TOWN-GOWN RELATIONSHIP
The relationship between Ondo community and Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo may be described as cordial from inception as the
community was excited at the location of a tertiary institution within the
town.18A wide acreage of land was released for its development. Between
1961 and 1964 when the buildings were being constructed, the contractors
and their workers resided within the town around the place known today as
Odosida, and Loro area. Their stay in the town helped to boost the
economy.19
The cordiality of the town-gown relationship may also be seen in the
light of the roles played by successive Osemawes of Ondo Kingdom.
Between 1964 and 1974, the Osemawe was His Royal Highness, Oba
Adesokeji Aderele (Tewogboye II).19 His perception of the College was that it
should have sufficient number of Ondo indigenes as staff. This expectation
20
was not realised during this time since many of the indigenes were into
other disciplines like medicine, law, banking and the like that would not fit
into working as staff in the College. The personal interest of Oba Adesokeji
Aderele was therefore not met.
Between 1967 and 1972 during the reign ofOba Aderele, Nigeria
witnessed a civil war (July 1967-January 1970) during the military rule of
General Yakubu Gowon. During this period, many Nigerians would prefer
to be employed in their respective States since the country was divided into
twelve States.20 It was therefore to the benefit of the Ondo indigenes who
were absorbed into the lower cadre of the workforce of College staff. His
Royal Highness, Oba Adesokeji Aderele played very good role in mobilizing
the support of his people for the College.
However, between 1972 and 1984, there seemed to be a change in
the relationship perhaps because the College administration was
transferred to the University of Ife. As soon as this was done, the
University decided to review the processes of appointment of staff into the
College. Non-teaching staff were posted from the workforce of the University
of Ife to the College to man important positions and coordinate units as the
need arises. For instance, there was no Maintenance ServicesDepartment
until about 1974 when the Principal, Mr. B.O. Rotimi, decided to set up
one.23The Bursary Department too was just set up to manage the imprest
sent to the College by the University of Ife,first under an Executive Officer
(Accounts) Mr. Osasona; and later two pioneer staff, Messrs Babalola and
21
Fadare who were Principal Accountant and Accountant II respectively.
Salaries of staff were paid directly from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife.24
At this period, one crucial thing that affected the relationship of the
College with the community was the abrogation of feeding of students in
tertiary institutions in Nigeria by the Federal Military Government in 1983.
This led to the laying off of staff in the kitchen, majority of who were lower
cadre staffs from the community.25When Professor ‘Segun Adesina became
the Provost in 1984, he implemented the Federal Government policy of
employing the junior staff cadre from the community, and this impressed
the Osemawe in Council during the reign of His Royal Highness, Oba
Robert Itiade Adekolurejo (Jisomosun III).27
Prof. Adesina was succeeded by his Deputy Provost, Dr. (Mrs.)
Phebean Olusola Fayemi. She continued with the policy of her predecessor,
and the town-gown relationship was maintained between 1985 and 1990.28
There was not much deviation between this administration and the
succeeding ones of Reverend Benjamin Folarin Adeniji and Professor
Babatunde Ipaye respectively.29 Indeed, the Registrar,Mr. (later Chief) Isaac
Olufemi Adesulu under Professor Ipaye was an Ondo indigene.30 The town-
gown relationship has improved tremendously ever since. Today, the town
has produced two Registrars, Deputy Registrars as well as highly placed
academic staff who are Chief Lecturers and Reader and numerous junior
staff.31
22
There are a number of outlets through which the College impacts positively
on its immediate community. Notable examples are the:
1. Directorate of Part-Time Studies,
2. Directorate of Preliminary Programmes,
3. Directorate of Postgraduate Studies and Research,
4. Directorate of Ventures and Linkages,
5. Nursery and Primary School,
6. Demonstration Secondary School,
7. College Bookshop (now Ayomidele Bookshop),
8. College Guest House,
9. College Sports Centre and,
10. Arbico Millennium Market.
Other outlets provided by renowned private enterprises within the College
premises are Tanterliser Plc for quality food; and Aogo Microfinance Bank,
Skye Bank Plc, and United Bank for Africa Plc for financial services
including savings, money transfers and cash withdrawals through
automated teller machines (ATM). Many artisans, traders and professionals
from Ondo and nearby towns secure shops in our shopping complexes and
market to render varying services that improve the welfare and security of
the people.These town-gown arragements benefit the College staff and
students as well as the people in the surrounding towns and States across
the country.
23
Directorate of Part- Time Studies
The National Policy on Education (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004)
allows individuals that possess junior and secondary education to continue
their education at the tertiary level. The policy stipulated that open and
distance learning should provide viable options to these categories of people
where they will be able to combine work and schooling at the same time, or
seek gainful employment and then continue their education at a later period
of their choice. In view of this, Adeyemi College of Ondo established the
Institute of Academic Extension and Services (IAES) in July 1991. In order
to keep pace with global developments and reflect the increase in the scope
of its functions and needs of the community, the name of this impactful
academiccentre was changed from IAESto Directorate of Part-Time Studies.
In conforming to the Ashby Report (1960), the main focus of the Directorate
is to:
• improve the quality of education of primary school teachers
• ameliorate the effect of internal and external brain drain in
institutions by utilization of experts as teachers regardless of their
locations or places of work (FGN, 2004)
• provide opportunities for higher education for those already in some
gainful employment and;
• Provide quality instruction at the primary level of education.
The Directorate was housed in the compound of the Demonstration
Secondary School, Adeyemi College of Education,and Ondo. It runs the part-
24
time Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Degree programmes using
the subject curricula approved by the NCCE and NUC in full-time NCE and
B.A/ B.Sc /B.Ed academic programmes. The only difference with the full-
time programmes is that they are mounted during the long vacation (July –
September) for practising teachers and individualsto update their
educational knowledge and skills, and also to enjoy the benefits of
professional teachers on their graduation.
Here is the list of Directors from its inception:
1. Late Prof Babatunde Ipaye August 1991-July 1993
2. Dr. E.A. Abiodun August 1993- Jan.1994
3. Dr. A.O. Olarewaju April 1994-March 1998
4. Dr. A.K. KoleosoMarch 1998-July 2001
5. Mr. A.B. Aganga August 2001-Dec. 2002
6. Dr. A.O. Arohunmolase 1st Jan. 2003-31st Dec. 2005
7. Mr. R.A. Ogunyemi Jan 2006-31st Dec. 2006
8. Dr. A.O. Ogungbenro Jan. 2007-Feb. 2009
9. Dr. S.I. Fabarebo 2nd May 1st 2010 to date.
The NCE sandwich programme is made up of five (5) contact sessions while
the part-time Degree programme consists of four (4) contact sessions
through direct admission of NCE graduates.The Institute is headed by a
Director, who is assisted by a Deputy Director and other administrative
staff. They are provided with required funds and facilities for successful
operations.
25
In February 2009, the Institute of Education, Obafemi Awolowo
University (OAU), Ile-Ife extended its Part-Time Degree Programme to
Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo. The first set of students resumed
studies on 29th July, 2009. The programme is housed in the Directorate of
Part-Time Studies within the premises of ACE Demonstration Secondary
School, General Hospital Road, Ondo. The approved courses are for the
award of B.A, , B.Sc. and B.Ed. degrees of OAU, Ile-Ife.
The matriculation for the part-time Degree students was conducted in 2010
on the same day it was conducted for the regular students at the Faculty of
Education, ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile-Ife. The contact period is fixed
for public schools’ holidays. It is grouped into two contact sessions i.e. first
and second. It has been the tradition of the College to run its yearly contact
session between the months of July and September when students of the
school programme who are mainly school teachers would be on holidays.
These part-time programmes have helped many teachers to upgrade
their skills and certificates, secured teaching jobs in Ondo State schools and
its environs, and assisted many unqualified teachers to remain on their jobs
as teachers. However, the Directorate needs a permanent site for more
expansion to accommodate the increasing number of candidates applying
yearly for admission into its NCE and Degree programmes.
Directorate of Preliminary Programmes
The idea of pre-NCE programme was conceived after the creation of
the Department of General Studies in the School of Education during the
1994/95 academic session. The pre-NCE programme started in 1992.
26
Therefore, the pre-NCE programme together with the special elective courses
in the Collegewas housed in the Department of General Studies, until March
2007. The proposal for the autonomy of the programme was put forward by
the Provost, Prof. Adeyemi I. Idowu, to the Governing Council under the
Chairmanship of Late Alhaji S. Allah Khayi who approved the establishment
of the Directorate of Preliminary Programmes.
Hence, pre-degree programme was introduced in October, 2009 in
addition to the ongoing pre-NCE programme. The Directorate owns nine
large classrooms, each of which accommodates 60 – 84 students for
lectures; and a standard, well furnished administrative block for the staff.
Three Directors who have managed the affairs of the Directorate are:
Mrs.(now Dr.) I.F. Alao, (2007 - 2009), Dr. F.O. Afolabi (2009 - 2010) and Dr.
J.O. Akinbi (2010 to date). The Directorate is situated in the premises of
Adeyemi College of Education Demonstration Secondary School, Ondo with
its separate facilities.
The objectives of the pre NCE and Pre-Degree programmes are to
provide preliminary programmes to prepare qualified candidates and others
with deficiencies in their O’ level results for the regular NCE and Degree
programmes of the College. Basic studies are offered in different subject
combinations in the Schools of Arts and Social Sciences, Education,
Languages, Science and Vocational and Technical Education.
The Directorate runs a two-semester calendar Pre-NCE/Degree
programmes. Each semester lasts for 13 weeks during which each student
takes 10 courses (four courses on each of the subject combinations and one
27
General English course) making a total of 20 courses for the two semesters.
The Pre-NCE/Degree results are moderated by external examiners as
stipulated in the NCCE Minimum Standards. Moreover, every Pre-
NCE/Degree student sits for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
(UTME) as required by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, for
admissions into NCE and Degree programme. Successful candidates are
also expected to pass the post-UTME screening of the College.
Seasoned lecturers are drawn from the College to teach in the pre-
NCE/Degree programmes to ensure that the students are well prepared for
admission into the regular NCE/Degree programmes. Since 1994, the
percentage of pre-NCE students who qualify for admissions into the full-time
NCE/Degree programmes has varied steadily from 62% in 1994/95 session
to 84.6% in 2006/2007, 80% in 2007/2008, 80% in 2008/2009, and 60%
in 2009/2010. For Degree programme, it from rose 35% in 2009/2010
session to 55% in Pre-NCE programme in 2011/2012 Session.
THE DIRECTORATE OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH
The National Policy on Education (Federal Government of Nigeria,
1981) required that teachers at all levels of education must be in possession
of professional qualification not below Nigeria Certificate in Education by
1998. It was for this reason that the College proposed to mount the
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programme for practising
graduate teachers without prior training in Education. In the light of the
28
above, the College sought affiliation with the Obafemi Awolowo University
(OAU), Ile-Ife to run the University’s PGDE. The Senate of the University
approved the proposal at its meeting of April 22, 1992. Thus, the course of
study leading to the award of the PGDE was approved to be run in the
College as designed for the Faculty of Education, OAU, Ile-Ife.
To adequately house the PGDE programme, the College established
the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies and Research (PGS&R) in August
1992 and the programme took off with sixteen (16) students during the
1993/1994 session.
The purpose of the PGDE programme is to provide professional
training in education to graduate teachers without first-degree training
background in education. Within this context, the objectives of the PGDE
programme are to provide:
(a) the facilities for in-service training, research and professional
upgrading of un-trained graduate teachers in Nigerian Schools; and
(b) the much needed professional climate in Nigerian teaching industry
by ensuring that all academically qualified teachers are also
professionally trained;
The objectives of the PDGE programmes are congruent with the general
objectives of postgraduate studies of Obafemi Awolowo University and aspire
to meet the objectives of the National Policy on Education (FRN, 2004) in the
area of Teacher Education.
The pioneerDirector, Dr. C. B. Oguntonade had been succeeded by Dr. A. O.
Olarewaju, Dr. M. O. Akindehin, Dr. Tunde Akinsanmi, Dr. V.E.A.Akorede,
29
Dr. J.O. Adejumo, Dr. G.B.Olaniyi and Dr. J. O. Arowolo. Smooth running of
the Directorate is facilitated by a Deputy Director, Principal Assistant
Registrar, Typist and Senior Clerical Officer.The building housing the
Directorate has duly undergone general renovation and provision is being
made for two lecture rooms for the PGDE students.
Admission Requirements, Duration and Award of PGDE
An applicant for admission to the PGDE programme shall be a graduate of
ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile-Ife or any other approved University with a
minimum of third class honours.The programme is expected to run for two
Semesters for full-time students. Our typical academic calendar is made up
of 15 weekendss for lectures,and 6 weeks for the mandatory practical
teaching in approved secondary schools.
To fulfil the requirements for the award of PGDE, the candidate shall
satisfy the minimum attendance of 75% required at courses, obtain a
weighted average mark of 50%(B) or better in the written examinations, and
a grade of not less than 45%(C) in any of the courses.
Special Lecture
The other major component of the programme of activities of the
Directorate has to do with coordinating research activities of senior
academics (from within and outside the College) often culminating in the
Special Lecture Series of the College. The Lecture Series is in the mode of
the inaugural lecture series of the university system; and research-active
Chief Lecturers (or equivalent scholars) with proven record of academic
excellence are eligible to deliver the special lectures.
30
ADEYEMI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION DEMONSTRATION NURSERY AND
PRIMARY SCHOOL
The importance of primary education made Adeyemi College of
Education,Ondo to establish its own nursery and primary school. Itprovides
a relief and sound foundational education for the children of members of
staff in search of quality education for them.The goals of primary education,
according to the National Policy on Education (FRN, 2004), are to:
1. Inculcate permanent literacy and numeracy and ability to
communicate effectively;
2. Lay a sound basis of scientific and reflective thinking;
3. Give citizenship education as a basis for effective participation in and
contribution to the life of the society;
4. Mould the character and develop sound attribute and morals in the
child;
31
5. Develop in the child the ability to adapt to the child’s changing
environment;
6. Give the child opportunities for developing manipulative skills that will
enable the child function effectively in the society within the limits of
the child’s capacity; and
7. Provide the child with basic tools for further educational
advancement.
These goals form the basis of the primary education in all States of
federation and government welcomes the contributions of the voluntary
agencies, private organizations and tertiary institutions. In order to make
the cardinal objectives realisable in Nigerian children, the Management of
Adeyemi College of Education decided to establish its own demonstration
schools, among other reasons.
Demonstration Nursery and Primary School (DNPS) was inaugurated to
commence academic activities on 17th September, 2001, after the College
Governing Council’s request to the Federal Ministry of Education was
approved. It is a co-educational school, with primary objectives that the
school will serve as a practice school for the Adeyemi College of Education
as well as give a relief for College staff members finding a school with a high
standard for their children and wards which at the same time saving them
the rigours of conveying them to and from various schools.
Growth and Development of theSchool
The school kicked off with a population of four hundred and fifty (450)
pupils, under the pioneering and currently serving Headmaster,Mr. S.I.
32
Ekpenyong with nineteen (19) class teachers and six (6) non-teaching staff.
However, the school witnessed a rapid growth, occasioned by the setting of
the school which attracted more patronage from people of all walks of life.
Table 1: Enrolment in the School between 2009 and 2013
Gender
2001/
2002
2002/
2003
2003/
2004
2004/
2005
2005/
2006
2006/
2007
2007/
2008
2008/
2009
2009/
2010
2010/
2011
2011/
2012
Boys 280 345 375 350 376 381 495 699 513 456 445
Girls 300 319 297 339 363 377 482 606 478 431 342
Total 580 664 672 689 739 758 977 1305 991 887 787
Source:Enrolment Record of ACE Nursery and Primary School, Ondo
(2013)Table 1 reveals the population and growth of the school increases
steadily from years 2001 to 2005. The growth rate shows the acceptability of
the school by theOndo community and the society in general.
In the 2005/2006 academic session, the school enrolment figure as at
July 2006 was seven hundred and thirty-nine (739) pupils in number, which
indicated that the school had a growth rate of about fifty per cent.
2006/2007 academic session reflected total number of pupils’ enrolment to
be seven hundred and fifty-eight (758) while 2007/2008 academic session
showed total pupils’ enrolment to be nine hundred and seventy-seven (977)
as displayed on Table 1.
In 2008/2009, the school enrolment swelled and culminated in over-
stretched school facilities and staff strength. The increase in population
33
could be attributed to the school’s high academic performance which was
acknowledged by the community. However,2009/2010, 2010/2011,
2011/2012 academic sessions witnessed a dropped in the school’s
enrolment which could be attributed to the slight increase in the school fees.
School Organizational Structure
The head teacher is the school’s administrative head, who is directly
responsible to the College Provost through the Deputy Provost of the College
from its inception up to 2007/2008. On 28th September, 2009, the Provost
of the College, Prof Adeyemi I. Idowu constituted Demonstration Nursery
and Primary School Management Board (DNPSMB) which makes the head
teacher to take directives and approval on issues affecting the school
through the Dean, School of Education, from the Provost of the College. The
class teachers on the other hand are responsible for organizing the pupils
and ensuring a proper sitting arrangement that enhances teaching learning
experiences.
Achievement
Academically, the performance of the pupils has been on the rise since
the inception of the school. The staff have been working tirelessly to evolve
and establish a proven academic excellence for the school, evidence by the
pupils’ performances at National Common Entrance Examination, State
Placement Examination for admission into Federal Unity Schools, State
Government secondary school and private secondary schools shows that
34
ACE nursery and primary pupils dominated the first twenty students offered
admission in these schools.
Also, a trophy was won by our pupils in a quiz competition organized
by Olatunji Educational Consult/Services among primary schools in Ondo
West Local Government, Ondo on 28th June, 2008, as the pupils came first.
The school was also selected to represent Ondo West Local Government and
Ondo Central Senatorial District in a competitive examination organized by
Ondo State government in four core subjects namely, Mathematics, English
Language, Computer Science and Basic Science.
Staff Welfare
The College Governing Council at its meeting held on 25th and
26thAugust, 2009 approved the restructuring of Demonstration Nursery and
Primary School, Ondo. In implementing the decision of the Governing
Council, the Provost Prof. Adeyemi Idowu, formally constituted DNPSMB on
28thSeptember, 2009. The Board is to ensure, among other things, the
restructuring of the school and generate recommendations for promotion
and confirmation of appoitments of allteaching and non –teaching staff.
After a series of meetings on the review of staff who have been in the service
of the College since September 2001, the Board made its recommendations
through the College Management to the Governing Council for consideration
and approval. The promotion and confirmation of the affected members of
staff was approved and updated accordingly. As at today, all members of
staff in the school that were due for promotion have been promoted. For the
smooth running of the school and to reduce the burden on the headmaster,
35
the Provost approved the appointment of a substantive Assistant Head for
the school, in person of Mr. G.O. Onyenachor.
School’s Infrastructures and Facilities
The administration of Prof. Adeyemi I. Idowu has added colour to the DNPS,
in terms of quality human and material resources. The College Management
promoted members of staff as at when due; and renovated all classrooms,
giving them a befitting look. The Provost, in conjunction with the College
Management, has also put in efforts at meeting some immediate needs of the
school:
1. The purchase of a generator for the school was graciously approved
and purchased by the Provost on 7thMarch, 2008. The generator has
been of great service to the school whenever there is power outage
2. Construction of new lockers and repair of broken pupils’ lockers and
chairs.
3. Purchase of new digital photocopying machine
4. Supply of computer machine system with printer for producing
examination questions and relevant school documents.
5. Construction of drainages round the school walls to prevent erosion of
its foundation
6. Funding of theschool
7. Repairing of the school access roads, to mention a few.
In a memo reference ACE/LIB/199/706 dated 2nd October, 2007, to
complement the Management’s efforts, the Parents Teachers Association
donated the following to the school
36
1. Audi 80 car
2. A musical organ (piano)
3. Drum set
Challenges
Today, major challenges of the school have been met by the present
administration, however, like Oliver Twist who is always asking for more,
there is the need for smaller buses- such as fourteen or eighteen passengers’
seater buses that will ply streets, other than major roads in the town to
convey pupils to the school. The provision of these smaller buses will ensure
increase in the pupils’ enrolment and safety of pupils coming to school.
ADEYEMI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION DEMONSTRATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, ONDO Secondary Education occupies a premium position in the Nigerian
education system. It provides ample opportunities for learners to acquire
relevant knowledge, skills and good attitude which are basic to their future
career.
The College has patterned its provision of secondary education in line
with the Federal Government’s Universal Basic Education (UBE) scheme
which adopts a 1-9-3-4 schooling system. This informed the establishment
ofDemonstration Secondary School (DSS) to absorb the pupils graduating
from Demonstration Nursery and Primary School (DNPS) in order to
continue the vision of sound education. DSS is located in the premises of
37
the defunct Federal School of Arts and Science, along the General Hospistal,
Road, Ondo.
The school was commissioned on 17th January, 1994 by Late
ProfessorBabatundeIpaye, the then College Provost.Approval for its
establishment was granted by the Ministry of Education, Ondo State on
28th October, 1993. The School with the motto: ‘Education for
Service’,tookoff with a total number of two hundred and twenty-seven (227)
students, who were admitted into JSS One and JSS Two with seven (7) full-
time teachers. Part-time teachers were later employed to complement the
efforts of few full-time teachers. At the end of first academic session, 22
teachers were on the pay-roll of the school.
The philosophy of DSS is to provide an all-round sound education for
youths to develop their potentials to the fullest. It is based on the principle
of fairness and equity, irrespective of creed, socio-economic background,
ethnic affiliations, political inclination, race or gender. It aims to inculcate
positive values, attitudes and skills in the youth for self-actualization and
service to their immediate environment, the nation and the world at large.
The aims and objectives ofDemonstration Secondary School were
derived from the overall educational objectives for secondary education in
Nigeria, as contained in the National Policy on Education (FRN, 2004).These
objectives include:
1. To prepare adolescents for useful living within their society;
2. To prepare the students for higher education;
38
3. To bring up generation of youths who are capable of independent
reasoning and are prepared to respect the dignity of labour;
4. To develop in the students, the spirit of achievement through self-
efforts, both at school and in later life;
5. To foster Nigerian Unity and layemphasis on the values that unites us
in our diversity.
The founding Principal, Mr.J.B.Akindutire,who headed the school between
1994 and 1997, had passed the baton to successivevisionary principals who
also have worked assiduously and contributed their quota to the
tremendous development of the citadel of learning. The Principals are:
1. Mr. J.B. Akindutire(J.P)January 1994-February 1997 2. Mr. G.B. Olakanye (Late)March 1997- Februrary 2001
3. Mr. A.B. AgangaMarch 2001-October 2001
4. Mr. R.O. Akintujoye October 2001-September 2003
5. Mr. M.O. Babatunde (Acting) October 2003-July 2005
6. Mr. R.O. Ogunyemi (Late)July 2005-October 2005
(Administrator)
7. Mr. E.O. Owasoyo October 2005-to date
39
Mr. J.B. Akindutire (J.P)
Jan., 1994-Feb., 1996
40
Mr. G.B. Olakanye (Late) (March. 1997- Feb., 2001)
Mr. A.B. Aganga (March 2001-Oct., 2001)
41
Mr. R.O. Akintujoye
Oct. 2001-Sept. 2003
Mr. M.O. Babatunde
Acting Principal
42
(Oct., 2003-July 2005)
Mr. R.O. Ogunyemi (Late) Administrator
(July 2005-Oct., 2005)
43
Mr. E.O. Owasoyo
(Oct., 2005-to date)
The school has grown to become a mighty oak that has turned out
many professionals in their various fields of endeavour, home and abroad.
Among these noble school graduates are Miss Yetunde Osisanwo, Babcock
University, Ilisan-Remo; Mr. A.A Bada, Department ofGeneral Studies,and
Mr. C.T. Omotunde, Department of Educational Technology, Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo.
The school has won many academic awards and trophies in different
competitionsboth at local and national levels. West African Senior School
Certificate (WASSC) and NECO results of candidates of the schoolhave been
part of the best results in the country. This could not have been achieved
without the tireless efforts of the College Management team, led by the
44
Provost, Prof. Adeyemi I. Idowu, who provided the enabling environment for
effective teaching and learning.
The infrastructures of the school have undergone series of renovation
works and furnished with necessary modern equipment, furniture, reagents
and information technologies.Laboratories have been equipped adequately
for practical work. The classrooms and their environment are conducive for
effective teaching and meaningful learning. The efforts ofParents Teachers
Association (PTA) are also remarkable in putting the school in the right
shape. The Prof. Idowu led-administration has upgraded the status of the
school to a world-class citadel of learning that can compete favourably with
its counterparts within and outside Nigeria.
The admission into the school is open to all Nigerians and non-
Nigerians resident in Nigeria. Candidates frompublic and private primary
schools, who passed the competitive entrance examination and interview
usually in the month of May, are offered admissions into junior secondary
school class one (JSS 1). Students from other schools may be considered in
early October for admissions, provided there are vacancies,
specificallyinJSSII and SSSI. Admission is strictly on merit. The school runs
a three-term-per-session calendar which consists usually of 13 weeks for
first term, 14 weeks for second term and 12 weeks for third term.
Examinations are conducted at the end of each term to assess the
level of academic attainment of the students and the continuous assessment
score of 40% is added to the final examination score of 60% per term to
determine the pass mark for each student. At the completion of JSS III, all
45
the students sit for JSS 3 examinations conducted by National
Examinations Council (NECO), Minna, Niger State; and Ministry of
Education, Ondo State respectively.The 3-year senior secondary school(SSS)
curriculum is designed for students in SS I, II and III.Students are expected
to select at least nine subjects for the WASSC and NECO Senior School
Certificate (SSC) examinations.
The Management Board is usually constituted by the Provost on behalf of
the Governing Council of Adeyemi College of Education with the following
membership:
1. Deputy ProvostChairman
2. Rep. of the RegistrarMember
3. Rep. of the Librarian Member
4. Rep. of the Bursar Member
6. The Principal, DSS Secretary
7. The PTA Chairman Member
8. The Area Education Officer Member
9. Any Elected Member of DSS Staff Member
Staff
There are three categories of staff in the school namely administrative staff,
teaching staff and non-teaching staff. The administrative staff of the school
includes the Principal, Vice Principals (Administration andAcademic),
Registrar /Guidance Counsellor, and Personal Assistant to the Principal.
The School is fully staffed with graduate teachers. An evidence of
adequate staffing in the school is the favourable teacher-pupil ratio, which
46
further enhances the pupils’ performances in internal and external academic
assignments.
Parents Teachers Association
The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the school was inaugurated
on the 18th June, 1994, few months after its establishment. Since its
establishment, PTA has been working in tandem with successive
management teams of the school towards achieving academic excellence and
effective service delivery to the community.
Co-curricular Activities
Demonstration Secondary Schoolensures an all-round development in
cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. To achieve the foregoing, co-
curricular activities are compulsry; and students are encouraged, under the
tutelage of seasoned teachers, to participate in interesting activities of clubs
and societies which are also supervised by the school prefects.
Co-curricular activities are usually held on every Friday, between
12:00pm and 1:00pm.Every student is expected to register with at least two
of the following under listedstudent clubs:
1. Press Club
2. Literary and debating society
3. Junior Engineers Club (JET)
4. French Club
5. Hausa/Igbo Club
47
6. Cultural/Dramatic Society
7. School Choir
8. Farmers Club/Rural Development Agric Extension
9. EgbeAkeekoIjinle Yoruba
10. Christian Fellowship Society/Islamic Society
11. Fine-Art Club
12. Geography/Tourism.
Report on Adeyemi College of Education Demonstration Nursery and
Primary school, Ondo 2005-2010 updated.
Mr S.I Ekpenyong
Headmaster, DemonstrationNursery and Primary School
48
Some of the Renovated A.C.E Nursery & Primary School Blocks
49
A.C.E Primary Pupils
During classroom Learning
Awards received by A.C.E Nursery and Primary Schools
50
51
Members of Staff of Demonstration Nursery & Primary School
The New Computer Laboratory A.C.E Demonstration Secondary School
52
A.C.E Demonstration Secondary School Students During Chemistry Practical
The College Bookshop
The College had a bookshop that was initially set up by the
University of Ife as a branch of its main Unife Bookshop Ltd. at Ile-Ife. The
bookshop was run for quite some time before it was finally moved back to its
headquarters at Ife with its senior staff, while junior ones were laid off,
leaving the College without a bookshop for a period of time. The idea of
setting up of the College bookshop came up during the tenure of Reverend
B.F. Adeniji as the Acting Provost but it did not materialize until the era of
Professor Babatunde Ipaye.
When Professor Ipaye took over as the Provost of the College in 1991,
he requested Dr. A. O. Ogungbenro to present a proposal and later asked
53
him to set up the bookshop on behalf of the College. After setting up the
bookshop, Dr. Ogungbenro recommended that the two laid-off staff in the
Unife Bookshop Ltd. be employed, which was approved; and they formed the
pioneer staff of the College Bookshop.32
The College mainly funded majorly the stocking of the bookshop with
various stationery items, exercise books and needs of the College. This
might have prompted Dr. Ogungbenro to use his connection to attract the
major publishing companies especially Macmillan Nigeria Publishers,
Spectrum books, Heinemann Publishers, Evans, Oxford University Press
and a host of others to come and stock the bookshop with their various
titles on “Sales and Return” basis. With this arrangement, the College
Bookshop was then heavily stocked with various standard text books for
nursery and primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
The bookshop was well patronised by members of the College
community and people from outside the College. Throughout the tenure of
Prof. Ipaye, the bookshop was responsible for supplying the Departments
and Schools with their required stationery items with the Provost’s approval,
while the College paid to the account of the bookshop for such.
The bookshop also gave the staff of the College the opportunity to
purchase text books, exercise books and other stationery items for
themselves and their wards on “Check off System” thereby the cost of
whatever items collected was deducted directly from the staff’s salary by the
54
bursary Department at the end of the month. Such money deducted was
paid to the College bookshop account monthly.33
The bookshop also supplied the pupils of the Demonstration
Secondary School with their required textbooks at publishers’ prices. The
bookshop was successfully managed under the leadership of Dr. Ogungbero
throughout the eight years tenure of Prof. Ipaye until Dr. R.O. Oloyede was
asked to take over the supervision of the bookshop during the tenure of Dr.
R.A. Adeboyeje as the Provost. The bookshop existed until such a time when
the College under the provostship of Professor Adeyemi Idowu decided to
privatize the College bookshop which led to the leasing out of the bookshop
to AYOMIDELE VENTURES LTD who is currently running the bookshop in
the College.
Other Services to the Immediate Community
There is a positive interaction between the College and the immediate
Ondo Community as well as communities in the catchment areas (i.e.
Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Edo and Ogun States). The immediate Ondo
Community sees the College as vital to its community image and seeks to
see the College grow into a fully fledged University. In the running and
management of the Adeyemi Public Primary School, the community and
the College are mutually cooperative. The primary school is state owned
but housed within the Adeyemi College land space and more that 90% of
the pupils of the school are from the immediate community of the College.
55
To further enhance the town-gown relationship, the College has
even established fee-paying Demonstration Nursery/Primary and
Secondary Schools within the premises of its satellite campus in the town.
The Schools have been widely patronized by people in the town and
beyond. Over time, the community has made donations to the College in
the area of supply of sporting equipment and, in recent time, a 250 seater
lecture theatre by High Chief Olabanji Akingbule.
The Sports facilities are equally accessible to the community, which
they happily share with College staff and students. Also, the Reading
Association of Nigeria Chapter in the College had held workshops and
symposia for adults and youths within the community to encourage and
improve reading habits. The College also made available its expansive
auditorium to the community for social engagements. In all, the town-
gown relationship has been consistently cordial and peaceful from
inception.
Concluding Remarks
The early years of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, that is, 1964
to 1969 was a period when many foundations were laid. This included the
administrative foundation, academic programmes, town-gown relationship
and infrastructures, among others. In terms of administration, Mr. Greig,
an expatriate, Mr. Ogundipe, Mrs. Ogundipe and Mr. Sofenwa were the first
set of Principals to manage the affairs of the College. The administrative
structure was a simple type and easy to maintain with the support
56
UNESCO, and Western Region Government. Hence, it was responsible to
the Western State Ministry of Education in terms of many things.
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo was provided with the best staff
and infrastructural facilities of those days by the Western Region, later
Western State Government. For instance, the two lecture theatres built
then by the government (known today as Upper and Lower Lecture
Theatres) are still structurally relevant for lectures. The College Auditorium
built then (known today as Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium) has been
described by theatre experts as the third of its kind in the country today.
The old Administrative Building that was also constructed to house the
Management at that time is not only there but aesthetically relevant to
modern architecture.
Moreover, the programmes of the College designed in the early years
are still being operated, although with modifications and new innovations
to meet the challenges of the contemporary society. The calibre of
foundation staff employed by the Western Region (later Western State)
government to manage the school has also been described as committed
and excellent. A reminiscence of this shows that the founding fathers of
our College had a good vision for the South West. The town-gown
relationship that had been cordial since inception has also been
maintained. The set of students produced during this early years have
ruled the world of their chosen careers.
57
Between 1964 and 1969, the College was controlled by the Western
State Ministry of Education, Ibadan and the University of Ibadan. Soon
after the merging of Ransome Kuti and Olunloyo Colleges with Adeyemi
College of Education, the College entered another phase which began
gradually in 1970 and was consolidated by 1972. This shall be the focus of
the next chapter.
Notes and References
1. Rotimi, B.O.(1975) “Adeyemi College of Education: 1964-1974” (A
Decade of Experiment in the Supply of Middle Level Manpower in
Teacher Education) in West African Journal of Education Vol. XIX No.
3 October, 1978 pp.503-516.
2. ibid.
3. ibid
4. Rotimi, B.O.(1975) “Adeyemi College of Education…
5. ibid...
58
6. ibid.
7. Rotimi, B.O. (1971) “Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo: Principal’s
Annual Report at the 5th Convocation Ceremony of the College” Held
on 17th July, 1971.
8. Oral Interview held with Chief L.A. Sofenwa (87+) …
9. ibid
10. ibid
11. ibid
12. ibid
13. ibid
14. Oral Interview held with Dr. E.A. Abiodun (82+) A Former Lecturer
and Dean in School of Education, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
on 13/12/ 2013.
15. Oral Interview held with Mr. O.O. Adedeji (74+) A Former Lecturer
and Dean in School of Languages, Adeyemi College of Education,
Ondo on 28/01/2014, 2014.
16. Oral Interview held with Dr. E.A. Abiodun (82+) 12/12/2013
17. Oral Interview held with Mrs. V.O. Akindehin (60+) A former Registrar
of the College on 19th July, 2013 and February, 17, 2014 in her
Office. (She is at the moment the Director, SERVICOM/Anti-
Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo.)
18. ibid
19. ibid
20. His Royal Highness, Oba Adesokeji Aderele reigned as Osemawe of
Ondo land between 1944 and 1974
21. Gen. Yakubu Gowon created the twelve state structure in Nigeria
slightly before the Nigerian Civil War broke out in 1967.
22. Oral Interview held with Dr. E.A. Abiodun (82+)…
23. ibid.
24. ibid.
59
25. Bursary records Adeyemi College of Education Ondo.
26. Oral Interview held with Chief Mrs. Florence Abimbade Adegbembo
(85+)…
27. Oral Interview held with Dr. E.A. Abiodun (82+)…
28. Oral Interview held with Professor Segun Adesina (78+) A Former
Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, at his Residence in
Abeokuta on 12/12/2013.
29. Oral Interview held with Dr. E.A. Abiodun (82+)… and Mr. O.O.
Adedeji …
30. Oral Interview held with Rev. B.F. Adeniji (82+) A Former Acting
Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo on 11th July, 2013 &
22/01/2014
31. Chief Adesulu was the Registrar of the College between 1992 and
2000. It must be noted that he was not tipped for the position by the
town.
32. Mrs. V.O. Akindehin was also the Registrar of the College from 2001-
2006. She also stated on interview that she was not tipped for the
position by the town. She was appointed after a keenly contested
interview organized by the Governing Council
33. Information elicited from Dr. Bunmi Ogungbenro on 13/03/2014.
Chapter Three
Forging Ahead Under New Management: 1970-1991
• The Period of Mr. B.O.Rotimi, Principal (1970-1976) • ThePeriod of Mr. J.O. Oyewale , Principal (1976-1979) • The Period of Mr. V. Ninan: Acting Provost (1979-1984) • The First Provost: Prof. Segun Adesina (1984-1985) • Dr. Mrs. P.O. Fayemi: 1st Deputy Provost, Ag. Provost
(1985-1989), Substantive Provost (Jan. –December, 1990.)
60
• Revd. B.F. Adeniji: Acting Provost (Jan.-March 1991) • The Registry in Perspective • Bursary In Perspective • Health Centre In Perspective • Student Affairs Division In Perspective • Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Services in
Perspective • College Library In Perspective • Concluding Remarks
Chapter Three
Forging Ahead Under New Management: 1970-1991
Introduction
61
The College up till 1972 was administered by the Western State
Government and the University of Ibadan, Ibadan. However, by 1972, the
administration of the College was transferred to University of Ife (now
Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife.1 Before this period that is, 1964-1972,
the appointment and promotion of staff was done by the Western State
Government through its Ministry of Education located in Ibadan. The
teachers were called Tutors and Education Officers. The Tutors were in
Grades I, II, and III. All teachers were holders of First Degree in their
various fields.2
By 1972 when the University of Ife took over from the University of
Ibadan and the Western State Ministry of Education, appointment of staff
was streamlined. Members of staff were given the option of either returning
to the Ministry of Education, Ibadan or remaining with the University of Ife,
Ile-Ife.3 Few members of staff opted to remain while majority went back to
the Ministry. The reason was that those who opted to stay back were to be
re-interviewed by the University of Ife for the regularization of their
appointments in line with the University staff standard. Those who opted
to stay included: Mr. B.F. Adeniji, Mr. O.O. Adedeji, Mr. (later Dr.) E.A.
Abiodun, and Mr. (later Professor) J. B. Ipaye.4 They worked till retirement
while Prof. Ipaye even became the College Provost (1991-99)
Between 1970 and 1991, seven Principals and three Provosts had
administered the College. These were Mr. W.O. Akingbola whose tenure
started from 1969 and ended in 1970. He was succeeded by Mr. B.O.Rotimi
62
(1970-1976), and Mr. J.O. Oyewale (1976-1979). After him, those
who headed the College were referred to as Provosts. The next was Mr. V.
Ninan, an expatriate who was the first Acting Provost between 1979 and
1984.5 He was succeeded by Professor ‘Segun Adesina who was the first
Professor to head the College as the first substantive Provost between 1984
and 1985.6 The next was Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Fayemi, first Deputy Provost and
also the first female College Provost. She was the Acting Provost between
1985 and 1989, and substantive Provost between January and December,
1990 when she retired from the College. Hence, she was succeeded by
Revd. B.F. Adeniji, who was the Acting Provost from 2nd January to 31st
March, 1991 before another substantive Provost, and the second Professor
to head the College was appointed in the person of Professor Joseph
Babatunde Ipaye (2nd April, 1991- 31st March 1999).
Below are a few details about the seven administrators of the College
between 1970 and 1991.
THE PERIOD OF MR. B.O.ROTIMI1970-1976
63
Mr. B.O. Rotimi, fondly called ‘BORO’ (coined from a combination of
his initials and the first two letters of his surname) by both students and
staff, became the Principal of the College in1970 and he held the position
until he was relieved of it in 1976. He was the sixth administrator of the
College. He projected the name and reputation of the College to the
international community by publishing the College history in the
prestigious West African Journal of Education (a learned Journal) in 1975.7
He became the Principal of the College in the twilight days of the Nigerian
civil war.Mr. B.O. Rotimi was described as a very strict but considerate
administrator. He was transferred to the College from the Ministry of
Education where he had spent a good part of his life. He was reputed to
64
supervise the security staff at night and monitor the Tutors at work during
the day.8
Mr. Rotimi also had a students’ unrest to manage and this led to his
exit from the College. He was provoked by the students’ populace and he
responded in frustration. His action had been variously attributed to his
temperament and his connection with the powers that be in the then
Western State politics.9 The Management of the University set up a panel of
investigation headed by Professor Adeniji Adaralegbe that found him guilty,
and he was recalled by the University of Ife.10
THE PERIOD OF MR. J.O. OYEWALE 1976-1979
65
The exit of Mr. B.O. Rotimi opened the door to Mr. J.O. Oyewale who
became the Principal in 1976, a position he held until his voluntary
retirement in 1979. He was the seventh Principal and he led the College for
three years. Mr. Oyewale’s diligence, hard work and commitment was said
to have led to his appointment on 1st October, 1976, by the Vice Chancellor
of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) as the Principal of
the College.11 He gave an exemplary leadership to the College by example.
Mr. Oyewale was the Patron of a campus organization called Farm Forestry
for Food and Freedom (4F).12
66
Mr. Oyewale was described as a complete gentleman who was not
willing to take up the mantle of leadership of the College when he was called
upon as the most senior academic staff. He was described as very sensitive
to his staff and students’ welfare. He had no crisis with both the staff and
students.13 His tenure of office was noted to be peaceful, especially when he
came on board after a period of turbulence. Mr. Oyewale proceeded on his
accumulated and terminal leave in 1979 and retired on 30th October, 1980
after serving the College meritoriously for 12 years and 2 months.
MR. V. NINAN: PRINCIPAL AND FIRST AG. PROVOST 1979-
1984
A British born Indian, Mr. V. Ninan became the eighth College Principal
in 1979. He joined the services of University of Ife as Senior Lecturer in
1972, a position he occupied till his appointment as Principal and later
acting Provost of the College in 1979.14
67
Mr. Ninan was credited with the sinking of the first borehole in the
College using internally generated revenue on the approval of the University
of Ife. This borehole was commissioned by the then Vice-Chancellor,
Professor C. Agodi Onwumechili.15 He contributed immensely to the
academic, social and administrative development of the College before he
voluntarily retired in 1984. Mr. Ninan was succeeded by Professor ‘Segun
Adesina who was a Visiting Professor to the College in July 1984.
68
THE FIRST SUBSTANTIVE PROVOST: PROFESSOR SEGUN
ADESINA 1984-1985
The First Substantive Provost: Prof. Segun Adesina 1984-1985
Professor Segun Adesina was the first Professor to head the institution
as Provost, between July 1984 and October 1985. A visiting Professor from
the University of Ilorin, Ilorin to the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adesina
was credited with so many landmark achievements during his memorable
69
tenure of 16 months. He was the first substantive Provost. 16 The two
buildings known today as ‘Uncompleted Buildings’ were initiated by his
administration. The buildings were intended to be world-class standard
lecture rooms, laboratories and staff offices designed to ease the problems of
shortage of classrooms and office accommodation at the time. The
prestigious Wande Abimbola Hall, a student Hostel, was also started during
his tenure but completed after his exit.
Educational and Professional Background
Professor ‘Segun Adesina was born on 15th January, 1941 in
Abeokuta, Ogun State. He attended St. Augustine Primary School, Abeokuta
before proceeding to Loyola College, Ibadan; and Nigerian College of Arts,
Science and Technology for his Higher School Certificate (HSC). Thereafter,
he went to the prestigious University of Ife, Ile-Ife (1962-65), as one of its
foundation set, for his B.A. (History), 2nd Class Honours, Upper Division.
As a brilliant and hardworking teacher with a flair for knowledge, Prof.
Adesina secured the Federal Government scholarship and African-American
Institute fellowship for his Masters degree in Educational Administration
(1967) at Columbian University, United States of America. He returned to
Nigeria and started teaching at the University of Lagos in 1967. The thirst
for power of knowledge made him to return the Columbian University, USA
(1970-75) for his Ph.D. (Educational Administration).
The intrinsic interest in breaking new grounds propelled him to the
University of Ilorin, Ilorin and Kwara State where his diligence and erudition
70
was duly recognised and rewarded with promotion to the exalted position of
Professor of Educational Management in1978. Prof. Adesina later became
the Dean, Faculty of Education (1980-84). Afterwards, his sabbatical took
him to the University of Ife, Ile-Ife in July 1984 on his transformation trip to
the College as the Provost (1984-85), courtesy of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof.
Wande Abimbola.
Achievements
Prof. Adesina mobilised all academic staff of the College to pursue
postgraduate programmes and many of them actually did. He was also the
first Provost to preside over Academic Board meetings since he was a
Professor.17 Prior to this time, Academic Board meetings were presided over
by Professors from the Faculty of Education, University of Ife, Ile-Ife.
Furthermore, Prof. Adesina enhanced the newly introduced degree
programmes during the 1982/83 academic session by his push for more
qualified academic staff and professional development of the existing ones.
These degree programmes were housed in the Departments of English,
French, History, Yoruba, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Physical and
Health Education. He also initiated some landmark protests about the
status of the College in relation to University of affiliation and Federal
Government funding.19
I. Academic and Professional Development
71
1. Introduction of staff training with study leave for lecturers on
postgraduate programmes within and outside Nigeria.
2. Strengthening the supervision of staff and students for effective study
and service to the College
3. Signing and issuing of about 8000 outstanding certificates which
restored the glory of the College
4. Consolidation of degree programmes with the appointment of three
(3) Professors having satisfied all the procedures
5. Restructuring the academic programmes into distinct Schools and
Departments with their own specialised courses and lecturers
6. Encouragement of academic staff to attend learned conferences and
seminars, write quality referenced books, and publish their research
works in reputable journals
7. Establishment of research-oriented Journal of Teacher Education
(JTE), which stimulated Schools and Departments to float their own
journals
8. Recruitment of professionally trained and qualified staff with Masters
and Ph.D. degrees to ensure quality assurance for degree
programmes
9. Commencement of the Pre-NCE programme in French to attract
candidates for studies in French.
72
II. Infrastructural Development
In terms of building structures, Professor Adesina handled the
construction of six cafeterias now used as students’ hostel through direct
labour internally mobilized.18 The construction was funded by University of
Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife. Other notable achievements
include:
1. Rehabilitation and renovation of the lecture theatres, classrooms,
laboratories and staff offices
2. Provision of two(2) boreholes for water supplies to students’ and
staff quarters
3. Purchase of a new bigger generator with the construction of its
power house
4. Rehabilitation and tarring of all the roads
5. Complete rehabilitation of the College Auditorium
6. Rehabilitation and furnishing of the College library
All these monumental achievements have been enhancing academic
growth, and excellent performances of staff and students beyond the
College. This might have been the tonic for industrial peace and cordiality
with Ondo community.
Moreover, on assumption of office, Prof. Adesina noticed that there
was no close interaction between the College and its immediate community,
73
the Ondo Kingdom. To improve it, he worked closely with the ruling
Osemawe, His Royal Highness, Oba Robert Itiade Adekolurejo (Jisomosun
III) and adopted the catchment area policy of the Federal Government
which permitted him to employ the junior staff (Grade Level 1-6) mainly
from the community of the College.20 Without any staff and student
protest, Professor Segun Adesina completed his tenure and he was
honoured by the Osemawe with a chieftaincy title of Obamoyegun of Ondo
land at a colourful send-off ceremony organised for him on 25th October,
1985 by the Ondo community.21Shortly after leaving the College, the
Federal Government appreciated and appointed Prof. Adesina as the
Executive Secretary, Nigerian Educational Research and Development
Council in 1985. He also suggested that the College should become a
University of Education in view of all the existing academic programmes
and infrastructures. This will strengthen this noble institution to be a key
player in human capacity building and national development.
DR. (MRS.) PHEBEAN OLUSOLA FAYEMI (1985-1990)
Dr. (Mrs) Phebean Olusola Fayemi was the 10th Head of the Institution
and the 2nd Provost of the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. Shewas the
first Deputy Provost of the College under Professor Segun Adesina.
74
Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Fayemi: Ag. Provost (1985-1989), Substantive Provost
(Jan. –December, 1990).
Dr. (Mrs.) Fayemi was also the first female administrator that bore
the title Provost.22 For four years, she operated in acting capacity, that is
1985-1989 and she became the substantive Provost from 1st January till
31st December, 1990s.23 She was described by many students who
75
schooled in the College in her days as “Margaret Thatcher” or “An Iron lady”
because of her strictness in the handling of students’ disciplinary cases.24
The two buildings, known today as ‘Uncompleted Buildings’, were
initiated by her administration. The buildings were intended to be world-
class standard lecture rooms, laboratories and staff offices designed to ease
the problem of shortage of classrooms at the time. However, the solid
structure could not be completed after her departure owing to shortage of
funds. Also, the prestigious Wande Abimbola Hall of Residence was
completed and commissioned under her administration.25 She pursued and
secured from the Senate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the approval
for the commencement of the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)programmes in
Agricultural Science and Home Economics for the School of Vocational and
Technical Education; herself being a specialist in Home Economics.26 Her
tenure was laced with prolonged student protests. Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Fayemi
went on voluntary retirement on December 31st, 1990.
REVEREND BENJAMIN FOLARIN ADENIJI (JANUARY-MARCH
1991)
Reverend Benjamin Folarin Adeniji was the 11th Head of the Institution
and the 3rd Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. He was a
Provost of the College in an acting capacity for three months between 2nd
January and 31st March 1991. During his short period of leadership, he
brought normalcy back to the hitherto crises ridden College.27
76
Reverend Benjamin Folarin Adeniji,Acting Provost (January-March 1991)
Before his appointment, he had worked in the College from 4th
December, 1967 to 1990, a period of almost twenty-three years. This
perhaps gave him upper hand over the crises that rocked the College before
his assumption of duty.28 He also assisted the Cooperative Societies of the
College to introduce cheque-off dues that made the running of the
cooperative societies easier through monthly deductions from staff
salaries.29 He proceeded on retirement on 30th September, 1992.
THE REGISTRY IN PERSPECTIVE
The evolution of the Registry of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
may be traced to the period when the College was a constituent part of the
77
University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife. Prior to this
period, the records of the College were handled by the Ministry of Education,
Ibadan; and the administrative support staff were appointed by the Ministry
like other staff. However, from the period the University of Ife took over from
the Western State Government, the University Registry provided secretarial
support for the Management of the College.30 The record office was,
therefore, at various times headed by an Executive Officer or a Senior
Administrative staff from the University of Ife. Messrs. A.I.O. Ayeni and
E.M.Gbakinro were the last of such personnel posted from the University of
Ife.31
This arrangement continued until April, 1981 when the University of
Ife Council approved that an Interim Governing Board be set up for Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo. As a result of this new provision, a separate
Registry was established to provide administrative support for the day-to-
day running of the College.32
Initially, the Registry had only three Divisions. These were:
• Academic and Student Affairs
• Personnel Affairs
• General Administration
The three divisions were confined to three rooms allocated to Registry in the
Old Administrative Block. Its operations were later spread out with the
construction of the Utility Block in 1982/83.33 The operational tools were
limited to old manual typewriters which tasked the secretarial staff to the
78
full.34 Later, electric typewriters were introduced and these ultimately gave
way to desktop and laptop computers which had in no small measure added
to the effectiveness and efficiency of secretarial staff. With the increase in
population of staff and students, the functions of the Registry increased
tremendously and this called for commensurate increase in the staff of the
Registry.35
The fully organised Registry which started in 1982 with the Registrar
supported by two Senior Assistant Registrars, an Assistant Registrar and
five Administrative Officers, along the line has grown by leaps and bounds to
the extent that it now has eight Deputy Registrars, ten Principal Assistant
Registrars, three Senior Assistant Registrars, nine Assistant Registrars,
twenty-two Administrative Officers and many staff of the Executive,
Secretarial and Clerical Cadre.36 The previously sparsely furnished offices
have been transformed to more comfortable places. This has not only
enhanced the self esteem of the officers but has promoted the efficient
performance of their duties.37
Today, the Registry operates in well-staffed Divisions and takes care of
all administrative functions in the College: servicing the Governing Council
and its sub-committees; servicing the College Academic Board and its sub-
committees as well as dealing with all staff and student matters. Each
Division is headed by a Senior Administrative Staff responsible to the
Registrar. The Divisions were patterned after the Obafemi Awolowo
University Registry and comprise the following:
79
• Division of Academic Affairs;
• Division of Personnel Affairs;
• Division of General Administration;
• Division of Students’ Affairs; and
• Division of Council Affairs.
The Divisions/Units of the Registry have since been expanded both in scope
and functions to meet the management needs and vision of an autonomous
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo which was created by Decree no 12 of
11th May, 1991.38The Staff Training and Development Unit, and the Alumni
Relations Unit are new additions in the Registry.
REGISTRARS
Mr. (now Barrister) Afolabi Ojuawo was the pioneering Registrar of the
College. On assumption of duty in 1982, he commenced the recruitment of
senior administrative and support staff. His vision was for a Registry where
the junior staff would not vegetate in that cadre. Most of those recruited in
those early years were qualified for University admission, so there was rapid
turnover of the junior Staff as many gained admission into higher
institutions. Under his leadership the Regitry enjoyed a lot of respect as he
ensured that all administrative Staff understood the tenets of the operations
of the Registry in a higher institution. He retired in 1989. He was followed by
Mr. (now Chief) Olufemi Adesulu, a seasoned University administrator
assumed duty in the College in January 1991. Like Mr. Ojuawo, he ensured
that administrative officers move around the different Divisions of the
80
Registry to acquire experience in all areas. Junior Staff were encouraged to
acquire degrees. It was during his time that the position of Registrar became
tenural. He retired in December 2001.Mrs. Victoria Omolabake
Akindehin,the first female Regisrar in the College came into office on 21st
December, 2001. She was well experienced, having worked in all divisions of
the Registry and understudied the two Registrars before her.Mrs Akindehin
was able to pursue the policies and consolidated on the accomplishments of
her predecessors by ensuring a standard Registry.The Legal Unit was
created from the Division of General Administration under her watch in
2006. During this period, many of the Clerical Officers earlier recruited
became lecturers, administrative officers, accountants and so on in the
College and in other institutionss based on the acquisition of relevant
degrees and diplomas. The Registry expanded under her and administrative
staff continued to attend seminars and workshop to improve their
competence. Her tenure ended in December, 2006.
Two people also led the Registry in acting caparcity at different
times.Mr.M.A.Ogundare acted for the Registrar from October, 1985 to May,
1986 when the incumbent, Mr. Ojuawo went for his legal training at the
Nigerian LawSchool in Lagos.Mrs. O. O. Fakorede also led in acting
capacity at the end of Mrs. Akindehin’s tenure. She was in the saddle from
December, 2006- June, 2007.Mr. Festus Eniola Aderinboyeis the fourth
substantive Registrar. Under his leadership, the Registry has witnessed
tremendous expansion. In line with the current trend, the operation of the
Registry has been computerized to a large extent and the retrieval of records
81
has thus been facilitated. He also introduced the Annual Registry Staff
Retreat which exposes the Staff to contemporary practices in administration
in higher institutions.
Divisional Heads
The various Divisions of the Registry were led at different times by the
following senior administrative Officers: Mr. M. A. Ogundare, Mr. Olaewe
Ewegbemi, Mr. Busayo Alabi, Mr. J. F. Odomo, Mrs. V. O. Akindehin, Mr. S.
O. Ajiboye, Mrs. A. O. Aladejana, Mrs. S. O. Olowookere, Mr. O. O. Fakorede,
Mr. F. A. Ajayi, Mr. G. A. Awe, Mr. B. A. Yusuf, Mrs M. M. I. Popoola, Mrs. A.
O. Tugbiyele, Mr. R. O. Akinkuoye and Mrs. V. Akpe.
The Division of Academic Affairs
The Division which commenced in 1982 under the leadership of Mr. Olaewe
Ewegbemi performs the following major assignments:
• Admission Matters for Degree, NCE, Sandwich Pre-NCE,
Certificate/Diploma programmes.
• Coordinating the administration of examinations and records
• Attending to students’ transcript matters
• Servicing Academic Board and Committee works,
• Keeping College statistical data
82
• Students’ disciplinary matters
• Writing and issuing certificates.
Division of Personnel Affairs
The main functions of the Divisions of Personnel Affairs which started in
1982 under Mr. M. A. Ogundare as Head of Department include the
following:
• Recruitment of staff;
• Annual review of all staff (i.e. Senior and Junior Staff);
• Determination of those due for pension and payment of their
entitlements when due;
• Servicing statutory committees such as Appointments and Promotions
Committee, Administrative and Technical Staff Committee, and Junior
Staff Committee as well as the Board of Trustees for Pensions and
Gratuity;
• Servicing the College Selection Panels; and
• Staff discipline and welfare matters.
83
Division of General Administration
The Division of General Administration of the College came into
existence in 1982 with an Assistant Registrar, Mr. Busayo Alabi as the Head
of Department. It serviced the Interim Governing Board set up that time and
all its Committees.
The Division of General Administration comprised the following major areas:
• Interim Governing Board/Governing Council
• Planning, Budgeting and Monitoring
• Publication and Publicity
• Registration of Contractors
• Issuance of Identity Cards
• Supervision of the College Postal Agency
The Division also performs other major tasks today that have to do
with the servicing of the College Management Committee (CMC), handling
the booking of Auditorium, Lecture Theatre, Issuance of Pensioners’ Identity
Cards, and other College assignments as directed by Management.
Division of Council Affairs
The Division of Council Affairswhich was carved out of the Division of
General Administration came into existence on 19th March, 2007 under a
Senior Assistant Registrar, Mr. R.O Akinkuoye. The Divisionservices the
Governing Council and all its committees.
84
In summary, the Registry has come a long way from being a single
unit record office to a full-fledged well structured administrative set-up
under Mr. Ojuawo, Mr. Adesulu, Mrs. Akindehin and Mr. Aderinboye. This
development has also brought great pressure on the College for more
accommodation since there has been the appointment of more senior and
junior administrative staff. Hence, the construction of new spacious
administrative blocks to complement the old administrative blocks in the
College.
Old Administrative Block
Besides, the Registry has updated its functions from manual to
Computerised processing of students’ admissions, examination results,
students’ registration for courses, allocation of students’ accommodation and
such other operations.44 The Registry has imbibed the ICT world view and
this has facilitated its operations. Preservation and retrieval of records have
also been positively affected. Although the entire system is yet to be fully
computerised, on-line registration of students is a huge step forward in an
attempt to cope with the population explosion
The College Past and Present Registrars
Mr. Afolabi Ojuawo (1982
85
line registration of students is a huge step forward in an
attempt to cope with the population explosion of students45.
The College Past and Present Registrars
Mr. Afolabi Ojuawo (1982-1989)
line registration of students is a huge step forward in an
86
Mr. Isaac Olufemi Adesulu (1991 – 2001)
M
Mrs. Victoria Omolabake Akindehin (2001
87
rs. Victoria Omolabake Akindehin (2001-2006)
M
Mrs. Olufisayo O. Fakorede, Ag.
88
rs. Olufisayo O. Fakorede, Ag. Registrar (Dec., 2006-June,
June, 2007)
Mr. Felix Eniola Aderinboye (2007 till date)
89
Mr. Felix Eniola Aderinboye (2007 till date)
90
The Bursary in Perspective
The Bursary at the beginning was just an Accounts’ Unit under the
Bursary Department of the University of Ife (now OAU), lle-lfe.46 Officers
overseeing the Unit were usually seconded from OAU Bursary Department,
while skeletal accounting works were merely performed at the Unit.
However, in 1981 when the College was granted some measure of
autonomy, Messrs Babalola and Fadare were appointed Principal
Accountant and Accountant II respectively in the mid-1980s to restructure
the Accounts Unit with less dependence on the Bursary Department of the
University of Ife.47 These two officers did not stay too long to effect any
significant change before they left the services of the College.
However, the lot of the Accounts Unit was improved with
disarticulation of the administration of the College from OAU with effect
from 1st January, 1990. Messrs I.O. Isijola, A. Olowookere and T.J.
Kolawole were subsequently appointed Accountant I and Higher
Executive Officer (Accounts) respectively with other middle and junior
officers.47They were charged with the responsibility of re-organising and
restructuring the small accounting unit to a full-fledged Bursary
Department. Subsequently, Mr. I.O. Isijola was designated the Acting
Bursar, and he acted as the College Bursar from 1991 to 1994.48
In January, 1995, Mr. J. B. Folarin, the first substantive Bursar, was
appointed by the College and he led the Bursary department up till 1999.49
He was succeeded Mr. A. Ebeye who was appointed as the second College
Bursar between 2000 and 2004.50 Between 2004 and 2006, the College had
no substantive Bursar and Mr. I.O. Isijola was designated again as Head of
Bursary.51 Thereafter, Mr. E. A. A. Oresegun was appointed the College
Bursar in 2006 and he operated until the end of his five year tenure of office
in 2011.52 The present Bursar, Mr. G.O. Abdul succeeded him in an Acting
capacity from 2011 until 2014, when the College Governing Council
appointed him the substantive Bursary with effect from January, 2014.53
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The staff in the Department has equally improved in quantity and
quality from a handful of staff at inception through to the early 1990. The
staff strength of the Bursary today stands at thirty seven, both junior and
senior staff. Out of the twenty eight (28) officers on the accounting line,
fifteen (15) are professionally qualified accountants. This basically suggests
that the services in the Bursary are in competent hands.54
Like the Registry, the College Bursary Department started its
operations from three offices allocated to it in the old administrative block
from 1964 to 1994. During this time, typewriter was the major electronic
device for accounting and secretarial operations in the Department.
However, between 1994 and 1999, the College Management supplied the
Bursary with two desktop computer systems. This was the beginning of
modern College Bursary in the College.55 Bursary staff were encouraged to
acquire computer literacy skills and news salary package was introduced by
1997/98.
The period between 1999 and 2005 saw appreciable development and
improvement in the system and quality of service. Following the staff crisis
that engulfed the College between 2003 and 2004, all the five (5) seasoned,
experienced and professionally qualified accountants in the Bursary
Department were either affected by the Government white paper released
on the crisis or Federal Government severance exercise of 2006/2007.56
Later, senior and middle-level officers were appointed to fill the
vacuum already created by the exit of senior bursary staff.57 The
Management went further to create an enabling environment for the staff
to develop themselves academically and professionally. The outcome of
this was the production of fourteen (14) professionally qualified
accountants between 2007 and 2012, which is a rare feat to achieve in
any organisation.
It is worthy of note that the current Management has really
assisted the Department at keeping pace with the world of Information
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Communication Technology. The operations of cash office and salaries &
wages units of the Department have been computerised while efforts at full
computerisation of the entire Bursary Department are at an advanced
stage. Computer systems were equally made available to all officers to
aid operations in the section. This is to ensure departure from the manual
methods of direct collection of school fees and other related payments to
an on-line system/e-transaction. This innovation comes with the
advantages of convenience, cost effectiveness and generation of instant
and accurate information for management use.58
The College Bursary which was initially a unit of the Bursary of the
University of Ife in 1972 with the Bursar of the University administering
both the Capital and Recurrent Grants made available by the National
Universities Commission (NUC) through the University of Ife is now of age.
It has now grown to its present state with six sections, namely:
• Budget and Statistics
• Fund Management (Expenditure Control)
• Treasury Service (Cash Office)
• Final Accounts
• Salaries and Wages
• Central Stores
A befitting, spacious building complex has also been constructed to house
the Bursary Department of the College. The major functions of the College
Bursary Department are the application of financial regulations and the
management of all financial matters of the College.
93
At varying degrees and with respect to the various circumstances that
existed within the various dispensations that the College had passed
through, the operation of the bursary section has been guided by the
following objectives:59
• Interpreting, operating and maintaining the accounting system of the
College.
• Keeping record of assets, liabilities, income and expenditure to
complywith statutory and other financial requirements.
• Providing timely, accurate and reliable information for
Management toassist them in controlling the various activities of
the College on a day-to -day basis.
• Providing suitable financial framework for planning College
future activities by means of budgets and long term plans.
• Preparing College Financial Statements.
Hence, the Bursary Department is a vital organ that oversees finances,
and revenue drive of the College. It also facilitate budgetary designs and
execution of contractual projects for quality infrastructures.
94
The ultra-modern Bursary Department
95
Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Services in Perspective
In the first ten years (1964-74) of the existence of Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo, only skeletal maintenance services were carried out in the
College through the Ministry of Works and Transport of the defunct Western
Region and later Western State Government.60 The physical structures of the
College then lacked the necessary maintenance attention and aesthetic
attraction. In response to this situation and on the advice of the Director of
Works of the then University of Ife, Ile-Ife, the College Principal in person of
Mr. B. O. Rotimi set up a Maintenance Service Department in a modest
way.61
The staff composition then was just two artisans, two drivers and a
few labour hands. This was the beginning of what we know today as the
Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Services.
This Department attended to the maintenance needs of the College in the
areas of Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Automobile, Servicing and
Bricklaying or Building. The unit also coordinated the drivers through the
driver’s section of the Department. Members of staff at this initial stage
were mostly technicians, who were supervised by Mr. A. A. Babatope (1973-
1984) as Coordinator.62
From 1984, there was the appointment of professional hands in the
Maintenance Departmen. To this end, the College Interim Governing Board
effected a significant change in the headship, with Engineer Adesina
seconded from the University of Ife as Coordinator.63Other people who had
earlier coordinated the Department included:
• Engineer Olaniran Jogbodo (1984-1989),
• Engineer Steve Oboh (1989-1990),
• Dr. V.E.A. Akorede (1990-1991).
96
• Engr. C.B. Oke 1992-2005; who became the first substantive
Director of Works on 1st June, 2006 before he retired on 31st
December, 2006.
The influence of the Department was not well felt in the College until the
period of disarticulation of the College from OAU, Ile-Ife. It was immediately
after disarticulation that the Department consolidated and asserted itself
with better defined goals. The period witnessed the promotion of Engr. C. B.
Oke who later became the first substantive Director of Works and
Maintenance Services. Prior this time, he was appointed as Pupil Engineer
on 28th March, 1985.64 Engineer C.B. Oke was a COREN registered Civil
Engineer. Although, he did not have all it took to operate as a full blown
Director for some time, he operated within the ambit of available resources.
An additional Engineer and a Quantity Surveyor were employed to assist
him before his retirement in December 2006. Under his supervision, a
number of buildings in the College were constructed, the climax of which
was the 1500 seater Ipaye Lecture Theatre.
Engr. Oke was succeeded by Dr. S. O. Oyekan on 2nd January, 2007.
He supervised the Department as a Coordinator of Works till 30th June
2007, when Mr. B. A. Ayodele was appointed as a substantive Director of
Works. Mr. Ayodele led the Department for just a year, between June 2007
and July 2008. It was under his administration that the current
Management, led by Professor Adeyemi Idowu restructured the old Works
and Maintenance Department into a full-blown Directorate of Physical
Planning, Works and Services (DPPWS) as it is today.
The sudden exit of Mr. Ayodele returned Dr. Oyekan to the Directorate
as a Coordinator between 8th July 2008 and 30th November 2009. He
supervised DPPWS with Engrs. Dafiewhare, F.K. Akintade and S.O.
Olawoye; Quantity Surveyors A. Edo and ‘Wunmi Olatona; Maintenance
Officer, Rotimi Oladunjoye; and many artisans in different crafts and trades.
Their collective cooperation and determination facilitated the execution of a
number of building projects, among which are:
97
• New Bursary Building Complex,
• The Students’ Recreation Centre,
• Fine and Applied Arts Building,
• New Agricultural Science Building and
• Home Economics Department Building
• Renovation of Council Chairman’ Lodge.
Dr. Oyekan finally left the Directorate on 30thNovember, 2009 after the
appointment of a substantive Director of Works.65
The incumbent Director of Works, Mr. B. F. Ajayi assumed duties on
1st December, 2009. A significant innovation during this period was that he
operated under this new designation in the Directorate of Physical Planning,
Works and Services (DPPW&S) earlier created and functional since 2007.
This innovation by the present College Management has taken the activities
in the DPPWS far beyond repairs, and maintenance activities. It now entails
initiation of plans for physical developments, supervision and execution of
projects, routine maintenance of buildings and other facilities to achieve
excellence in functional infrastructures and services fors teacher education.
Mr. Ajayi, the current Director is a visionary leader privileged to also
be working with Professor Idowu, another clear focused leader. The
Directorate that started with only four staff in 1974 can now boast of three
Engineers, two Quantity Surveyors, one Town Planner and numerous lower-
grade specialists and professionals. 66
Past and Present Directors and Coordinators of Works
Engineer C. B. Oke
98
Past and Present Directors and Coordinators of Works
Engineer C. B. Oke Director, 2006-2007
Past and Present Directors and Coordinators of Works
2007
Mr. B. A. Ayodele ,Director of Works s(July
99
Mr. B. A. Ayodele ,Director of Works s(July 2007-2008 July)2008 July)
100
Dr. S. O. Oyekan, Coordinator Of Works (Jan.-June 2007: July 2008-
November, 2009)
101
Mr. B. F. Ajayi Director of Works (December 2009 to date)
102
The College Health Centre in Perspective
Adeyemi College Health Centre commenced operations in 1974, ten
years after the establishment of the College, with the deployment of Mr. S.
O. Odetokun, a Nursing Superintendent from University of Ife (now
Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile Ife, Health Centre.67 He was the sole staff
and consequently acting as the doctor, the nurse, the pharmacist and
environmental officer. A block of eight rooms boys' quarters (now Aso
Rock Female Hostel) standing in front of the current Health Centre building
served as the operational base of the centre then. A few years later, it
expanded into the Abiodun Hall Annex. The Annex was used as Out-
Patient Department, while the boys’ quarters served as In-Patient
Department.
In 1975, the staff strength increased to two with the employment of
a Nursing Assistant, Mr. Ekundayo. He was employed to assist with
dressing of wounds and other errands. This was followed in 1976 with the
appointment of a Pharmacy Technician; Mr. Agbejobi.68 He took over the
procurement and dispensing of drugs from the Nursing Superintendent.
Due to the growing population of the College, Mr. Oladosu Idowu was
later employed to assist in the Pharmacy Section. Staff diversity for
effective service delivery was further ensured in 1982, when a Health
Superintendent, Mr. R. A. Busari, assumed duty and took over the
supervision of environmental health activities in the College.69
The fortune of the Health Centre was greatly advanced with the
engagement of the first doctor in 1978, Dr. (Mrs.) Pereira.70This was
informed by the significant growth in the population of the College staff
and students. She was later succeeded by Dr. Loy Camoens, Dr Iranlade
Adegoroye (the first Nigerian Doctor in charge of the Health Centre) and
Dr. Akin Fatiregun who left in 1997.71Between the space of 1997 when
Dr. Fatiregun left and 2000, there was no Medical Doctor in the
College Health Centre. It was manned by Matrons and Senior
Nursing Officers like Mrs. Akinkugbe, Mrs. Olabode, Mrs Akinsiku,
103
Mr. Olasan and others. This was the situation until May, 2000 when
Dr. Adekunle Ekundayo Ogunmosin was employed as Senior Medical
Officer. He has risen through the ranks to become the first Director of
Medical Services on 9th September, 2011.72
Dr. A. E. Ogunmosin Director, 2011 till date
The College Health Centre was moved into the current multi-
purpose-built health facility in 2001. This was due in part to the ever
increasing population of the College staff and students and demand for
better health services. The facility has the full outlook of a standard
104
health centre with consulting rooms, records’ section, pharmacy,
laboratory, medical store, treatment room and male and female wards.
In addition, there are staff offices for various cadres of staff. In 2010,
the Health Centre building was extensively renovated with significant
modifications in the wards. All old and dilapidated furniture were
replaced and new ones procured to improve the working environment
in the Health Centre. In the same year, a brand new Ambulance was
purchased to replace the old one.73
There has been a significant improvement in staff recruitment into
the Health Centre in the last seven years. What started in 1974 as a one
man unit is now well staffed and comprises the following units and man-
power:74
Medical Unit
• Two Medical Doctors
• Two Medical Records Technicians
• One Confidential Secretary
• Two Ambulance Drivers
• One Clerical Officer
Nursing Unit
• Twelve Nursing Officers
• One Community Health Technician
• Eight Nursing Aides
Pharmacy Unit
• One Pharmacist
• Two Pharmacy Technicians
• Two Health Assistants
• One Store Keeper
105
Medical Laboratory Unit
• One Medical Laboratory Technologist
• One Medical Laboratory Technician
• One Health Assistant
Environmental Health Unit
• One Environmental Health Superintendent
• Two Health Assistants
106
Entrance to Old Health Centre Block (Now Aso Rock Female Hostel)
107
The New Health Centre Building front view
108
Student Affairs Division in Perspective
The Division of Student Affairs commenced as a Unit within the
Division of Academic Affairs in the College Registry.75 However, when a
panel recommended to the Federal Government that there should be a
Student Affairs section headed by an academic staff in higher institutions all
over the nation, the Unit became a separate Division. The Student Affairs
Division is headed by a Dean, who is responsible to the Provost. The
Division deals with students’ welfare matters, which include:
1. Students Accommodation,
2. Guidance and Counselling,
3. Information Services,
4. Orientation Programmes for Fresh Students,
5. Monitoring of Students Union Activities/Elections,
6. Health Services,
7. Religious Services of Students and
8. Students’ Social Clubs and their Discipline.
The Division of Student Affairs is run through committee system. The Dean
is assisted by a Vice Dean, senior Administrative Officers, Guidance
Counsellors and some clerical staff.
Between 1992 and 2014, a number of Deans had managed the
affairs of this indispensable organ of the College. They include:
• Dr. A.O. Olarewaju
109
• Dr. B.S. Adeyemi
• Dr. E.A. Adewole
• Dr. R.O. Adeniyi
• Dr. S.O. Oyekan
• Dr. A.O. Ogungbenro
• Dr. R.O. Ajayi
• Dr. A.O. Olajuyigbe
• Dr. N. Olarinoye
Hence, there are the following Committees which are being serviced by the
Division:
(i) Students Advisory Committee
(ii) Hall Management Committee
(iii) Students’ Disciplinary Committee
(iv) Orientation Committee
The Division of Student Affairs ensures students welfare, peace and
harmony among the students, staff and the immediate community. Students
are always encouraged to be of good behaviour in learning and character
devoid of cultism, academic malpractices and alcoholism.
Hall Management Committee
110
The Hall Management caters for the welfare of the students
accommodated in the Halls of Residence. In line with the laid down policy
there are five categories of students who could be accommodated because of
the limited bed spaces in the Halls of Residence. They are: the first year
students, final year students, disabled students, Sportsmen/Women and
foreign students in that order. Other students have spaces allocated to
them on first come first served basis after catering for those on priority list
stated above.76
Problems in the Halls of Residence
Although the College has a population of well over eleven thousand
(11,000) students, the halls of residence have only 1,662 bed spaces. This
implies that the College can only afford to accommodate about 15% of the
student population. It is pertinent to point out that the initial provision of
accommodation at inception in 1964 was to cater for five hundred (500)
students. So much has been done over the years to improve on this.77
Considering the high population of students, compared to the few bed
spaces available in the existing halls, the College is striving to build more
hostels to enable it to cope with the present high rate of demand for
accommodation by students. The problem of inadequate bed space is
compounded by the grossly insufficient facilities in the halls of residence,
and inadequate water supply in the halls. Attempts have been made over
the years by different administrations to increase the number of student
halls of residence.
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The current management of the College is doing its utmost best to
improve on the infrastructure and ameliorate the living conditions of the
students in the halls.
Students’ Disciplinary Committee
Adeyemi College, as an academic community, has its own way of
maintaining peaceful co-existence among students. As a micro-community,
there is bound to be among the students, some that are law-abiding and
peace loving while a few behave in ways that are deviant of the acceptable
social norms. In view of this, the College Management set up a Student
Disciplinary Committee that looks into matters relating to student
discipline. This Committee is made up of a very Senior Academic Staff as
Chairman, Dean, Students’ Affairs, two senior non-academic staff as
members, and the Student Affairs Officers serve as the Secretary.
Disciplinary Measures
The severity of punishment the Committee can impose on any erring
student depends on the gravity of the offence. However, disciplinary actions
range from written warning, suspension, to expulsion from the College. For
the past years, the Committee has considered cases on examination
malpractice, theft, assault and various students’ misdemeanors. In all
situations, the affected students were given fair hearing.
Issue of Cultism
There has not been a confirmed case of established cultists in the
College in the past few years. Though, there had been series of incursions
112
by cultists from other campuses to invade the College to recruit and initiate
students as members, these attempts have always been defeated through
the joint efforts of the College security personnel, the student para-military
clubs, the student leaders and the entire student body.
As a way of checking such student anti-social behaviours, the
Student Affairs Office has incorporated lectures on drug abuse, cultism,
dress code, examination malpractice and so on in the orientation
programme for the freshmen. In addition, the College Management has
approved the proposal of the Student Leadership for an “Anti-Cultism
Campaign Team” (ACCT) to resist the likely activities of the cultists from
outside the College. The Campaign Team is currently operating in the
College.
Examination Malpractices
The issue of examination malpractice is a common phenomenon
among students of tertiary institutions all over Nigeria. The Students
Disciplinary Committee has tried various cases of examination malpractice
and students are always encouraged to face their studies with a strength of
intellect and character.
The Committee has tried students who committed such offences and
treated every case on its own merit. The punishment usually imposed on
any student involved in examination malpractice depends on the gravity of
the offence, ranging from warning to expulsion from the College. Cases of
students involved in examination malpractice that had been reported and
113
sent to the Students Disciplinary Committee were duly investigated while
the affected students were given the opportunities to defend themselves.
Other Disciplinary Cases
There are other disciplinary cases beside those of the examination
malpractices which might be either minor or major. The minor cases such
as simple misunderstanding among students, harassment and the like that
can be handled by the Student Affairs Office, while the major ones like
forgery, sexual harassment, and other forms of breach of matriculation oath
are usually referred to the Students Disciplinary Committee.
Student Unionism
The Students Union is an organization of which all admitted
students should be member, though in principle its membership is
voluntary. It is not an arm of the administration but it is a
machinerydesigned for students’ self – government and leadership training.
The organization of the students union is a major concern of the Division of
Student Affairs. The Division monitors the elections of the Union through
the Electoral Commission. Members of the Students Union Executive are
elected annually through a secret ballot in which all registered students
participate.
114
Ultra-modern Administrative Complex Division of Student Affairs
115
The College Library in Perspective
The library is the heart and lifeline of any citadel of higher learning.
The quality of teaching, learning and research is predicated on the
robustness of the availability, accessibility and utilization of library and
information resources. Libraries have been the repositories of the wisdom of
mankind throughout the ages. They are the source of educational
inspiration and intellectual food on which lecturers, researchers,
administrators and students are nourished.
Babs Fafunwa Library (formerly called College Library) was
established in 1964 at the inception of the College to provide intellectual and
academic support for the teaching and learning programmes and the
administrative functions of the College.78The Library also inherited the
collections of Olunloyo College of Education, Ibadan. The operations of
College Library was initially limited to the main library building until 1992
when the foundation of the new library extension was laid by the former
Minister of Education, Professor Babatunde Fafunwa.79 The main library
accommodates the general reading area with shelves containing reading
materials on various subjects offered in the College.
Since academic development is seriously dependent on the quality of
the Library, Babs Fafunwa Library can boast of a building that is imposing
and that, for years to come, will be most suitable and adequate for all forms
of expansion that are bound to take place as the College grows in number of
academic programmes, staff and students. Presently, the Library can
conveniently seat 1,500 users. The holdings of the Library which increased
from 3,000 at inception to over 30,000 are in one main building and an
extension attached to it.80
The appointment of the pioneer Chief Librarian in November 1964,
followed closely by the recruitment of a set of junior staff, marked the
116
beginning, as it were, of the rendering of professional services by the
Library. The College Library operates a centralised library system. The
system is itself based on the academic structure of the College.86
Fig. 1- The Main Entrance to Babs Fafunwa Library
Babs Fafunwa Library serves and promotes the teaching, learning
and research environment where information resources are made accessible
for those who are engaged in the pursuit of knowledge and excellence in
teaching, learning and research. The library primarily supports its parent
organization, a student-centered and research-based teacher training higher
education institution through provision of library and information services.
Brief History of the College Library
The College Library has passed through various phases since
inception in 1964 under different Chief Librarians and College Librarians.
The achievements of the various administrations are presented below.
117
Mr. Desmond: 1964 to 1973
The pioneer Chief Librarian was Mr. Desmond, who piloted the library
between 1964 and 1973. He made remarkable achievements with the take-
off collection of resources inherited from Olunloyo and Ransome Kuti
Colleges. 82
Mr. A Adefidiya: October 1973 to 1994
Mr. A Adefidiya took over from Mr. Desmond in October 1973 and
headed the library until his demise in 1994 spending twenty-one (21) years
in office. Mr. Adefidiya happened to be the longest serving Head of the
Library. During his tenure the College commenced the degree programme
which enhanced the College Library collections considerably.83
Mr. J.O. Ogunmilade: 1994 and 2001
Revd. J. O. Ogunmilade
Mr.(now Revd.) J. O. Ogunmilade was employed in October 1984 as
Librarian I. He assumed the leadership of the College Library in 1994 after
118
the demise of Mr. Adefidiya.84 In May 2000, Revd. Ogunmilade was
appointed a substantive College Librarian. Under Revd. Ogunmilade, the
staff strength grew from two (2) to four (4) professional Librarians, including
the College Librarian, three (3) para-professionals and twenty-six (26).85
Library collection also improved to about 26,000 volumes of books in
different subject areas and about 5,500 volumes of periodicals.86
In October, 2001, Revd. Ogunmilade retired on the attainment of 35
years in service. Between 2002 and 2003, Mr. E Adefarati served as the
head of the College Library until the appointment of a substantive College
Librarian in 2003.87
Mr. E. A. Dina: 2003 to 2008
Mr. E A Dina
Mr. E.A. Dina assumed duty as the College Librarian on March 3rd,
2003.88The staff strength increased from three professionals as at 2003 to
seven in 2007. The Library collection also rose to about 30,000 volumes.
The tenure of Mr. Dina witnessed the beginning of the construction of the
Virtual Library and PTDF’s ICT building. Mr. Dina’s tenure as College
Librarian ended on 31st March, 2008.89
119
Dr. Y. M. Ogunsiji
Dr Y. M. Ogunsiji: April, 2008 to October, 2009
After Mr. Dina’s tenure, the mantle of leadership fell on Dr. Y. M.
Ogunsiji, a lecturer in the Department of English, as Coordinator. 90 The
collection grew steadily. The tenure of Dr. Ogunsiji pioneered the release of
quarterly allocation of N125,000.00 (One Hundred and twenty-five thousand
Naira only) by the Federal Government for acquisition of books91. Another
remarkable achievement was the provision of e-services in order to satisfy
the demands of the library users, subject based soft copy of resources were
acquired along with VCD player, computer set, television, and cassette
players. The Library, for the first time, had access to the internet.92
120
Dr R. A. Egunjobi
Dr R. A. Egunjobi: October, 2009 till date
Dr R.A. Egunjobi assumed duties on 2nd November, 2009 with a clear
vision of transforming the library to meet the academic needs of staff and
students, and the challenges of globalization.93 Major reorganization took
place as distinct sections in the library were recognized. Staff strength
increased tremendously. The collectionss of the library also improved
considerably.94 He initiated the sourcing of book donations from a USA
based organization- Zeecek Foundation. 95
One remarkable achievement of this era is the fulfillment of Library
automation project with the introduction of open software named
Koha.96With this development, the library collection can now be accessed
through On-line Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) as well as the internet.
Professional Librarians attend conferences, while workshops are organized
periodically for Library Officers and other support staff. There is better
121
collaboration between academic staff and the library in terms of research
and publication. The Library has also developed an interactive social
network where staff especially and students can share information and post
their queries.106These queries are always attended to and feedback provided
within a period of two days. The forum e-mail address is
Fig. 6 - The Reference Section of the Library
The Library has employed the benefits of open access initiatives to
subscribe to the following open sources free of charge:
Access to Global Online Research in
Agriculture(AGORA)http://www.agora.com
Program for the Enhancement of Research in information(PERII)
a) Scitation Library Services –: www.librarians.scitation.org
b) Ingenta Connect- www.ingentaconnect.com
c) SPIE Digital Library- www.spiedigitallibrary.org
d) Royal Society Journals on-line -www.royalsocietypublishing.org
122
e) Annual Review - www.arjournals.com.
• Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
• African Journals Online (AJOL)
• American Chemical Society
• American Institute of Physics (AIP):
• American Physical Society (APS):
• American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
• Annual ReviewsJournal Citation Reports (JCR®).
• Edinburgh University Press
• Emerald Group Publishing Ltd
• Access to Research in Health Programme (HINARI):
• Royal SocietySage Publications
• SPIE Digital Library
• World Bank e-library
World Bank World Development Indicators (WDI) Online Database:
Sections in the Library
At present the sections in the library are Acquisitions, Circulations,
Cataloguing and Classification, Reference and Virtual Reserved and Serials
Section. The Bindery is under the serial section.
123
Fig. 8 - Circulations Unit
Physical Facilities
• Size of the Library: The College Library operates in two separate, but
joined buildings: the Main library and the Library Extension. The
Main Library covers an area of 791.6m2, while the extension is
461.5m2 totaling 1,253.1m2. However, the Main library has further
been expanded to provide additional seating capacity for about 400
readers. 97
Gifts of books and other donations are welcomed from individuals
and institutions. With the assistance of the College Librarian and the
support of the College Management, valuable collection covering several
subject areas were received from Ceezek Foundation based in the USA.98
This gift has further increased the library collection. The Library has also
attracted donation of books and other resources from distinguished
Personalities, Bodies and Agencies. The College Management has been
steadfast in the usual release of quarterly allocation of N125,000.00 (One
Hundred and twenty Thousand naira) for book acquisition. However, the
124
major financier in terms of sponsorship has been TETFund. The Library,
through the Management, has attracted over N30,000,000.00 (Thirty Million
Naira) from TETFund for library development within the last four years.99
This has greatly enriched the library infrastructure and changed the face of
shelves within the Circulation Unit.
Presently, total overhauling and equipping are going on in the
Library. Since inception, the Library has not had it so good under the
present College Management ably represented by the Provost, Professor
Adeyemi Idowu. The main library and adjoining extensions are being
equipped with standing air-conditioners to create a better atmosphere for
research and learning. To arrest the erratic power supply by the Power
Holding Company of Nigeria, a stand-by generator has been installed in the
Library. With all these developments, the automation process of the library
would be optimally utilised.100
Vital Services
Serial Section of the Library
Management Information System/Virtual Library
125
Management Information System, which is a complete set of computer
assisted processes and procedures for data collection, processing, storage
and utilization for best management practices has been identified as an
important tool for administration of tertiary institutions in the country. This
has led the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC) as far back as 1987, to
conceive the idea of the establishment of a Management Information System
unit in all tertiary institutions, and actually piloted the scheme in major
Nigerian Universities. This trend was also embraced by the National
Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), which specified Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) compliance as basis for future
cooperation between it and Colleges of Education in Nigeria.
Thus, for the above stated reasons and many more, the Governing
Council approved the establishment of the Adeyemi College of Education
MIS unit in September, 2006 to realize the following objectives:
(a) to standardize the system of obtaining required reports and
information on students, staff, library and financial matters from the
various departments and units within the college.
(b) to assist departments and units in modern record keeping, retrieval
and analysis.
(c) to guarantee the exchange of information with external agencies such
as NCCE, NUC and Ministry of Education, in accordance with
acceptable best practices.
(d) to ensure a timely and accurate information gathering and processing.
(e) to ensure efficient processing of information for planning, budgeting
and decision making.
(f) to ensure the college’s capacity in training and re-training all
categories of staff and students on beneficial uses of MIS and ICT.
(g) to guarantee advisory services to the college on MIS and ICT matters.
One of the remarkable achievements of the MIS was the design and
Implementation of Collensis software package to process NCE students’
records. Desirous of improving the automation status of the College, the MIS
126
embarked on the design and development of a mega software system portal
to handle student’s admission processes, students screening and
verification processes, students matriculation number assignment processes
and students’ core progress data management. This was dubbed “Student
Data smart”, and has gone through two distinct revisions. This project
started in early 2007 and by the end of that year, the students’ admission
processes package, the students screening and verification package as well
as the matriculation number generation and assignment package were ready
for use.102
The students’ admission processes package was effectively deployed in
processing the Post-UTME admissions in the College for the year 2007/2008
as well as the year 2008/2009. Screening and verification package were
equally used in conducting immediate data capture for students in the two
sessions stated above, and screening slips generated from the package was
distributed to screened students.103 Attempts were also made to design and
implement a functional Website for the College (www.adeyemiedung.com)
with support from the defunct Intercontinental Bank PLC. The project
started in January, 2008, utilizing a partition from the site hosted for the
College by the Intercontinental Bank for the Eduportal business.104
The MIS Unit also embarked on the design and implementation of
College Campus Network (AdeyemiNet) to provide internet access to
members of the academic community. With the assistance of the
Management, the MIS unit was able to conceptualize, design and
implement the College’s own Campus Network (AdeyemiNet).105 The campus
network was launched on March 13, 2009, with a fully dedicated server
room (housed in the ICT/Virtual Library) and five other internet base
stations spread around the College campus. The hub is served by a C-band
satellite dish with a 5-watt BUC, i-direct modem, servers and an internet
bandwidth of 512KB/1024KB. All this was to guarantee a system that can
withstand variability in terrestrial environmental changes, scalable shared
bandwidth and an allowance for opening up the space in the near future.
Application servers were also acquired as part of the equipment in the hope
127
and spirit that the College would begin to deploy its on-line applications by
itself.106
Fig.11 - Front View of the Management Information Systems Building
Training and Web Services Sub-Unit of MIS
Having realized the need for specialized training of staff and students
in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in order to put the
College in the forefront of ICT literacy, the Management of the College made
aggressive efforts to provide facilities to meet the training need. A wing of the
MIS unit was designated to cater for this need.
Virtual Library/ICT Centre
The ICT revolution has brought about access to information in
diversity of ways. Because of globalization, libraries functions and roles are
changing, hence the conception of the virtual library/ICT Centre. The
ICT/Virtual library project was equipped with ‘state-of-the-art’ computing
facilities and excellent cooling system necessary for the attainment of the
expected goal. The goals here are to facilitate access to databases and
electronic resources, internet web browsing by the College community.
128
These activities have been structured into two sections tagged virtual
library1 and 2. Each of the sections contained 23 units of complete systems,
networked with internet access.107
ICT/Virtual Library Extension Building
The College has put in place a structure to serve as an extension of
the ICT/Virtual Library Complex. The building is now fully completed and
equipped with state of the art ICT facilities. It is worthy to note that the
2013 maiden edition of the Computer-based Unified Tertiary and
Matriculation Examination was conducted using the facilities of the New
ICT/Virtual library Extension.
Fig. 12 - ICT/Virtual Library Extension Building
Power Supply for ICT/Virtual Library Centre
The issue of adequate electric power supply to the ICT Centre has
been vigorously pursued. The College Management in this case has just
achieved a milestone in the provision of electrical power to the ICT/Virtual
Library Centre. This has to do with installation of a 150KVA Generating set
as an alternative to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria supplies.108
The College Cybercafé
129
In order to meet the internet access and secretarial needs of students
and other members of the College Community, the MIS was further
extended, while facilities including staff were provided to realize the
objective.
Concluding Remarks
The period between 1970 and 1991 may be described as the period of
stabilization for the College in all its ramifications. During this period,
seven different administrators managed the College. These were: Messrs.
W.O. Akingbola, B.O. Rotimi, J.O. Oyewale, V.Ninan, Professor Segun
Adesina, Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Fayemi and Mr. B.F. Adeniji.
It was during this period that the nomenclature of the Chief
Academic Officer changed from Principal to Provost. During this period,
new academic programmes were introduced and the College commenced
the Degree programmes in some of its old Departments. Many of the
foundation staff pursued and got their postgraduate degrees; and there
were further improvements in the College infrastructures. For instance,
Wande Abimbola Hostel was added to the existing ones to cope with the
increasing student enrolment.
Furthermore, the Registry, the Bursary, the Health Centre, the
Student Affairs Division, the Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and
Services and the College Library as we have them today were organized
during this period. It was also during this period that the College got
130
anInterim Governing Board, a step meant to prepare the College for
autonomy. The period ushered in the era of administrative disarticulation
of the College from OAU, Ile-Ife.
Notes and References
1. Rotimi, B.O. (1975) “Adeyemi College of Education: 1964-1974” (A
Decade of Experiment in the Supply of Middle Level Manpower in
Teacher Education), in West African Journal of Education, Vol. XIX No. 3
October, 1978, pp.503-516.
2. Oral Interview held with Rev. B.F. Adeniji (Aged 80+) A Former Acting
Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo on 11th July, 2013 and
on 22/01/2014
3. Oral Interview held with Mr. O.O. Adedeji (74+) A Former Lecturer and
Dean in School of Languages, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo on
28/01/ 2014.
4. ibid.
5 ibid.
6. Professor Segun Adesina assumed Duty as Provost in the College in
1984 and finished in 1985.
7. Oral Interview held with Rev. B.F. Adeniji (82+)…
8. Oral Interview held with Mr. O.O. Adedeji (74+)…
9. Oral Interview held with Dr. E.A. Abiodun (82+) A Former Lecturer and
Dean in School of Education, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo on
13/12/2013.
10. ibid.
11. ibid.
12. ibid.
13. ibid.
14. ibid
15. ibid.
131
17. Before the tenure of Professor Adesina, the College Academic Board
meetings were presided over by Professors from University of Ife. All our
informants gave this information.
18. Oral Interview held with Professor Segun Adesina (Aged 78+) A former
Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, at his residence in Abeokuta
on 12th December 2013.
19. ibid.
20. ibid.
21. Professor Segun Adesina was conferred with Bamoye of Ondo Land by
HRH, Oba Robert Itiade Adekolurejo in 1985
22. Oral Interview held with Dr. E.A. Abiodun (82+)…
23. Registry Record, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo.
24. Six Alumni of the College in her days were interviewed, only one of them
did not subscribe to the description.
25. Wande Abimbola Hall of Residence was opened for use in 1989 for the
students.
26. These two courses were not part of the other courses approved in
1982/83 by the University of Ife.
27. Oral Interview held with Revd. B.F. Adeniji (82+)…
28. Oral Interview with Pa. O.O. Adedeji
29. Information elicited from interaction with Professor Osisanwo, one time
Deputy Provost of the College.
30. Oral Interview held with Mrs. V.O. Akindehin (60+) A former Registrar of
the College on 19th July, 2013 and February, 17, 2014 in her Office.
(She is at the moment the Director, SERVICOM/Anti-Corruption and
Transparency Unit (ACTU), Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo.)
31. ibid.
32. Oral Interview held with Barr. Afolabi Ojuawo (70+), a former Registrar
of the College (between 1982 and 1989) on 12/12/2013 at his residence
in Ado-Ekiti.
33. ibid
132
34. Oral Interview held with Mrs. V.O. Akindehin (Aged 60+)…
35. ibid.
36. ibid.
37. ibid.
38. Decree No. 12 of 11th May, 1991 backed up the Disarticulation of
Adeyemi College of Education and placed her under the NCCE along
with other FCE in Nigeria.
39. Registry Records, Adeyemi college of Education, Ondo.
40. ibid.
41. ibid.
42. ibid.
43. ibid.
44. The Present Management under the leadership of Professor A.I. Idowu
has transformed the College to meet up with it counterpart elsewhere in
the world.
45. Oral interview with Mr. F.E. Aderinboye
46. Oral Interview with Mr. G.O. Abdul, the current Bursar on … in his
office
47. Bursary Records, Adeyemi college of Education, Ondo
48. ibid.
49. ibid
51. Registry Records, on Mr. J.B. Folarin, Adeyemi College of Esducation.
52. Registry Records, on Mr. E.A. Ebeye, Adeyemi College
53. ibid.
54. ibid.
55. ibid.
56. Bursary Records, Adeyemi College of Education…
133
57. The Professor Babatunde Ipaye-led Management of Adeyemi College of
Education must be credited with the introduction of computers into the
operations of the Bursary of Adeyemi College.
58. Registry Records…
59. ibid.
60. Bursary Record…
61. Bursary Record found in Bursary Accounting Manual of Operations.
62. Oral Interview with Dr. E.A. Abiodun…
63. Oral Interview with Revd. B.F. Adeniji …
64. Mr. (later Chief) A.A. Babatope was in the Maintenance Department
of5the College from 1973 to 1984.
65. Engr. Adesina was seconded by the University of Ife on request of the
Interim Governing Board to Adeyemi College of Education.
66. Registry Record on Engr. C.B. Oke
67. Telephone Interview with Dr. Sam Oluseyi Oyekan the Coordinator of
DPPW&S on 26/02/2014
68. Oral Interview with Mr. B. F. Ajayi, Director, the current Director,
Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Services in his office on
22/10/2013 and Record of the Directorate of Physical Planning, Works
and Services, Adeyemi college of Education, Ondo.
69. Oral Interview with Mr. Simeon Adetoro Odetokun, 80+ at his
Residence, in Saka Famuditimi Street Lipakala Area, Ondo.
70. ibid
71. Registry Records…
72. ibid.
73. ibid.
74. ibid.
75 ibid
76. Oral Interview with Dr. Adekunle Ekundayo Ogunmosin, 40+ Director of
Medical Services, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo in his office.
134
77. Registry Records…
78. Oral Interview with Mrs. V.O. Akindehin…
79. Oral Interview with Mr. N.O. Olarinoye 50+ the Current Dean, Student
Affairs Division, Adeyemi College of Education
80. ibid.
81. Rotimi, B.O.(1975) “Adeyemi College of Education: 1964-1974”…
82. Babs Fafunwa Library Record: Ogunmilade, J. O. (2001), Report of
Stewardship as College Librarian, 1994 – 2002.
83. ibid.
84. ibid.
85. ibid.
86. ibid.
87. College Registry Official Record
88. ibid.
89. College Registry Official Record
90. ibid.
91. Babs Fafunwa Library Record Dina, E A (2008), Report of Stewardship
as College Librarian, March 2003 – March 2008
92. Babs Fafunwa Library Record Ogunsiji, Y. M. (2009), Handing over note
as Coordinator of Library Services, April 2008 – October, 2009
93. ibid.
94. ibid.
95. ibid
96. ibid
97. R.A. Egunjobi, R.A. Awoyemi, "Library automation with Koha", Library
Hi Tech News, Vol. 29 Iss: 3 pp. 12 – 15
98. ibid.
99. Babs Fafunwa Library Record…
135
100. ibid.
101. ibid.
102. ibid.
103. ibid.
104. ibid.
105. ibid.
106. ibid
107. ibid
108. ibid
109. ibid
110. ibid
136
CHAPTER FOUR
DISARTICULATION FROM OAU AND A NEW LEASE OF LIFE UNDER
NCCE
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) was
established through Decree 3 of 1989 to assume the responsibility of
regulating the activities of Colleges of Education in Nigeria. In December
1989, Adeyemi College of Education was disarticulated from the Obafemi
Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife with effect from from 1st of January,
1990; the College became one of the babies of the NCCE. This
development profoundly assisted the rapid maturation of the College
such that the College became the undisputed pacesetter in Teacher
Education in Nigeria. As a result of the robust and regular assistance (in
financial and material terms) from the NCCE, giant strides were made in
the areas of physical development, academic growth, staff and students’
welfare and College- community relations. The burgeoning staff and
student’s population had been putting a lot of strains on the limited
infrastructures available to the College. Even with the additional
structures – 2 staff office blocks, expanded maintenance section, a
bukateria complex for students, and a new Hall of Residence (Wande
Abimbola Hall) provided by the Dr. (Mrs.) Fayemi’s administration
between 1986 and 1990; the situation did not alter appreciably. It took
the coming into office of the Professor Babatunde Ipaye’s administration
in April 1991 for the fortunes of the College to take a positive turn in the
sphere of physical development.
137
Collaboration with the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo
University, Ile-Ife
The College up till 1972 was administered by the Western State
Government and the University of Ibadan. However, by 1972 the
administration of the College was transferred to University of Ife (now
Obafemi Awolowo University) Ile-Ife. The University had been running
degree programmes since 1967/68 session, while the College was running
the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes. By 1982/83 session,
the College got approval from the Senate of the University to commence
degree programmes in B.A.(Education) in English, French and History.
Other degree programmes followed in B.A., B. Sc and B.Ed. Biology,
Chemistry, Geography,Mathematics, Physical and Health Education, Fine
and Applied Arts, Home Economics, Agricultural Science and Yoruba. The
College got approval of the Senate in 2011/2012 session to run additional
Degree programmes in B.A; B.Sc and B.Ed. Religious Studies, Economics,
Social Studies, Mathematics/ Integrated Science and Guidance and
Counselling.
The degree programmes of the university in the College are
coordinated by the Deans, Faculty of Education and moderated by the
lecturers in the cognate Departments in the university. Listed below are the
Deans of the Faculty of Education, O.A.U. Ile-Ife to date.
Pictures of the Deans of the Faculty of Education, O.A.U., Ile-Ife
Prof. A.B. Fafunwa 1966-1972; 73-75 Prof. A. Adaralegbe
1972/73-; 75-79;83-85 Prof. A. Fajana (1979-83)
138
Prof. O. Makinde 1985-87 Prof. S.A. Olatunji (1987-
89) Prof. A.A. Taiwo (1989-90)
Prof. J.A. Adejumo (1990-92) Prof. I. Agun (1992-1996)
Prof. J.O. Fawole (1996-2000)
Prof. O.J. Ehindero (2000-2002) Prof. D.K. Akanbi (2002-
2006) Prof. K.A. Alao (2006-2010)
Prof. J.A. Aderinto (2010-2011 Prof. P.O. Jegede
(2011- Date)
139
Prominent among the Coordinators of Degree Programmes in the
Faculty are Professors T.O. Fasokun and B.I. Popoola. They help in the
moderation of examination questions, consideration of the results and their
processing to the university Senate for award of Degrees to deserving
candidates.
PROFESSOR JOSEPH BABATUNDE IPAYE: 1991-1999
Professor Joseph Babatunde Ipaye (B.Ed., Ph.D. Ibadan) was the 12th
Head of the Institution and the 4thProvost of Adeyemi College of Education,
Ondo. He assumed duties on the 2nd April, 1991 and managed the affairs of
the College till 31st March 1999.
Insert Prof. J.B. Ipaye’s Pictures
During his memorable tenure as the Chief Executive, Prof. Ipaye
recorded valuable achievements in basic infrastructural development,
140
welfare improvement of staff and students, and introduction of new
academic programmes with his Deputy Provosts:
1.Dr. C. B. Oguntonade (1991 – 1993)
2. Dr. R. A. Adeboyeje (June 1993 – June 1995)
3. Dr. (later Professor) I. A. Osisanwo (1996 – March 1999)
Educational and Professional Background
Professor J.B. Ipaye was born on the 16th of May, 1940 at Korowa,
Oka-Akoko, Ondo State. He started his primary education in 1949 at Z.I.
Primary School, Oka-Akoko; finished at Jubilee Secondary Modern School,
Ikare in 1958 before proceeding to the Joint Provisional Grade II Teacher
Training College, Ile-Ife in 1963.
Thereafter, Prof. Ipaye attended University of Ibadan, Ibadan where he
graduated with First Class Honours, B.Ed. (History and French) 1969; Ph.D.
(Educational Psychology) 1975. He taught at Adeyemi College of Education,
Ondo (1969–1972) and became the first Professor of Guidance and
Counselling in Africa at the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin,
Kwara State.
During his working life, Prof. Ipaye severally served as Head of
Department, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin; and
Director, Institute of Education, Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti. These
professional development and critical assignments largely prepared and
sustained him for the future tasks of the College Provost between 1991 and
1999.Hence, Prof. Ipaye achieved remarkable development of the College in
physical facilities, academic growth and students’ welfare, and college-
community relations.
141
I. Physical Development
Ipaye’s administration’s transformative agenda was felt in virtually all
aspects of the college’s corporate life but more profoundly so in the area of
infrastructural development. By 1994, an extension to the library had been
built and this increased the total sitting capacity of the library complex to
510. This was a significant improvement on the 1990 figure of 292. Within
the period of 1994 to 1997, the following infrastructures were put in place:
1. A Complex housing eight big lecture rooms known as the ‘Y-block’ in
local parlance;
2. Additional Fine Arts block consisting of textile/ceramics studio and a
kiln;
3. Extension to the Home Economics block;
4. Reconstruction of former School of Education Office Complex;
5. Construction of School of Languages’ Office Complex;
6. Construction of Agricultural Science and Integrated Science Complex;
7. Two additional Boreholes constructed by Navy Captain A. I.
Onyearugbulem, the Ondo State Military Administrator;
8. An imposing College Main Gate (partly funded by the Military
Administrator);
9. An ultra-modern lock-up shopping complex named as Peter Lassa
Shopping Complex;
10. Construction of a 1,200-seater Lecture Theatre ( later named
after Professor Ipaye)
11. The uncompleted Applied Arts and Science Complex were partly
furnished in a determined effort to provide more infrastructural
facilities for Dean’s Office, and Department of Business Education.
12. Renovation of College Guest House I.
13. Renovation of some flats in the Staff Quarters.
14. Constitution of the College Learned Conference Committee for
sponsorship of academic staff to conferences.
While all these monumental developments were taking place, the
tradition of academic excellence was not compromised in any form. In fact,
many of the additional facilities created more conducive environment that
facilitated teacher education and welfare of staff and students.
II. Academic Growth
Shortly after assuming duty as Provost in 1991, Professor Babatunde
Ipaye mooted and vigorously pursued the idea of conducting a course
leading to the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in the College.
The main impetus for this idea was the requirement of the National Policy
142
on Education (Federal Government, 1981) that all teachers in the country
should possess the teacher’s professional certificate (not below the standard
of NCE) by 1998. The Provost, with the authority of the College Academic
Board, and through the Faculty of Education of Obafemi Awolowo
University embarked upon a series of negotiations with the Post Graduate
College of the University with a view to bringing the proposal into reality
through affiliation with the University. The Senate of the University finally
approved the proposal at its meeting of 22nd April 1992.
Dr. C.B. Oguntonade, a former Deputy Provost of the College, was then
appointed as the Director, Postgraduate Studies and Research. There were
16 candidates on the list of the first set of students in the 1993/94 session.
They consisted of four candidates who were members of the academic staff
of Adeyemi College of Education, and twelve candidates from outside the
College, including four secondary school principals. A total of 12 Post-
graduate students were matriculated on Tuesday, 6th July, 1993. The
lecturers of the course were members of academic staff of Adeyemi College
of Education not below the rank of Senior Lecturer.
In July 1991, Prof. Ipaye also introduced the NCE sandwich
programme in the College. The first set of students was matriculated on the
6th of September 1991. At the ceremony, the Provost said inter aliathat the
programme was necessitated by the desire “… to accommodate the
yearnings of unqualified teachers in the primary schools to obtain the
minimum teaching qualification” required by the government under the
National Policy on Education.
Another notable index of academic growth at this point was the
establishment of the Department of Computer Science during the
1993/1994 academic session. With this development, the College
responded positively to the unfolding ‘cybernetics age’ with its infinite
potentials. At present, the Department runs a regular programme for NCE
students and part-time weekend Diploma and Certificate programmes for
the working class. Prof. Ipaye also provided academic support for students
that were withdrawn from a subject combination in the NCE programme.
They were transferred to the Department of Primary Education Studies to
complete their studies.
Worthy of mention also was the establishment of Department of
Business Education offering courses in Secretarial Studies and Accounting.
The Department was well equipped with up to date manual and electric
typewriters and qualified personnel. New Departments such as Social
Studies, Integrated Science, Primary Education Studies, General Studies
and Economics were also established and infused with vitality into the
College system. In addition, the existing Departments received a new lease
of life with the provision of staff, equipment, tools, machineries and
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instructional materials. The greatest beneficiaries were the Departments of
Home Economics, Fine and Applied Arts, Agricultural Science and French.
Furthermore, incentives were put in place in 1991 to encourage
healthy academic competition among students. The first was the college
scholarship programme under which the best students each year would
receive College sponsorship thereby becoming college Scholars. Three
graduates of the College who made First Class Honours in the 1990/91
degree examinations were offered automatic teaching employment. In fact,
within the first four years of the Ipaye Administration, student population
had grown to about 4,000 regular students and another 4,500 sandwich
students. The staff strength also increased to 180 academic staff, 70 senior
non-academic staff and about 400 junior staff. This had serious
implications for social-welfare matters and peaceful coexistence.
III. Staff and Students’ Welfare
Welfare matters have always been the source of crisis in the College. It
could be recalled that in 1990, the College was closed down for some
months after a violent students’ demonstration over welfare matters.
Even after resumption, agitations over staff and student welfare matters
continued. Thus, early in 1994, a Federal Government sponsored
Visitation Panel was instituted to look at the issue of incessant crises in
the College. The recommendations of the Panel were to prove very useful
in curtailing crisis in the College in subsequent years. It must be
emphasized that it was not as if the College Management at various times
was not doing anything in the area of welfare of members of the
community. But the progressively expanding population of the staff and
students widely outstripped the available funds and facilities. A lot of
coping strategies were put in place in order to bridge the gap thereby
ensuring peace and harmony.
Healthcare delivery system was equally improved with more medical
staff, drugs and facilities. The medicalpersonnel operateda shift system
unlike the situation previously when it was only morning duty and
emergency call. Increasing bed spaces through the introduction of double
bunks and the conversion of utility rooms (like stores and laundry rooms)
to living spaces were affected to cope with the increasing student
population in the Halls of Residence.
In the area of recreation and useful diversionary therapies, the College
Management in collaboration with some governmental agencies achieved
a lot. For the students, the College provided a television and video
viewing centre equipped with a satellite dish for global reach. For the
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records, the military administrator of Ondo State donated the sets of
television and video players for the project. Sporting activities continued
to receive the encouragement and support of the College authorities. This
spurred the College to greater height and achievements in collegiate
competitions like Nigerian Colleges of Education Games Association
(NICEGA). The Ipaye administration even went a step further in 1991
when it introduced inter schools/units sports’ competition with Provost
Cup as a deserving trophy for the winners. This went a long way in
defusing tension and engendering peaceful existence. In addition, the
College received two buses from the Federal Government under the
Federal Government Assisted Mass Transit Programme. This alleviated
transportation problems for both the students and staff.
IV. College-Community Relations
It must be stated from the outset that the College has always enjoyed
excellent relations with the community since its inception. This is not to
say that all has been well or that the relationship had been maximized to
the full advantage of both parties. There are always rooms for
improvement in human relations. But it must be observed that apart
from serving as a source of employment and training ground for willing
and qualified indigenes, new avenues, which broadened the horizon of
College – community interface were created. These included the
involvement of the College in business ventures such as vehicle and
chairs/tables rentals, Hall and shops rental for social and business
engagements. Guest House operations, key community personalities (like
the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, his chiefs and prominent politicians and
businessmen) were regularly involved in College programmes and social
activities. In these diverse ways, the College has more than justified its
social relevance and utility value.
Prospects for the Future
Professor Ipaye believed that the main focus for the future was to
achieve autonomy for the College in the conduct of courses leading to the
awards of:
i. The Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PDGE)
ii. The Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.)
iii. Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D.).
The vision was in line with the belief of Professor Ipaye that education is an
enduring legacy to develop human capacity and improve the world. There is
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no doubt that this is an inevitable and logical direction of development for
this and some other Colleges of Education in the country. Such autonomous
Colleges of Education abound in more developed countries. Examples are
Malven College of Education in England, and the Western Washington State
College (WWSC) on the Western Coast of the United States of America.
CHAPTER FIVE
THE COLLEGE MARCHES ON: 1999-2006
THE ERA OF DR. REUBEN ADEPOJU ADEBOYEJE
The 13thHead of the Institution and the 5thProvost of Adeyemi College
of Education, Ondo was Dr. Reuben Adepoju Adeboyeje (B.A, M.A., Ph.D.
(Ife)). He was the first Provost sourced from the mainstream of competent
academic staff within the College system in Nigeria.
Insert the Picture of Dr. R.A. Adeboyeje
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He assumed duties on 1st April 1999 and managed the affairs of the College
till 18th March 2005. Dr. Adeboyeje was assisted by four Deputy Provosts,
namely:
Insert Pictures of Deputy Provosts
1. Dr. I. A. Osisanwo (2nd April, 1999 – 2000)
2. Dr. F. O. Akindehin (2000 – 2001)
3. Dr. A. O. Olarewaju (2001 – 22nd May, 2002)
4. Dr. V. E. A. Akorede (May 2002 – 2004).
Amidst the perennial staff and students’ crises, Dr. Adeboyeje recorded
some modest achievements in quality development of infrastructures,
human resources, policy formulations, academic programmes, and welfare
enhancement of staff and students. This developmental tempo sustained our
quest for excellence in professional training of teachers as veritable tools in
national development.
Educational and Professional Background
Dr. Reuben Adepoju Adeboyeje was born at Igbinsin-Oloto, via
Okitipupa, Ondo State on 12th December 1946. He attended Local Authority
(L.A.) Primary School, Ilutitun before obtaining his Teachers Grade II
Certificateat St. John/Mary Teachers’ College, Owo in 1968. Thereafter, he
proceeded to the University of Ife (later Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife
for B.A. Education (Yoruba/Geography) 1975; M.A. (Educational
Administration) 1980; and Ph.D. (Educational Administration) 1984.
Perhaps, these academic and professional trainings might have harnessed
the inherent talents and vision of Dr. Adeboyeje for his arduous task of
manpower development at all levels of education in Nigeria.
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As a professional teacher, Dr. Adeboyeje had taught in many schools
including L.A. School, Okitipupa (1965-66); United Grammar School, Ode-
Irele, Ondo State (1969-71); Universal Primary Education (UPE) Teachers’
College, Shahuei, Kano (1975-76); and Divisional Teachers’ Training College
Ile-Ife, Osun State (1976-77). Consequent upon his outstanding qualities
and meritorious performance, Dr. Adeboyeje was employed by Obafemi
Awolowo University (OAU) at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. He
assumed duty on 1st March 1977 as an Assistant Tutor II. With a penchant
for hard work and devotion to effective teaching and research, the resilience
and commitment of Dr. Adeboyeje were recognised and rewarded with
promotion to the positions of Assistant Tutor I (October 1981); Lecturer II
(October 1982); Lecturer I (October 1985); Senior Lecturer (October 1987);
Principal Lecturer (1990); Chief Lecturer (October 1992); and
Reader/Associate Professor (November 1998).
During this working period, Dr. Adeboyeje readily served the College
as Chairman or member of many Committees; Head, Department of
Educational Administration and Planning (1985-1989; 1991-1993); Deputy
Provost, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo (June 1993-1995 June); and
Dean, School of Education (August 1997-1999 March). The expansive
opportunities severally created by these appointments and positions of
responsibilities might have prepared, strengthened and distinguished him
for the exalted position of the College Provost.
While still serving his tenure as an elected Dean, Dr. R.A. Adeboyeje
was interviewed and recommended by the College Governing Council to the
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria for appointment as the first College
Provost to be produced from the stream of competent academic staff of
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. Dr. Adeboyeje assumed office on 1st
April, 1999 as the 12th College Provost with an intrinsic faith for the
leadership tasks ahead. The vacuum created in the School of Education was
filled by the appointment of (late) Dr. Wilson O. Olaniyi as Acting Dean, to
complete his tenure.
The Provost, Dr. Adeboyeje was a member of many professional
bodies/organisations including the Nigerian Association for Educational
Administration and Planning. As a prolific writer and erudite scholar, he
attended many learned conferences and published scholarly articles in
national and international journals of repute. Dr. Adeboyeje also authored
and co-authored some books as well as having chapter contributions and
commissioned papers by notable organisations based on his acclaimed
expertise and experience. Consequently, he was recognised and made to
serve as Consulting Editor and Editor-in-Chief of some journals including
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Nigerian Journal of Theoretical and Applied Research: Humanities and
Sciences, African Journal of Research in Education, Journal of Educational
Information and Development, and Studies in Pre-Primary and Primary
Education. Dr. Adeboyeje also edited some referenced books exemplified by
Fundamentals of Education for Colleges and Universities (1992).
Dr. Adeboyeje took the mantle of leadership from Professor Joseph
Babatunde Ipaye on 1st April 1999 amidst students’ crisis. It continued to
be incessant struggle that was punctuated by intermittent staff strike
actions, and which often resulted in the closure of the College and
disruption of academic calendar on some occasions. By dint of hard work
and support of the College Governing Council under the chairmanship of Dr.
Edward Obi-Akatchak, the College Management and stakeholders made
concerted efforts to restore peace and harmony back on the campus. This
was eventually facilitated by his insightful inauguration of the Parents/Staff
Forum (PSF) on 11th August 2001 under the chairmanship of Revd. B. F.
Adeniji: a former Acting Provost of the College (1st January- 31st March
1999).
Activities and Achievements in the College
Amidst the raging storms and streams of supportive Governing
Council, Management, PSF, staff and stakeholders of the College, Dr.
Adeboyeje resolutely struggled with spirited efforts and available resources
to have the following achievements:
I. Infrastructural Development
1. Construction and commissioning of the new Health Centre
2. Construction, Furnishing and commissioning of the Computer
Science/Mathematics Complex
3. Rehabilitation of the College Roads
4. Establishment of Adeyemi College of Education Demonstration
Nursery/Primary School, which began with 520 pupils and 24
teachers in October, 2001.
5. Renovation of the College Guest House
6. Procurement of Furniture Items for Offices
7. Construction of Perimeter Fencing, Phase I (main to second gate)
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8. Construction of Isyaku Kabir Administrative Block, Phase I
9. Extensive Renovation of Adeyemi College of Education
DemonstrationSecondary School, Ondo.
10. Construction and commissioning of the School of Education Complex
11. Procurement of Xerox Photocopying Machines for the College
12. Construction of 38 Lock-up Shops at ACE Demonstration Secondary
School, Ondo.
13. Naming of vital Buildings and Roads in the College
II. Students’ Welfare
1. Purchase of a new bus for the Students’ Union
2. Renovation of the Students’ Hostels
3. Purchase of a new 511 KVA Generating Plant for Halls of Residence
4. Clearing of the Nine-year Backlog of NCE Sandwich Results
5. Purchase of a Set of Colour Television and Video in Students’
Hostels Common rooms
6. Preparation of Certificates for the Regular Students
7. Regular Supply of Water to Hostels
8. Procurement of Lawn Mowers
9. Construction of a 200-bed students’ Hostel.
10. Curtailment of Cultism in the College.
11. Introduction and Enforcement of Dress Code, an example which
other higher educational institutions are emulating today.
12. Relentless War Against Examination Malpractices by outlawing
wearing of veils covering faces in the College premises.
13. Relocation of Students’ Religious Activities to “Uncompleted
Buildings”.
III. Staff Welfare
1. Conversion of Daily-rated Staff to Permanent Staff
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2. Prompt payment of Staff Salaries and Allowances
3. Introduction of Provost’s Special Loan (PSL)
4. Raising the Amounts of the Imprest Account for all HODs/Unit
Heads
5. Purchase of a new 511 KVA Generating Plant for Staff Quarters and
School Area
6. Recruitment of a Medical Doctor of the Health Centre
7. Purchase of new Vehicles for Principal Officers
8. Regular Promotion and Confirmation of Staff
9. Improvement of the College Security Network
10. Procurement of Books and Journals for the College Library
11. Increase in the Staff Strength, both the Academic and Administrative
Staff
12. Procurement of Equipment and Drugs to the Health Centre
13. Provision of Equipment and Reagents for Biology’ Chemistry,
Integrated Sciences and Physics Laboratories.
14. Strengthening of the College Security Unit with Human and
Materials Resources.
15. Establishment of Parents/Staff Forum (PSF) for peaceful
development of the College.
IV Revenue Generation Scheme
1. Establishment of Oil-Palm Plantation, which covered over thirty-
three (33)Acres of land with 2000 stands
2. Constitution of Guest House Management Committee, which
generated substantial revenue for the College
3. Revitalisation of the College Bookshop
4. Renovation and Commercialisation of the College Laundry
5. Inauguration of the College Commercial Farm Committee for mass
production of:
(a) Arable crops such as maize, cassava, oil-palm, melon, tangerine,
orange and leafy vegetables.
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(b) Quality livestock such as poultry, piggery, rabbitry and snailery.
6. Constitution and Inauguration of the College Rental Services
Committee.
7. Commercialisation of Technical Unit of Centre for Educational
Technology
The modest achievements and contributions of Dr. Adeboyeje largely
resulted in more staff, facilities, equipment and services for quality
instruction, increased internally generated revenue, and enhanced welfare of
both staff and students. Hence, the College further grew in academic
excellence in teacher education with a vision of becoming a foremost
University of Education in the nearest future.
Challenges
Dr. Adeboyeje was the 12th Provost for six (6) years from 1st April 1999
to 18th March 2005, when he was retired amidst the protracted crisis in the
College. He resumed duties amidst the students’ crisis which were
intermittently punctuated with staff industrial and strike actions. Most
events of these unfortunate occasions, which often led to the closure of the
College and elongated academic calendar, were requests beyond the powers
of the College Management. This made the College to have lost the
2000/2001 academic session since its inception.
On assumption of office, Dr. Adeboyeje had a vision of achieving the
foundational objectives of training qualified teachers, organizing refresher
courses for serving teachers, and fostering active research into matters
pertaining to education. Hence, he introduced a lot of innovative policies,
programmes and projects that would enhance the developmental progress of
the College. With the cooperation of the staff, Management and Governing
Council, Dr. Adeboyeje had some modest achievements earlier mentioned
above.
Against his personal wish and collective aspiration of the College
community, the scope of achievements of Dr. Adeboyeje was limited by
inadequate funds to provide more lecture rooms, staff offices, laboratories
with equipment and reagents, diesel to fuel the two 511 KVA generators, and
sponsorship of staff on conferences and higher educational programmes as
means to raise the quality of staff, teaching and service delivery. In spite of
these constraints and differences in interests, Dr. Adeboyeje endeavoured to
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sustain the working relationships with Ondo community and Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife for the degree programmes.
Prospects for the Future
The College continually witnessed an era of change and challenges
with more responsibilities for making it the foremost and preferred teacher-
training institution. Hence, Dr. Adeboyeje implored the staff and students
to do their best according to their conscience, nurtured by truth. To him, if
the Management and staff do their work promptly, there would be peace,
justice and satisfaction in the College without any acrimony and protests.
With the quality of infrastructural, academic and staff development,
Dr. Adeboyeje strongly believed that the College is ripe to be considered for
autonomous degree-awarding status, as a University of Education. The
continuity of expansive development of viable policies, programmes and
projects will enable the College to cope with new challenges and
responsibilities in providing the required manpower needs for the national
economy.
THE PROVOSTSHIP OF DR. V.E.A. AKOREDE: 2004-2006
Dr. V.E.A. Akorede was the 14th Head of the Institution and the 6th
Provost of the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. He was the Deputy
Provost when he took over the mantle of leadership in acting capacity from
Dr. R.A. Adeboyeje in 2004.
Dr. V. E. A. Akorede (later Professor) came to work in Adeyemi College
of Education, Ondo in 1986 as Principal Lecturer in the Department of
Geography. Before then, he had lectured at University of Benin and Oyo
State (now Osun State) College of Education respectively. In 1988, the
Provost of the College, Dr. Mrs. Fayemi, appointed Dr. Akorede as
Director/Supervisor of Works – a job he combined with teaching in the
Department of Geography. He later became Chief Lecturer and subsequently
Reader during the era of Professor Ipaye as the College Provost.
During the tenure of Professor Ipaye as Provost, the School of
Humanities was split into two schools namely: School of Arts and Social
Sciences and School of Languages. Dr. Akorede then became the pioneering
Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences. Professor Ipaye completed
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his tenure as Provost and left the college in 1999. The new provost, Dr.
Reuben Adeboyeje, approved the application of Dr. Akorede for sabbatical
leave in the University of Maiduguri. When Dr. Akorede returned from
sabbatical leave in 2001, the incumbent Director of the Directorate of
Postgraduate Studies and Research (PGSR), Dr. Olarewaju was appointed as
Deputy Provost. Dr. Akorede was then put in the office vacated by Dr.
Olarewaju.
In May 2002, Dr. Olarewaju died in a ghastly road accident while on
official assignment. The mantle of the position of Deputy Provost then fell on
Dr. Akorede shortly afterwards.
During that period, the College was in crisis. Majority of the staff of
the College, both teaching and non-teaching, were stiffly opposed to the
management style of the Provost, Dr. Reuben Adeboyeje. At the peak of the
crisis, the Provost sacked hundreds of staff members he perceived as his
enemies. The unions went on strike; students were sent home; the college
was at war with itself. Armed robbers “were sent” to the College. Well armed
mobile policemen were deployed to take over the college for months to
prevent the situation from degenerating further. It was perhaps the darkest
period in the history of the college. Professor Akorede, in a recent interview,
described the situation as “a total blackout”. The Federal Government waded
into the matter and sent an investigation panel to the college from Abuja.
The Provost, Dr. Reuben Adeboyeje was placed on indefinite suspension in
2004 (from which he was retired) while Dr. Akorede, the Deputy Provost,
was appointed as the Acting Provost and retired from the College in 2006.
In the circumstances in which Dr. Akorede took over the leadership of
the college, he needed more than human strength and wisdom to overcome
the seemingly insurmountable challenges staring him in the face. In 2014, a
decade after, he said: “we prayed and prayed…. we had assistance and
understanding from the community itself, from the Federal Government and
from the council of the College”.
Dr. Akorede worked tirelessly to return the college to normalcy and
reverse the damage done in the previous few years. He will be remembered
154
especially for bringing back the hundreds of workers dismissed by his
predecessor and for persuading the Federal Government to approve payment
of the arrears of their salaries for the fifteen months they were out of work.
Peace and calm gradually returned to the college and the hitherto tension-
soaked atmosphere gave way to an enabling, hostility-free working
environment.
The administration of Dr. Akorede also pursued and achieved a more
cordial relationship with the host community. Particularly noteworthy is the
support and good will of community leaders such as High Chief Bayo
Akinnola the late Lisa of Ondo Kingdom, and Chief Gbenga Ogunniya, a
member of the National Assembly who from time to time got in touch with
the Provost and put heads together with him to find ways of moving the
College forward.
Furthermore, the administration of Dr. Akorede embarked on
comprehensive renovation of students’ hostels and began the construction of
three new hostels. It also did a lot to eliminate the problems of water
shortage and epileptic supply of electricity in the college. Lecture theatres
were renovated; laboratories were equipped and new blocks of classrooms
and offices were built including the Igbo Block, and the History Block.
The era of Dr. Akorede also witnessed massive and unprecedented
acquisition of computer sets for all offices and departments in the college, to
replace the aged typewriters which were hitherto the prevalent means of
data processing in the college. Arrangements were also put in place for the
training of staff on the use of computer. In addition, the staff housing loan,
car refurbishing loan and furniture loan schemes which had been
suspended by the previous administration were resuscitated by Dr. Akorede.
Describing the situation of things under the leadership of Dr. Akorede, Dr.
Fatusin, a lecturer in the Department of English and foremost critic of
preceding Provost, stated:
The College is super placed… in the sense that things are working normally. In the past few years, it has been crisis all over because of bad leadership. But currently… somebody who had been in the system but
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under a terrible leadership is himself performing wonderfully well. Everybody is contented. Everyone is getting what belongs to him. Nobody is complaining. The workers are working and the students are performing. Things are working normally well.
CHAPTER SIX
RELIGIOUS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIFE IN THE COLLEGE
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1. Religious Organizations in the College
a. Catholic Christian Community
b. Protestant Christian Community
c. Muslim Community
2. Clubs and Societies
a. Mighty Mujemu, Ebony Sister and Others
b. Co-operative Societies
3. Staff and Student Unions
a. Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU)
b. Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education Nigeria (SSUCOEN)
c. Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU)
d. Student Union (SU)
4. Sporting Activities
5. College Agricultural Farms
6. Concluding Remarks
Religious and Socio-Economic Life in the College
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Introduction
In every community, social and religious lives have always gone
together. This is because man is naturally a social being and the need to
link up with one’s creator is also paramount in the heart of every man. The
Adeyemi College of Education community has not been an exception in this
regard from inception. In its simplest form, religion is the relationship
between God and man. It is a phenomenon which started at the time man
began to respond to the goodness of God through worship. It knows no
bounds in terms of place, race and colour, because all people without
discrimination accept one religion or another.
When the College was established in 1964, it was influenced by the
existing religious ideological conception of the country. That is, freedom of
religion was guaranteed for both students and staff. Although the College
was named after an Anglican priest, Cannon M. C. Adeyemi, Adeyemi
College of Education Community embraced Christianity and Islam. The
Christian community in the College comprised two sects: the Catholics and
the Pentecostal group. From inception, all College Managements regarded
the Muslims as consisting of one sect. The various College Managements
had always adopted the use of religious activities to regulate the entire life
style of both staff and students.
Moreover, a man would not be regarded a man if he cannot express
himself as a social being. It was against this backdrop that the College
community had also used social clubs over time as a platform for students
and staff to express themselves in social interactions. There were numerous
social clubs operating under the College regulations governing the clubs and
society activities. These included: Mighty Mujemu and Ebony Sisters’ Club,
Klobb 11, Man ‘O War Club, and several others. It was through these socio-
religious activities that the socio-cultural, physical, metaphysical and the
spiritual atmosphere of the College were regulated.
Religious Activities on Campus
158
Religion has played an important role in the ethical life of the College
community as a useful instrument for enforcing moral codes as emphasized
by Amadi (1982:3). Moral code is one of the fundamental principles in
religion and human socio-political life.
Christian Religious Activities in Perspective
The Christian community in Adeyemi College of Education was
regarded by the College Management as two groups: the Catholics and the
Pentecostal Christian group.
Catholic Christian Community in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
The Catholics in the College worshipped separately from other
Christian groups. Initially, they attended St. Matthews Catholic Church,
Oke Padi. Later, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese appointed Reverend
Fathers from Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church, Oke Paadi as Chaplains.
Some of the priests appointed were: Reverend Fathers Cahil, James
Clesham, and Very Rev. Fr. Hugh Mac Laughline. In the early 1990s, priests
from Don Bosco, whose vocation was the formation of youths, were
appointed as Chaplains. Those served as Chaplains were Rev. Frs. Italo
Spagnolo, Ricado Castelino and Gabriel Wade. A remarkable event occurred
at the time. On 17th August, 1992, the College Management allocated land
to the Catholic community vide a letter referenced ACE/R/GA/029/328
when Mr. R. O. Akinkuoye was the President of the Nigerian Federation of
Catholic Students.
However, the situation changed in 1994 when Reverend Father F. B.
Akinseye was appointed as a Lecturer in the Department of Religious
Studies. The newly employed priest assumed the position of the Chaplain.
With the approval of the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, he gave the
Community the name: Our Lady Queen of Peace Chaplaincy. The
Chaplaincy comprised members of staff and students and had various
groups such as the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria, the Precious
Blood of Jesus, the Legion of Mary, the Sacred Heart of Jesus
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andImmaculate Heart of Mary and others. He was succeeded by another
priest, Andrew Oni. Later, Matthew Madewa, Peter Amowe and Tai Oludare
officiated as chaplains in the College.
Some Catholic members of staff, who involved in the activities of the
Chaplaincy, were: Mr. S. O. Odetokun and late Mr. B. Okete, Health Centre;
Messrs. S. F. Fakayodeand P. O. Fatoba (now Prof.), Department of Biology;
Mr. Dayo Bernard, Department of English; Mr. R. O. Akinkuoye, College
Registry; Mrs. A. B. Loto and Mr. O. M. Olorunmota, School of Education;
Mrs. M. T. Fatoba, Physical and Health Education; Ms. Lizzy Okoroafor,
Mrs. Catherine Nnandi and Dr. Mrs. Onuegbu, Department of Igbo; Mr. C. I.
Onuegbu, Department of Business Education; Mrs. Justianah Amoko and
Mr. O. O. Akinlami, Department of Chemistry; Mr. C. Adeniranye,
Department of English; Mr. B. F. Ajayi, Director, Physical Planning, Works
and Services, and a host of others.
Notable among the Catholic students in the early years of the
chaplaincy were: Mr. Peter Atoba; Andrew Fadoju, who later became a
doctor; Mr. Jude Erese; Chika Ezenwabachili; Reverend Sisters Rita Akin-
Otiko, Francisca Obatolu and Catherine Edeke; Reverend Br. Gabriel Onwu;
Emmanuel Izah and Ambrose Olasinde, who later became Reverend Fathers;
Mrs. C. O. Olotu; Messrs. P. B. Adebayo; R. O. Akinkuoye; Tope Ogunleye
and Mrs. M. T. Fatoba.
The Pentecostal Christian Community in Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo
The Christian Pentecostal or Protestant group in Adeyemi College of
Education Campus established what is known today as the Christ Chapel
(Interdenominational). This interdenominational worship centre housed the
Pentecostal Christians. When it started among students in 1964 with a few
members, it was simply called the “Chapel”. Mr. A.B. Aganga was among the
foundation members. It was also attended by staff resident on Campus. At a
point, it was coordinated by the Students Christian Movement and it was
attended by all students and very few staff who shared the Pentecostal
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backgrounds from their home except the Baptists who were never involved
in the Chapel.
About 1979, the coordination of the Chapel was in the hands of a
group called the “Chapel Committee”. The committee was made up of
members of staff one of whom was the Chairman of the Committee and
students one of whom was the Secretary. The Chapel never had a student
president like other fellowships but the Secretary to the Chapel Committee
was always a student who acted in similar capacity among other students.
The Chairman of the Chapel Committee about 1979 was one Mr. Faturoti, a
Tutor in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts. Later, Dr. Fola Akindehin
joined the workforce of the College and he joined the Chapel and succeeded
Mr. Faturoti as Chairman of Chapel Committee.
Another staff from the Department of Geography, Mr. Onisile also
joined the Chapel and eventually became a member of the Chapel
Committee. The mantle of leadership of the Chapel Committee fell on Mr.
Onisile when Dr. Akindehin was admitted for his PhD at the University of
Ibadan. in 1983. Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Ogunlade (who became a professor later)
at that time also joined the Chapel as an active member. Dr. (now Bishop)
C.T. Omotunde an Anglican Priestwas also a member. Some of the student
who joined the Chapel around this period were Mr. (later Dr.) Emmanuel
Okogbue, Mr. Ife Akinyosoye, Miss Caroline Akinbosede (later Mrs. Caroline
Akinyosoye) Mr. Deji Okegbile, Mr. (later Pastor) Johnson Oluremi Falade,
Mr. (later Dr.) Dolapo Zacchaeus Olupayimo. Other staff joined as they were
appointed and as they were persuaded. In this group we have Mr. (now
Professor) Akin Alao, Mr. R.J.O. Igbaro, Mr. J.B. Bada, Dr. Abayomi Koleoso
and his family, Mr. (later Dr.) Bunmi Ogungbenro, Mr. Tunde Obisesan, Mr.
A.B. Aganga. Others, who were not staff but joined the Chapel, included Mr.
(later Cannon) Crown Adepeko and Dr. (later Canon) Seyi Tewe.
There was also a period when the Registrar, Mr. Afolabi Ojuawo,
approached the Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Aderin, to
second a priest who could work with the Chapel as a staff of the College as
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practised in University of Ife then. Bishop Aderin sent Mr. J.F. Odomo who
was appointed as Assistant Registrar, Halls. Later it was observed that Mr.
Odomo would be under utilized as an Assistant Registrar, hence he was
integrated into the mainstream of Registry. It must be stressed that there
was no time the Chapel was operated as part of the College administration.
About 1991, the Chapel entered another phase in its development
and more staff joined the few ones who earlier attended it, while many
student fellowships also sprang up. Prior to this period, there were only a
handful of student fellowships and the Chapel used the College Auditorium
as its worship centre. The Chapel leadership also before this time closed
with the session and members returned to their home churches in town.
By the turn of 1993, some members of the Chapel met with Dr. Fola
Akindehin and suggested that the Chapel should not go on break with the
students. This was the beginning of a new era when Chapel no longer went
on break. Members of the church at this stage were very few but committed
to the decision never to close down again. At this time, prominent members
were Dr. F. O Akindehin, Mrs. V. O. Akindehin, Mrs. Kemi Olajuyigbe, Mrs.
R.O. Ojo, Mr. J.B. Bada, Mr. R.J.O. Igbaro, Dr. A. Koleoso, Dr. Campbell,
Mr. (later) Dr. F.O. Afolabi, Mr. Dare S.O., Mr. A.O. Adesoji, Mr. (later
Professor) Akin Alao, Mrs. (later Dr.) Ireti Alao, Mr. and Mrs. Crown
Adepeko.
Under the new dispensation of the Chapel, its administration was
restructured and a constitution was fashioned for it. There was the
establishment of a Christ Chapel Board which was saddled with the day to
day administration of the Chapel. It was made up of seven members: three
staff members, two student members and two non-student and non-staff
members. There was also the Coordinators’ Committee which saw to the
smooth running of the Departments of the church on behalf of the Board.
Besides, there was the Chapel Advisory Council made up of three Christians
with acceptable integrity and the Chapel Board. At the tip of Chapel
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Administration was the Christ Chapel Family Meeting. This body had the
responsibility of appointing the leaders of the Chapel every two years.
As earlier mentioned, the College Management allocated land to all
religious bodies sometimes in 1992/93 session, and the Chapel took
possession of the land allocated to protestant group in the College. A mighty
building plan was drawn by the Chapel Board under the leadership of Dr.
Fola Akindehin. The foundation laying of the building was done by the then
Provost, Professor J.B. Ipaye. Ever since, the building has been under
gradual construction until it was roofed recently under the current Christ
Chapel Board, led by Dr. D.Z. Olupayimo.
The Christ Chapel has had effects on Adeyemi College of Education
Community in tremendous ways. Before the era of proliferation of Christian
fellowships in the College, Christ Chapel coordinated Christian students’
activities. Today, this is no longer so. However, many of the student
fellowships have their Staff Advisers in Christ Chapel; hence there still
exists some level of indirect coordination. The Chapel members have equally
affected the College community positively in terms of maintaining peace and
harmony, and instilling Christian ethics into the community. Christ Chapel
has been a spiritual blessing to the society by producing many servants of
God (Clergymen). Few of these include: Pastor J.O. Falade, Revd Deji
Okegbile, Revd (Dr.) Seyi Tewe, Revd (Canon) Crown Adepeko, Pastor Kayode
Adeleke, and Pastor Tognan Daze.
Christian Religious Fellowships
As the Christian student population continued to increase, so also
did the challenges associated with the growth. One of such is the increase in
the number of fellowships. The students among themselves have put in
place certain regulatory agencies. One of such is the Joint Christian
Campus Fellowship (JCCF). The following Student Fellowships are under
J.C.C.F. (Joint Christians Campus Fellowship):
1. Anglican Students Fellowship
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2. Charismatic Students Fellowship
3. Body of Christ Students Fellowship
4. Christ Apostolic Church Students Association
5. Gospel Students Fellowship
6. Evangelical Christian Union
7. Christ Ambassador Students Fellowship
8. Christ Apostolic Church Youth Fellowship
9. The Redeemed Christian Fellowship
10. Mountain of Fire Campus Fellowship
11. Foursquare Students Fellowship
12. Methodist Campus Fellowship
13. All Christian Campus Fellowship
14. Holiness Campus Fellowship
15. The Apostolic Church Students Fellowship of Nigeria
16. Winners Students Fellowship
17. Baptist Students Fellowship
18. Christ Way Students Fellowship
19. Deeper Life Campus Fellowship
20. New Covenant Campus Fellowship
21. Strong Tower Student’s Fellowship
22. New Life Campus Fellowship
23. Celestial Church of Christ’s Parish
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24. Victory Christian Fellowship
These Groups of Fellowships were not under J.C.C.F umbrella:
25. Apostolic Faith Fellowship
26. Christ For All Ministries Campus Fellowship
27. Scripture Union Campus Fellowship
28. Church of Christ Student’s Fellowship
To regulate the Christian fellowship activities on campus, the Management
has put them under the control of the Division of Student Affairs.
Muslims Communities in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
One cannot say in absolute terms when Islamic activities started in
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. However, since the establishment of
the College in 1964, there seem to have been traces of Islam although not
very conspicuous. The earliest evidence of Islamic practices was traced to
early 1972, when Mr. B.A. Abanikannda, a practising Muslim was employed
by the College. ‘Baba Abanikannda,’ as he was fondly called, practised
Islam whole heartedly, together with his family members. The popular Ileya
festival, Idel Malud, was always celebrated with pomp and pageantry and
people knew them for this on the campus. As opposed to those early days,
there are many Muslim students in the campus today, and they observe the
Jumat service in the Mosque located around the College gymnasium every
Friday.
During the time when the Muslim students were few on the campus,
the Muslim community was faced with the challenge of where to hold their
Jumat services. This led to the formation of Muslim Students Society of
Nigeria (MSSN) by some Muslim lecturers in the College and Alhaji
Abanikanda was unanimously appointed as the foundation Chairman. After
some time, there was a form of launching where late Chief M.K.O Abiola
donated a bus to the MSSN, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo Chapter.
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The idea of building a mosque was muted by some Muslim members
and after series of consultation by the Muslim community with the
Management; the Management under Professor Ipaye allocated a piece of
land to the Muslim community. Afterwards, the Muslims contributed money,
efforts and energy to build a mosque. The foundation of the mosque was laid
in 1990 by Mr. (now Dr.) R. O. Oloyede, who was then a student in the
Department of Physical and Health Education, but now a lecturer in the
same Department. Many people made frantic efforts to ensure that the
mosque was completed in record time.
However, as the population of the Muslim students grew, the mosque
could not contain the growing number of worshippers. A suggestion came
up to build an extension for the female students in the outlet of the main
building. It was at this point that the present Provost, Professor A.I. Idowu,
invited members of the Muslim community for an interaction. He
commended them for their peaceful co-existence with other religions on
campus and made personal donation to the mosque project. He also advised
them to ask for assistance from private and public in order to build a bigger
mosque.
A letter was written to Education Trust Fund for financial support for
the building of the mosque. One Alhaji Jawando also made personal
donation and the Muslim community realized the sum of N1.5m in the end.
This was expended on the mosque building and today a fairly comfortable
mosque is in place. The teaming population has also not stopped and the
leadership of the Muslim community has opened up a new ultra modern
foundation beside the existing mosque to take care of the ever-rising
population of the Muslim community in the College today.
However, after the retirement of Alhaji Abanikannda in 2006, Alhaji
(Dr.) S.M. Raji, a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Yoruba was elected as
the acting Chairman and later confirmed as the substantive Chairman of the
Muslim community. For many years, the activities of the MSSN in the
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College were directed by two leaders. The first was the Amir and the second
was the Imam.
As a result of this dichotomy, there was a disagreement among the
members of MSSN in the College, but after due consultations, the Muslim
community and the Muslim students solved the problem by collapsing the
two contending offices into one. Today there is one Amir who doubles as the
Imam.
Again, in the past, there was no Islamic Studies section in the
Department of Religious Studies. This bothered the Muslim community as it
wanted Islamic Studies to commence in the College. It, therefore, met the
College Management that facilitated a meeting with the then Chairman of
the Governing Council, Alhaji Allah-Kayi. The Chairman Governing Council
assured it that its request would be granted and Islamic Studies would start
in the College. Thereafter, the programme started from pre-N.C.E, and the
Management employed Dr. Qasim Adegoke as the lecturer to kick-start
Islamic Studies.
With the arrival of the new lecturers, the Muslim community decided
that Alhaji S.S. Zubair should be leading the Jumat service every Friday as
the Imam of the College. On hearing this, the MSSN, ACE chapter disagreed
and this caused some problems among the Muslims. After series of
consultations with other tertiary institutions like University of Ibadan,
Ibadan; Lagos State University, (LASU), Lagos and so on, they finally
concluded that in tertiary institutions, Muslim communities are led by
lecturers as Imam of the school, and that our College should not be an
exception.
It should be observed that most of the aforementioned institutions
have their Imams from the Department of Religious Studies. After this issue
has been resolved, the newly appointed the Head of Department, Religious
Studies, Alhaji S.S. Zubair became the substantive Imam of the
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CollegeMuslim Community, while the inauguration ceremony was highly
publicized and eminent personalities came to grace the occasion.
Islamic Religious Sects
There were only three sects of Muslims in the College. One of the
sects was called Tijaniyyah. This was practised for some time in the mosque
in the College. This sect was established by some Tijaniyyah group of
students but it has now gone into extinction. The second sect was the
Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN). This society is mainly organised
and conducted by Muslim students in all tertiary institutions. The third is
the Muslim community formerly headed by Alhaji Abanikannda, and
currently headed by Alhaji (Dr.) S.M. Raji. The roles of the Muslim
community in the College are to drive, conduct, control, and monitor all the
Islamic activities to ensure religious tolerance and peace on campus.
Contributions of Islamic Activities to Peace on Campus
Arising from increasing number of its adherents, Islam has contributed
positively to the College in the following ways. First, the College mounted a
programme in Islamic Studies in the Department of Religious Studies and
the programme has produced four sets of N.C.E. graduates. Also, the Islamic
Religious Studies (I.R.S.) degree programme was on course. This creates
more religious enlightenment on the campus environment.
Secondly, Muslim students have contributed their quota to the
Students Union. An example was Mr. T. Sa’adu (a.k.a. Pa Tao) from the
Department of Yoruba. He performed excellently well during his regime that
he was given an award. Thirdly, at general meetings, both Christians and
Muslims prayed in line with their religious practices. A Christian could give
the opening prayer, while a Muslim would offer the closing prayer or vice
versa. Finally, another prominent contribution was that the Provost, Prof.
Adeyemi Idowu, always commended the Muslim students for dressing
moderately though this was applicable to all other religions.
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Impact of Religious Activities on the College
The College Management anchors every activity in the College in terms
of academic programmes, socio-economic, political and religious life of both
the academic staff, non-academic staff and the students. The College
Management has been in support of religious activities in the College. That
was the reason portions of land were allocated to religious organizations in
the College to have their mosque and church buildings. Moreso, the issue of
first-working-day prayer meetings came up in the early 1994 during the
regime of Professor Babatunde Ipaye, when the College witnessed so many
sudden deaths among the Staff. The Management’s interest in religious
affairs prompted it to declare first working day of every month between
12.00 noon and 1.00 p.m. as a prayer time for the Christians and Muslims
in their respective place of worship on the campus.
The tenure of Professor Adeyemi Ibukunuoluwa Idowu (2006–2014)
gave priority to religious events, especially prayer meetings. He viewed
prayer as the key factor for any successful administration. This gesture was
extended to every Department of the College. An instance is the Registry
Department where prayer meetings were held every Monday morning before
work commenced, while the Bursary Department normally organized joint
prayer meetings (both Muslims and Christians), every first working day of
the month before the general prayer meeting of the College. The main
purpose of these prayer meetings was to commit the staff, students,
administration of the College and other activities to the hands of God.
Furthermore, the College’s interest in religious activities on the
Campus is show-cased during the Christmas season, Ramadan, and other
religious festivals. College Management participated actively in religious
programmes organized by both Christians and Muslims.
From the foregoing, regular religious activities severally:
Stabilize the college administration: The prayer intercession normalizes
situation of things in the College, and even serves as a weapon to curb crisis
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on Campus. Such mechanism was adopted during the tenure of Dr.
Adeboyeje in 2002-2003 session, when religious groups together with the
unions formed the “Joint Action Congress”, while there wsas an
interdenominational prayer meeting by all clergies in Ondo kingdom during
the tenure of Professor A.I. Idowu to rescue the College from crisis.
Promote morality: Religion serves as an easy way to promote morality
within any organization. This was one of the keys that the College
Management adopted to run the affairs of the institution.
Inculcate the fear of God: The religious activities on campus have prepared
the minds of most workers to discharge their duties with a sense of
responsibility and accountability. This has been a tremendous blessing to
the College system.
Foster peaceful academic environment: Academic activities in the College
rested on peaceful environment which produced academic excellence and
service to the community. But the rationale behind this fact was based on
relentless prayers offered by the religious bodies.
Enhance harmonious relationships: The impact of religious activities on
the College administration was best understood in terms of producing
religious harmony and tolerance among the workers and students. The work
force in the College saw themselves as one family which gave room for the
smooth running of the College as a multi-religious organization.
Promote provision of infrastructural development: The infrastructural
development under the leadership of Professor A.I. Idowu was facilitated by
the subsisting conducive atmosphere, which the religious groups in the
College have provided by way of mutual tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
The Clubs and Societies
As earlier emphasised in this book, there were many clubs and
societies in the College. Some of them have a long history of existence and
others promoted some degree of cordiality among staff and students. These
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clubs and societies were in two groups. In the first group are the two Co-
operative Societies formed and run by both academic and non-academic
members of staff. In the second group were the social clubs formed and run
mainly by the students in the College.
29. Staff Co-operative Societies
(a) Adeyemi College of Education Staff No. 1 Co-operative Multi-
purpose Society Ltd
(b) Adeyemi Staff Co-operative Multi-purpose Society Ltd
30. Clubs
(a) Mighty Mujemu and Ebony Sisters
(b) Klobb 11
(c) Destiny Builders’ Club
(d) Writers’ Press Club
(e) Captain Press Club
(f) Junior Chambers International Club
(g) Nigerian Red Cross
(h) Rotaract Club
(i) Female Leadership Forum
(j) Noble Family Club
There are two Cooperative Societies in Adeyemi College of Education,
Ondo. They have been enhancing the general welfare of the workers through
savings and granting of loans for their personal developments.
ACE Staff No.1 Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited, Ondo
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The seed of the above named cooperative society was sown in 1987 by
some members of the College community. The meeting that looked like the
foundation meeting was convened at the instance of the then College
Librarian, Late Mr. Adefidiya. The said meeting was attended by the
following people who eventually bought into the vision and hence formed the
foundation membership: Late Mr. Adebisi Adefidiya, Revd. B. F. Adeniji, late
Mr. R. A. Ogunyemi, Dr. I. A. Osisanwo, Dr. Tunde Akinsanmi, late Prof. A.
O. Aboderin, Mr.(later Dr.) A. I. Ajayi, Dr. J.O. Adejumo, Mr. (laster Dr.)
M.S. Jayeola-Omoyeni, Prof. Akin Alao, Mr. Lola Olaniyi, Mrs. Agnes
Aladejana, Mr. ‘Femi Adedeji, Revd. (later Dr.) J.O. Arowolo, and Mr. (later
Dr.) Lola Oriola.
With the support of other members who showed their interest later,
the cooperative society was formed. The monthly contributions were made
by hand from members and records were kept properly. Account was
presented yearly in friendly atmosphere of mutual trust.. At the said
inaugural meeting, officers of the society were selected, these were: Mr. A.
Adefidiya (Chairman), Mr. Lola Olaniyi (Secretary), Revd. J.O. Arowolo
(Treasurer) and Mr. Tunde Akinsanmi (Financial Secretary).
It was this set of people that led the cooperative society until 1995.
However, when the Chairman passed on in 1994, Dr (now Professor)
Osisanwo took over and when Mr. Lola Olaniyi left the services of the
College, Late Mr. Ogunyemi was elected as the Ag. Secretary until elections
were conducted in 1996 to usher in new executives. Increase in
membership, revenue and activities made the Adefidiya-led administration
to seek for registration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry with the
name “O.A.U. (Ondo Campus) CMS Ltd.” Some years after the
disarticulation from Obafemi Awolowo University, the Society was re-
registered under the administration of Dr. S.O. Oyekan as ACE Staff No.1
CMS Ltd with incorporation No 5794 in 1998.
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From inception, the Society had been led by seven different
administrations. The Presidents of each of the administrations were as listed
below:
31. Late Mr. A. Adefidiya 1987-1992
32. Prof. I.A. Osisanwo 1994-1996
33. Dr. S.O. Oyekan 1996-1998
34. Late Mr. R.A. Ogunyemi 1998-2005
35. Mr. Akin Akingunsoye 2005-2009
36. Mr. R.A. Busari 2009-2013
37. Mr. E.A. Orunko 2013- Date
By 2014, the Society had impacted the lives of members and had recorded
certain laudable achievements. It had: steady increase in membership from
less than 25 in 1987 to 420 in 2014; membership investments and savings
exceeded one hundred million Naira; granted multi-million naira loans to
members for personal projects, academic and career development;
introduced a pension scheme to support members’ post retirement
situations; constructed an ultramodern CMS Secretariat in 2007;
computerized its accounting system; established viable businesses such as a
Bakery and a Cybercafé; purchased a Toyota Hiace bus in 2012 for hiring
services.
What began in the office of the then College Librarian, Late Adebisi
Adefidiya as a society where contributions were made by hands by members
was rated in 2008 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as one of the
best 25 cooperative societies in the whole country.
Adeyemi Staff Cooperative Multipurpose Society Ltd.
The second cooperative society in the College was established at the
instance of some members of staff in the late 1980s in the then Division of
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Works and Maintenance Services later known as the Directorate of Physical
Planning, Works and Services. The pioneer leaders of the Society included:
Mr. (later Chief) A.O. Babatope (Pioneer President), Deacon (later Pastor)
M.O. Ojo, Mr. C. Aseeperi, Mrs. M. M. Owoyemi, Mrs. S. O. Adebayo, Mr. T.
S. Agboola, Mr. W. Fatosin, Mr. P. F. Orunto, Mr. A. Adurosigidi, and Mr. F.
Osakpeme.
The mode of operation of the Society then was strictly on payment of
cash by members. On the 20th of June 1987, the Society was first registered
as Staff Cooperative Thrift and Credit Society Ltd, Ondo (CTCS) by the
Directorate of Cooperative Services headed then by Chief Famewo. Ten years
later, under the leadership of Reverend Canon Ogunmilade, it was re-
registered as Adeyemi College of Education Staff Cooperative Multipurpose
Society Ltd with Registration No. 3893 on 28th November, 1997.
This society had been led by nine leaders, these include:
38. Late Chief A. Babatope 1987-1991
39. Mr. S.O. Odetokun 1991-1995
40. Revd. Canon J.O. Ogunmilade 1995-1999
41. Mr. F.A. Bada 1999-2002
42. Deacon M.O. Ojo 2002-2005
43. Elder M.A. Olasan 2005-2009
44. Mr. R.A. Akinsokeji 2009-2011
45. Mr. S.O. Agun 2011-2013
46. Dr. (Mrs) Y.O.O. Akorede 2013- Date
The cooperative society had embarked on a number of activities meant
to enhance the development of economic interest of members. They were:
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• It granted timely main loans to members based on their assets and
ability to pay back;
• it granted timely emergency or soft loans to members in order to meet
their urgent and unforeseen contingency needs;
• it granted timely technical loans to members for the purchase of
household materials;
• it sold food stuffs and other items to members during festive periods,
and as and when needed;
• it operated a super market where daily needs were sold to all members
of College community; and
• it began to operate a standard table water factory in 2013.
This cooperative society formed by a very small group of staff in the 1980s
had had its own building, operated a multi-million naira table water factory,
and a retirement pension scheme for its members in 2014.
Mighty Mujemu and Ebony Sisters’ Club
Mighty Mujemu was a peculiar club for the male students who were
full-bearded. The beard was their mark of identity, hence the name sMighty
Mujemu. Their female counterparts were called Ebony Sisters’ Club because
of their dark complexion. They were ladies who were proud of their dark
complexion and were ready to go around parading the African complexion.
It was predicated on the ground that they were proud of their colour.
Klobb 11
Derived from number of composition, Klobb 11 was founded by eleven
gentlemen, who were students. Made up of only male members, the Club
had restricted its membership to eleven even after decades of its
establishment. It aimed at promoting the spirit of friendship among its
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members and the entire students’ body. The club encouraged academic
pursuit of members with fun and raising the social standard of the College.
The club, regarded as one of the most expensive and well connected
on campus, had attracted many eminent personalities as its patrons and
matrons over time. Few of these were: Sir Adesoji Aderemi (the late Ooni of
Ife), Sir Olateru Olagbegi (the Olowo of Owo), Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye
(King Sunny Ade). It had contributed to the development of the College
through many of its programmes like educational film shows, beauty
contests, building of modern bus stop and donation of books to the College
Library.
Destiny Builders’ Club
The destiny builders’ club is also another club premised around
building a future and a hope for members. Membership of this club is not
gender based. Their target is to ensure that their members are forthright in
the pursuit of their ambitions in life.
Writers’ Press Club
The Writers’ Club is designed to promote journalistic writings among
students and to build a critical life around which their future could be
anchored. Different forms of literary writings were done to promote the
talents of members and launch a strong campaign on youth political
thuggery.
Captain Press Club
Like the Writers Press Club, the Captain Press Club performed the
same roles though it arrived much later than the former. It pursued similar
aims and objectives using similar tools.
Junior Chambers International Club
Junior Chambers International Club (JCI), an old club in the College,
believed in the existence of God and the brotherhood of men. The JCI, by
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orientation, also believed in the dignity and freedom of individuals.
Members were law abiding students who recognised the values of human
personality and pursued service to humanity using the College as a platform
to realize their dreams. The Club had donated a number of items to the
College community and had been involved in philanthropies.
Rotaract Club
Rotaract Club, a philanthropic club on campus, aimed at providing
opportunities for ladies and young men to enhance their knowledge so as to
assist them in actualizing their personal development. The Club had a target
of addressing the social needs of their immediate communities.
Members of Rotaract Club target the development of professional
skills of their members to produce the leaders in them and provide
opportunities for them to address the concerns of their communities. This
club had executed projects that positively impacted the College community.
Female Leadership Forum
This was a club that was set up by female students to provide the
ideals of female empowerment, self image, identity, esteem and female self
consciousness. One of their aims is to integrate female students of
secondary schools and tertiary institutions into the country’s leadership
process.
Noble Family Club
The target of the Noble Family Club was to implant moral character
and nobility. Membership was open to all students from noble background
and who desire to develop good moral character.
Nigerian Red Cross
Nigerian Red Cross, an essential humanitarian body of international
coverage, encouraged the development of responsible, reliable and
trustworthy participation in vital role of relieving and alleviating suffering of
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members of the community. It had been providing first aid treatment to staff
and students during sporting activities or people who sustained injuries in
the discharge of their duties on campus.
In addition to all the students’ clubs listed above, there were
numerous student associations formed on the basis of their respective state
and local government affiliations. The main aim of the associations was to
see to the welfare of their members, especially on issues of bursary and
scholarship awards from their states and local governments.
Staff and Student Unions: 1964-2014
Introduction
A comprehensive account of the activities and dynamics of unions in
tertiary institutions cannot be rendered without it being anchored on a
clear-cut analysis of the place of these unions as distinct groups with
specific beliefs and attitudes within the larger society. This is because of the
peculiar role tertiary institutions play in the management and development
of man and society. Colleges of Education, no doubt, occupy a distinctive
position in the hierarchy of tertiary institutions in Nigeria; as they are
crucial in the regeneration of society and the production of the much needed
manpower for both primary and secondary schools.
In Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, there are three staff unions
namely:
47. Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU)
48. Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria (SSUCOEN)
49. Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions
(NASU)
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The students also have a union known as the Students Union Government
(SUG), to which both the NCE and the degree students belong. The roles
played by the various unions in the socio-political history of the College are
discussed herein below.
Academic Staff Union of of Nigerian Universities (ASUN) or Academic
Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Adeyemi College of Education
Immediately after the proscription of University Teachers Association,
ASUU came into being. Since Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo was an
integral part of the University of Ife; an ASUU branch sprang up in the
College. Before this time, the College academic staff had a running battle
with the authorities of the Unife on the issue of tutorship as academic staff
nomenclature. This was in the days of Hezekiah Oluwasanmi as Vice
Chancellor.
When ASUU came on board in Adeyemi, Dr. S. I. Ogunrinde was
elected the first chairman with Mr. Kunle Babayemi (now late) as the
Secretary. ASUU worked relentlessly especially in the era of Professor Wande
Abimbola to ensure the achievement of tremendous progress for the College.
Among the working committee members of ASUU who worked day and night
with the Unife authorities, especially the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abimbola
and the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Adeniji Adaralegbe (late) were Dr.
S. I. Ogunrinde, Dr. Wale Osisanwo, Dr. Dele Orisawuyi, Dr. Yemi Aboderin
and Dr. Aina.
It is noteworthy to point out here that Chief Afolabi Ojuawo, the
Registrar of the College, put down the toga of office to join the working team
in ensuring that the College made progress at all cost. When the University
gave ASUU the mandate to search for a Professor to head the College, he
was part of the big struggle. All the achievements and approvals received
during the era of Professor Wande Abimbola, especially the appointment of
Professor Segun Adesina as the first substantive Provost of the College, the
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new nomenclature of lectureship, the appointment of Deans to replace
Heads of Divisions, the change of Principal to Provost came about through
non-violent ASUU struggles. The Vice Chancellor commended this crop of
very mature ASUU group.
With the disarticulation of the College, ASUU could no longer
legitimately pursue the welfare of the College’s academic staff. Hence, the
nursing of the idea that culminated in the formation of Colleges of
Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) was conceived in Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo. Actively involved at the foundation stage of
COEASU at that time were people such as: Comrade Demola Dasylva (First
Chairman), Comrade ‘Lola Oriola (Vice Chairman), Comrade Akin Alao
(General Secretary), Comrade ‘Bunmi Ogungbenro (Public Relations Officer),
Comrade O.J. Akinlami (laterMrs.Adebayo, Treasurer); Comrade J. O.
Ogboru (Welfare Officer), Comrade M.S. Jayeola-Omoyeni (Financial
Secretary), and Dr. S. O. Oyekan (Auditor).
There was numerous academic staff of the College that gave
unflinching support to the formation of COEASU. As time went on, COEASU
was accepted by other Colleges of Education in the country who gradually
shared the views of their Adeyemi College of Education counterpart.
COEASU is the umbrella body to which lecturers in the Colleges of
Education in Nigeria (Federal, State and private) belong. The Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo Chapter of the Union became a force to reckon
with in 1993 when it elected its first Chairman, Comrade ‘Demola Dasylva.
The Chairmen of the Union since its inauguration are as follows:
Comrade (later Professor) Demola Dasylva 1993 – 1995
Comrade (Dr.) Lanre Atoyebi 1995 – 1997
Comrade Kunle Ogunwale 1997 – 2001
Comrade Yemi Olugbamigbe 2001 – 2007
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Comrade Adebayo Adedayo 2007 – 2009
Comrade Smart Olugbeko 2009 – 2013
Comrade (Dr.) S. A. Akintunde 2013 – date
The main source of revenue of COEASU is from the monthly check-off dues
which members voluntarily contribute. The amount contributed is
determined by the grade level of the staff. In addition to the check-off dues,
levies are also imposed on members periodically to meet special needs when
such arise. An example is the money used in the purchase of the Union’s
vehicle and the building of COEASU Secretariat.
Since its inception, the Adeyemi College of Education chapter of
COEASU has weathered strong storms to ensure the survival of the Union
as well as to promote the welfare of its members through diplomatic and
cordial relationship with the College Management. The vision of the Union is
to ensure:
(a) A virile and viable union
(b) Restoration of academic freedom and integrity
(c) A collaborative and all-inclusive administration
(d) An effective and efficient information management
(e) A total commitment to justice, peace and welfare of members
(f) An objective, scientific and intellectual analysis of issues
(g) A prudent and efficient management of Union’s resources.
To this end, the Union’s demands have always been tailored towards how its
members would derive maximum benefits without necessarily engaging in
confrontation with the management. This system, being the philosophy of
COEASU in Adeyemi College of Education, was used to a tremendous
advantage during the regime of Comrade Smart Olugbeko.
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As a principle, governing the activities of the Union in Adeyemi
College, COEASU has strived to operate within the gamut of welfarism and
egalitarianism. The Union firmly believes that any leader that is opposed to
criticism has something to hide and that, it is a grave sin for any COEASU
leader to use his mandate to further his own selfish ends.
The achievements of COEASU in the past seven years were made
possible due to the restoration of democratic rule in the country, which has
enhanced respect for the rule of law. Moreover, the excellent leadership
provided by the incumbent Provost, Professor Adeyemi I. Idowu, and the
doggedness, resilience and altruistic COEASU leadership during the period
all facilitated the success recorded by the Union. The achievements of
COEASU in the College in the past five years have been unparalleled in the
history of the Union. The union has now become greatly strengthened and
members are more united than ever before.
In the recent past, the Union was able to persuade the College
Management to pay productivity allowance to members with arrears,
while payment on monthly basis started in 2010. The Union also
ensured regular promotion of members as and when due. Denial of
promotion to some members for extraneous reasons was contested, and
their promotion was restored, with all arrears paid. At present, no
member has any promotion issue unresolved and no arrears are owed
on the basis of promotion. The Chapter also worked assiduously with its
national body to ensure that the National Commission for Colleges of
Education (NCCE) reversed its position, which put promotion maturity
period for Principal and Chief Lecturers’ cadres of four years to three years.
In addition, the local chapter worked with COEASU national body to
fight the restriction of Colleges of Education by the NCCE and ensure it was
changed to expansion of colleges of education. The Chapter produced a
monograph on this, which was widely circulated throughout the country.
The Union worked with the College Management during the implementation
of the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government by ensuring that the
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College was the first to fully implement the agreement. Also, constant
mediation between students’ union and management has greatly assisted in
ensuring relative peace in the College. The union made donations to assist
students’ associations, clubs and societies. Also, the union recognized the
significant contributions of former COEASU chairmen in the College and
they were conferred with the award of excellent performance. The Union’s
executive donated relief items to orphanage homes, prisons and old people’s
homes.
The Union also organized distinguished personality lectures for
members of the academic community. The lectures were delivered by
Professor Adebisi Daramola of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba and Dr.
Dipo Fashina (former ASUU president). The COEASU executive ensured that
the Management correctly implemented the migration of affected members
to CONTISS 15 and also resisted the decision of the management asking
lecturers who had clocked 60 years of age to proceed on retirement. Some of
the affected lecturers are still in service. Also, the Union kicked against the
obnoxious tax regime imposed on it by the Ondo state government.
The executive presented a 15-page memorandum to the 2012
Presidential Visitation Panel to the college in which serious issues affecting
the college and members of the union were raised. They also organized the
first- ever Union Week in the college. This Union Week featured many
activities that brought about healthy interaction among members.
Furthermore, a COEASU Building Committee under the chairmanship
of Dr. S. O. Oyekan was constituted to construct the Union Secretariat. The
sod of the multi-million naira COEASU secretariat was turned on the 21st
October, 2010 by the Provost, Professor A.I. Idowu and Professor Dibu
Ojerinde. The building committee timely built a befitting ultra-modern
COEASU Secretariat that was commissioned on the 25th November 2011.
The Union’s executive instituted a scholarship scheme to encourage and
assist students in the College. This scheme is for the best students in NCE
and Degree programmes.
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The Union successfully hosted the South-West delegates’ Congress in
2012. Before then, the Chapter successfully hosted the South-West National
Conference in 2010 and COEASU South West Journal of Teacher Education
(SOWETED) was produced from papers harvested through the conference.
The executive used its good will and robust advocacy to generate N6 million
from teachers, friends, College Management, advertisements etc.
Also, the executive set up a committee on the university degree status
of the College, under the chairmanship of Dr. J.O. Adejumo. The report of
the committee was presented to the Federal Ministry of Education and the
National Assembly. The Union’s executive collaborated with the Federal
Colleges of Education, Zaria, Kano and Owerri for the realization of the
proposed university degree-awarding status of the four colleges. The
executive met with the Minister of Education, Director of Tertiary Education,
Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC) and
Chairman, House Committee on Education on the issue with a promise of
speedy consideration.
The executive also succeeded in securing three major increments in
Teaching Practice mobilization from N40,000 to N50,000; N50,000 to
N70,000; and N70,000 to N80,000. The Union purchased its official vehicle,
a Toyota Sienna bus, in October, 2009. The executive also secured for
members a three-week break/period of rest at the end of every semester.
Also, the executive constituted a Teaching Practice Monitoring Team to
ensure that members of the Union carry out their teaching practice
assignment professionally. Members of the Chapter heeded the appeal of the
executive by accepting to contribute to the welfare of some members who
were victims of road accidents, gun shots and serious ailments. Towards
this, about N4.5 million was realized and distributed accordingly.
In order to run an efficient and all-inclusive administration, the
executive constituted seventeen committees and these committees worked
with the executive to ensure a successful tenure. For instance, the executive
set up a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. J.O Adejumo, to reconcile
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all aggrieved or estranged members. As at today, no member is outside the
fold of the Union.
Also, the executive constituted an Ethics Committee under the
chairmanship of Dr. F.O. Balogun. This Committee helped to sensitize
members on different issues that bother on professional breach. This
Committee has intervened in various disciplinary matters and saved many
academic staff from being dismissed or suspended for misconduct. It has
also completed a book of ethics to guide COEASU members on professional
practice.
The Union set up a Journal Publication Committee, under the
chairmanship of Dr. F.O. Afolabi and it produced the first COEASU journal
named Journal of Research in Education in 2011. Also, the executive
assisted members to register as professional teachers with Teachers’
Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). The door of COEASU Hall (Teachers’
Hall) was flung open on 5th October, 2011 by the Provost, Professor Adeyemi
Idowu and the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Dr. J.S. Oke. The COEASU
executive has also annually produced calendar for members.
The Union recently worked with the management to convoke
stakeholders’ meeting that helped to eliminate the problems associated with
delay in processing the results of students. The Union worked with the
College Management to purchase laptop computers for academic staff
through the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) in 2012. The
executive strictly monitored the utilization of funds released by Tertiary
Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for staff development. Also, the executive
worked with the College Management to secure prompt release of 2012
TETFUND Teaching Practice honoraria for academic staff.
The Chapter successfully hosted the first National Delegates Congress
(NDC) of the Union between March 12th and 15th, 2013 with sixty-one
COEASU chapters in attendance. The Executive ignited the social life of
members through the provision of state-of-art facilities at the Union’s
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common room for the use of members. In addition, the executive honoured
and appreciated former Chairmen of COEASU by naming sections of the
Union Secretariat after them, such as:
50. Professor Ademola Dasylva Common Room
51. Dr. Lanre Atoyebi’s Restaurant, and
52. Mr. Kunle Ogunwale’s Board Room
The NDC elected the then Chapter Chairman, Comrade Smart
Olugbeko, as the National Vice President of the Union in appreciation of his
leadership style and the tremendous achievements recorded in the Chapter
during his regime. The Zonal Delegates Congress (ZDC) of the Union also
endorsed the appointment of the chapter chairman, Comrade Smart
Olugbeko as the Zonal Coordinator. Furthermore, the executive secured a
loan of N416 million for members in 2011.
The COEASU Congress of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
Chapter, in appreciation of the achievements recorded by the executive,
donated a Highlander Toyota SUV to the Chairman in March 2013. The
executive initiated the celebration of Teachers’ Day in the College. Also, the
executive of COEASU initiated the annual Gala Nite where members
celebrate their togetherness showing love and friendliness. Finally, COEASU,
in Adeyemi College of Education especially from 2009, has done much to
achieve near-total peace and rancour-free staff-management relationship.
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Image of COEASU Secretariat, Adeyemi College of Education chapter.
The Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria (SSUCOEN)
The Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigeria (SSUCOEN) is the
umbrella union of all Senior Non-Teaching Staff in Colleges of Education in
Nigeria at both Federal and State levels. Before the founding of SSUCOE, the
senior non-teaching staff members in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo,
belonged to two unions at various times after the administrative
disarticulation from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
In the late 1980s, members of senior staff including the academic
staff were under Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals,
Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI). The pioneer
Chairman of SSAUTHRIAI in the College was Engineer Niran Jogbodo and
the Secretary was Mr Ajiboye. Between 1990 and1992, Mr. S.O. Odetokun
was the Chairman. The mantle of leadership of the Union fell on Mr S.I.
Izuagie and Mr. R.A. Busari as Chairman and Secretary from 1993 to1995.
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Between 1995 and 2004, Messrs E.B. Agbejobi and M.A. Olasan were the
Chairman and Secretary respectively.
In order to have a broader spectrum and to further actualize its
goals, the academic staff broke away and formed the Colleges of Education
Academic Staff Union (COEASU). Later in March 2000, the senior non-
teaching staff members in Colleges of Education formed a union called
Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education (SSUCOE). The formation took
place at the Federal College of Education, (Technical) Asaba, and Delta
State. Between 2004 and 2007, Comrade F.A. Ajayi became the Chairman of
SSUCOE while Comrade (Mrs.) A.P. Olabode was the Secretary.
In November 2007, Comrade M.A. Olasan assumed the chairmanship
of the Union, while Comrade J.O. Anifowose was the Secretary. The Senior
Staff Union in Colleges of Education, Nigeria (SSUCOEN) came into being in
March, 2009 at the Niger State College of Education, Minna, Niger State.
This was due to the successful merging of the branches of SSUCOE and the
splinter group of Senior Non-Teaching Staff in SSAUTHRIAI.
In a nutshell, SSUCOEN, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo was
born in March 2009. The pioneer Chairman of SSUCOEN in the College was
Comrade (Elder) M.A. Olasan. The incumbent Executive of SSUCOEN in the
College came on board in February, 2012 under the chairmanship of
Comrade O.O. Ladenika. The incumbent Secretary is Comrade R.A.
Adegbesan. The executive has been enhancing the professional development
and welfare of its members.
Achievements
As a virile Union saddled with the responsibility of satisfying the
yearnings and aspirations of its teeming members, SSUCOEN has excelled
in various ways. The College branch had hosted and attended many
national, sectoral and zonal delegates’ conferences.
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The Union’s vehicle was bought in 2009 during the regime of
Comrade Olasan. The union successfully built a befitting ultra modern
secretariat through the administration of the present executive, under the
chairmanship of Comrade O.O. Ladenika. Several members of SSUCOEN are
active members of various College Committees. The Union sees to the
welfare of its members from time to time and also ensures harmonious
industrial relationship with the College Management.
The Union maintains a very cordial relationship with the sister
unions and other stake holders in the College. As a result of the assiduity of
the union executive at the national, sectoral and zonal conferences, some of
the past members of executive were elected into various national offices and
committees in the past.
Notable among these officers are Mr. S.I. Izuagie, a former Chairman
of the union in the College, who was elected as the National treasurer of
SSAUTHRIAI in the early 1990s; and Comrade M.A. Olasan, who was a
member of the SSAUTHRIAI Constitution Reviewed Committee in 1996 in
Ibadan. Comrade Olasan was also a member of the Constitution Drafting
Committee at SSUCOE between 1998 and 2000. Thereafter, Comrade
Olasan took part in the final presentation and signing of the agreement of
the Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institution Salary Structure
(CONTEDISS) at the Federal Ministry of Education Secretariat, Abuja in
February 2010.
Some of the Union’s achievements at the national level include:
1. Active participation at the Ministerial and Presidential stakeholders’
meeting (FONA) in Abuja in 2006/2007 during the administration of
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
2. Submission of important memorandum to the Presidential Technical
Committee on the consolidation of Federal Tertiary Institutions in
January, 2007.
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3. Presentation of a position paper to the Senate Committee on
Education on the activities of the TETFund administration in 2010.
4. Defence of the salaries and allowances of its members presented to
the Federal Government in 2009.
5. Participation in the Federal Government Committee on the
Implementation of Migration Guidelines for Staff in the Federal
Colleges of Education between 2008 and 2009.
6. Presentation of Union awards to notable Nigerians including Provosts,
Registrars and Bursars of some Federal and State Colleges of
Education.
Today, SSUCOEN, the umbrella union of senior non-teaching staff in
all the Colleges of Education in Nigeria at local, zonal and national levels of
administration has grown in leaps and bounds. Furthermore, it has been
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commended both within and outside the scope of its operations
SSUCOEN Secretariat Building under Construction.
Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions
(NASU)
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated
Institutions (NASU) is the umbrella body protecting and advancing the
interest and well being of all non-teaching members of staff in the
Universities, Colleges of Education, Polytechnics, Schools and Colleges,
Research Institutes and all Health Institutions in Nigeria. It is noteworthy
that not all members of NASU are junior staff, as membership cuts across
all cadres from lower and medium to managerial positions in these
institutions.
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The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated
Institutions (NASU), Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo used to be an
affiliate of the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-
Ife, Osun State in the early 1970s until 1990. When the College
disarticulated from University of Ife in 1990, NASU Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo, became autonomous sequel to a certificate issued by the
National Headquarters of NASU in Ibadan.
List of Chairmen of the Union in the College to date:
53. Comrade Ademakinwa - 1978-1984
54. Comrade M.O. Ojo - 1984-1988
55. Comrade P.O. Olonimoyo - 1988-1991
56. Comrade F.R. Adefisan - 1991-2002
57. Comrade C.A. Aseperi (JP) -2002-2011
58. Comrade D.F. Akinseye -2011- till date
Since the inception of NASU in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, NASU
has been at the forefront of the struggles for the rights and welfare of its
members and even non members of the Union. It is in consonance with the
motto of the Union: “An injury to one is an injury to all”.
NASU spearheaded certain struggles in the past that contributed to
the removal by the Federal Government of some Principal Officers of the
College. In 2003, over 250 members of staff cutting across the three Unions
were sacked by the then Provost, Dr. Reuben Adeboyeje; but, partly, with
the help of the National Headquarters of NASU, the 250 members were
recalled and their salaries and entitlements paid accordingly after one and
half years (1½years).
NASU is one of the formidable Unions to reckon with when it comes to
issues that affect members of staff, because “NASU will neither trade nor
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mortgage the rights of its members for anything” (Akinseye, 2013). Some of
the activities embarked upon in the past to boost NASU members’ morale
are as follows:
1. In 2007, over N400, 000,000.00 (Four Hundred Million Naira) loan
was secured from Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank) for the
benefits of NASU members;
2. In 2009, NASU Executive succeeded in purchasing a Toyota Sienna
space bus for its members to boost the administration of the Union;
3. In 2011, over N150,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira
Only) was procured from First Bank Plc, as a loan facility to its
members;
4. The Union has also commenced the construction of a Secretariat and
a five hundred seater hall for conference, workshop, seminar and
other related ceremonies.
At present, NASU is working in collaboration with the College Management
to ensure that all its aims and objectives are achieved within the shortest
time possible.
Student Unionism
Students’ Union, non-statutorily referred to as the Students Union
Government, has been largely moderate in activities and reasonable in
disposition in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo right from its inception.
Some of the achievements of the Union position students as partners in
progress in the College. These include the students’ efforts at controlling
violence and cultism within its body, both on and off-campus. The students
also organise educative seminars and workshops. Students’ Unions and
associations also take active parts in the annual orientation programme for
freshmen.
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Various activities of the students have been remotely influenced by
several public lectures. Also worthy of mention are the activities of the Man
‘O’ War Club and other paramilitary organisations which have, on many
instances, prevented the breach of peace within and outside the College. All
these feats have also been partly made possible by the sincere support
offered the students body in its war against violence and cultism by the
College Management.
Nonetheless, there have been several students’ unrest/strife. Of all
these, only a few were internally directly against the college authority. The
internal problems were agitations against lack of potable water, regular
supply of electricity, good roads, erection of a befitting gate for the college,
alteration of academic calendar and inadequate accommodation, pressure
arising from inadequate housing units and exploitation by landlords and
their agents, e.t.c. There were also pedagogic demands in a few number of
these cases. A small number of the protests were against certain segments
of the town, but the majority were protests against the state or the national
governments or as part of general nationwide students’
demonstration/strike or as part of nationwide mass protest.
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Student Union Government Secretariat
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Sporting Activities
Sporting activities in the College was as old as the College itself. This
is because sporting activities started as soon as the College resumed
academic work in 1964 with little or no sport facilities. Later, some facilities
which were put in place include: the soccer pitch, table tennis board and
athletic track and field facilities. Although there were other sporting
activities like Basket Ball, Volley Ball and Badminton, but they were
performed under open gymnasium.
Mr. (now Professor) Joseph Adedoja Oyewusi who was the pioneer
Head of Department of Physical and Health Education (PHE) was the only
Tutor teaching all PHE courses while at the same time coordinating the
College sporting activities. According to him, at that time the sporting
facilities were grossly inadequate as there was no field for sporting activities
and PHE practicals because the gymnasium was not yet constructed. The
expansive College Quadrangle lawn was used for some practical activities
while secondary school fields in town were used for other sporting activities.
In athletics, the College had a very strong relay team under the
leadership, of Mr.(now Professor) J.T. Ogundari and other members of the
squad like Mr. A.B. Aganga, Mr. Abaas and Mr. (now Late Dr.) B.S. Adeyemi.
At that time, the College Relay Team represented the Western State in
National Sports Festivals and indeed, the College took part in the first sport
competition held in Zaria.
Sporting activities were not so popular at that time particularly since
there were very few sporting facilities. The story did not change so much
until 1980 when the College hosted the maiden edition of the Nigeria
Advanced Teachers’ and Colleges of Education Games (NATCEGA). It was
attended by twenty-eight (28) participating Colleges drawn from all over
Nigeria and Adeyemi College was third on the medal table. Since that time,
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our vibrant College has not failed to participate at any NATCEGA
competition.
College NICEGA Medal Table
Hosting
College
Year Gold Silver Bronze
TOTAL
FCE Katsina 1992 11 07 05 23
FCE Kano 1996 05 08 03 16
COE
Maiduguri
1998 03 03 08 14
FCE Osiele
Abeokuta
2000 02 06 03 11
COE Ilesa 2005 06 05 05 16
FCE Obudu 2007 03 07 11 21
FCE Kano 2009 03 05 08 16
FCE (Tech.)
Omoku
2011 - 03 11 14
Sporting activities have always been under the control of the
Department of Physical and Health Education until 1990 when the College
Management under the leadership of Professor Babatunde Ipaye employed a
Coach, Mr. P. O. Ajewole, to work closely with the Department as a
Technical Personnel. Moreover, in 1991, the Management took a step further
by setting up a College Sports’ Committee under the Chairmanship of the
College Librarian, (Late) Mr. Adebisi Adefidiya and the Head of the
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Department of Physical and Health Education was appointed as the Vice
Chairman.
Since then, effective organization and administration of sports in the
College had been in the hands of various sport committees under the
leadership of College staff listed below:
59. Late Mr. Adebisi Adefidiya 1991-1992
60. Dr. G. Akomolafe 1993-1995
61. Dr. V.E.A. Akorede 1996-1998
62. Dr. Tunde Akinsanmi 1998- 2001
63. Dr. A.O. Ogungbenro 2002-2004 & 2006-2007
64. Dr. R.O. Ajayi 2005-Dec.2005
65. Late Mr. R.A. Ogunyemi 2007-2011
66. Mr. (now) S.M. Raji 2011-Date
Apart from participating at the Nigerian Colleges of Education Games
Association (NICEGA) the College also organizes intra-mural sports
competitions between the Schools and the Departments which involve both
staff and students. The College took another giant stride in 2007 when the
present Provost donated a Trophy named Provost Cup. It provided
opportunities for staff and students to participate in sporting activities and
raise vibrant talents for future games’ competition beyond the College.
Since the 1980 hosting of NATCEGA by Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo, there has been a few additions to the sporting facilities in
the College, while many of the existing facilities are becoming obsolete.
However, the present Management has done many transformations by
upgrading the Sport Centre with an on-going construction of an
ultramodern pavilion which will make the sport centre a beautiful and
functional edifice on completion. This will encourage more interests and
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active participation in sporting activities for pleasure, completion and
keeping fit by staff and students.
Pictures of College Athletes
ADEYEMI COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo is a foremost teacher-training
institution that had produced a number of highly placed Nigerians in the
field of education. They have been serving and will continue to serve as the
ambassadors of the College in their various areas of calling. These vibrant
old students coalesced into an association known as Adeyemi College of
Education Alumni Association (ACEAA). The association had been of
tremendous benefits to the development of illustrious alumni, the College
and the nations since its formation. Endeared to their alma mater, the
alumni have been making great impact as returns on investment in their
educations to the College.
To make serious impact, the association had to form a national
executive council to pilot its affairs. The first National Executive Council
(NEC) of ACEAA was constituted in 1991 during the tenure of late Dr. (Mrs.)
Phebean Fayemi as Provost of the College. Elected national officers were:
Dr. P. S. Orimoloye-Jubril National President
Late (Dr.) B. S. Adeyemi National Vice-President
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Dr. T. Akinsanmi National General Secretary
Dr. F. O. Fasanmi National Vice Secretary
Mrs. M. F. Olajide National Treasurer
Mrs. O. B. Oyefeso National Financial Secretary
Late Dr. W. O. Olaniyi National Public Relations Officer
Mr. Jerry Akindojutimi National Director of Socials
Revd. I. F. Ayoola Ex-Officio
Mr. G. H. Abdul
Over time, commitment of members to the association began to fizzle
out. However, in the 2000s, there appeared to be a revival in the association
as members began to show interest again. As a result, NEC was
reconstituted. The rejuvenated version of the NEC commenced as a
transition body through a fusion of the old elected executive and a number
of few members nominated at the General Congress of the association to
replace the non-available members. Between 2010 and 2013, the efforts of
the rejuvenation began to yield significant results with a more positive
attitude of members toward the association. The new NEC members were:
Dr. P. S. Orimoloye-Jubril National President
Dr. F. M. Epetimehin National Vice-President
Dr. T. Akinsanmi National General Secretary
Mr. Olu Adeleye National Treasurer
Princess Akinrinmade National Financial Secretary
Mr. ‘Yemi Olugbamigbe National Public Relations Officer
Mr. Jerry Akindojutimi National Director of Socials
Dr. ‘Bunmi Ogungbenro Ex-Officio
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Concerned about making the alumni relevant in the scheme of things, the
College created an Alumni Relations Unit in the office of the Provost on 3rd
October, 2008. An experienced Administrative Officer, Mr. R. O. Akinkuoye,
was deployed to man the Alumni Unit as the pioneer Alumni Relations
Officer. This has impacted positively on the re-awakening of the association
and opening up of new contacts with past students of the College. The
association has been opening new branches which continued to project its
image and that of the College in all aspects of human life.
Some Modest Achievements of the Association
The alumni association continues to remain relevant with some
achievements. Between 2009 and 2014, ACEAA had:
• Organised a national re-union of its members in 2009
• Organised another national re-union in 2012
• Collated a data bank of its alumni worldwide
• Created functional web site, e-mail and other social networks for
effective interaction and communication among members
• Started the construction of a large ultra-modern Alumni Complex with
offices, and conference rooms as an event centre/multipurpose hall in
Ondo town. It is situated in a choice location within the College; the
building was at the roofing stage in April 2014.
• Acquired land in the College through the magnanimity of Management
for the proposed Alumni Guest House and students’ hostels.
• Linked up with the Arbico Alumni worldwide
• Appointed coordinators for proposed chapters of the Association in the
Southwest and the Federal Capital Territory.
• Began a review of the association’s Constitution and had forwarded
draft copies to the e-mails of members for comments prior to
production of final adoption.
• Appointed Professor ‘Dibu Ojerinde and Chief (Mrs.) Oluremi Tinubu
as National Patron and Matron respectively.
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• Sponsored feature stories and advertorials on the association in
national dailies to create awareness of the existence and relevance of
the association in the mind of the public.
In the foreseeable future, ACEAA is expected to encourage members to
maintain exceptional performance and service to humanity. Career seminars
and words of exhortation shall be organized regularly by the association for
current students and graduates of the College to re-channel their energies,
talents and commitment to enduring development of intellect and character.
The Decree that established the College of Education Governing
Councils recommended that the alumni of the College should be organized
and facilitated by the College to serve as one of the organs that would see to
the smooth running of the College. Hence, competent representatives of the
Association who have been members of the Council include:
1. Dr. B.S. Adeyemi (1992-93; 2000-2003)
2. Dr. F.M. Epetimehin (2005-2011)
3. Barrister Bamidele Aturu (2013 to date).
As distinguished old students, they are supposed to generate creative ideas
and provide insightful experiences that will shape policies, programmes,
projects and decisions to enhance students’ welfare, academic excellence
and progressive development of the College. Such a representation could
also sustain industrial peace and harmony in the College and the host
community
Having been in the business of training students at the tertiary
education level for five decades now, the College has produced a number of
distinguished alumni who are competent, responsible and renowned
teachers, scholars, politicians, bureaucrats and captains of industries in all
spheres of national economy. These include:
1. Dr. P.S.Orimoloye, university lecturer and former Member of House of
Representatives
2. Dr. Jerrie Akindojutimi, retired School Principal
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3. Dr. Sanya Adelekan, Managing Director, Macmillan Publishers Plc,
Lagos.
4. Prof. ‘Dibu Ojerinde, Registrar, Joint Admissions &Matriculation Board,
Abuja, Nigeria.
5. Hon. Princess Patience Akinrinmade, teacher and Special Adviser to
Ondo State Governor.
6. Chief (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu, Matron(ACEAA), and Senator, Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
7. Dr. Lanre Atoyebi, Chief Lecturer, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo.
8. Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Ogunkoya, immediate past Provost, Federal College of
Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State.
9. Dr. J.E. Oke, immediate past Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun
State.
10. Mr. Raphael Ibiowotisi, lecturer, COE, Nsugbe.
These graduates have been contributing their quota to human capacity
development and management of national economy.
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CHAPTER SEVEN
THE ROLES OF GOVERNING COUNCILS
One of the purposes of setting up tertiary education is to produce goal
oriented institution capable of driving the socio-economic build up of any
country. In a bid to making tertiary education in Nigeria catch up with
global requirements, the Federal Government of Nigeria introduced the
Governing Council system into the running of its affairs. This is made up of
seasoned scholars and administrators who have successfully managed their
enterprises and in whom the government reposed high level of confidence.
The composition of Governing Councils is such that all stakeholders have
representation that could make for proper management and administration.
Governing Councils of institutions are charged by law with the general
control and superintendence of the properties and policies of the institutions
which they administer. They are empowered to do anything which, in their
opinion, is calculated at facilitating the execution of legitimate policies and
programmes of their respective institutions.
Governing Councils are powerful bodies which may function subject to
unwritten traditions and conventions, only as laid down by the governments
which established them. The Visitor to any institution through the
Governing Council provides the resources to facilitate the objectives of such
an institution. However, no Governing Council can function effectively
without the other organs in the institution performing their roles effectively
(Oyebade, 2011). Governing Councils of institutions meet by tradition a
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minimum of two to four times a year (Okafor, 1971), except in cases of
emergencies.
The Evolution of Governing Council in Adeyemi College of Education,
Ondo
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, has a long history of supervision
that is very remarkable. Between 1964 and 1972, the College was like a unit
of the Western Region/State Ministry of Education. The Ministry was
responsible for the recruitment of academic, non-academic and
administrative members of staff for the College. The Regional/State
Government also exercised considerable control over the administration of
the College to the extent that academic and administrative staff of the
College were at best public servants operating the same bureaucratic system
with other regional/state departments.
Within this set up, the College was initially academically associated
with the University of Ibadan in the preparation of students for the award of
the Nigeria Certificate in Education after which the College was transferred
to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife for
supervision of its academic programmes. The University later took full
responsibility for both the academic policy and the administration of the
College, including staff recruitment.
On 27th May, 1972, a new chapter was opened in the history of the
College. The Senate of the University of Ife approved the integration of the
College into the University system. By virtue of Statute 25 of the then
University of Ife, Adeyemi College of Education became a constituent unit of
the Institute of Education within its Faculty of Education.
However, this status was re-defined in 1977 in response to
contemporary realities and new developments. Firstly, the physical location
of the College at Ondo (a distance of about 70km from Ile-Ife) made the
necessary frequent and desirable intra-institute communication, not only
cumbersome but also risky and expensive. Secondly and perhaps more
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importantly, the additional responsibilities of the College justified a re-
definition of its status within the University system. Thus, in 1977, when
the Faculty of Education, which housed the Institution, was
departmentalized, Adeyemi College of Education attained the status of a
Department within the Faculty of Education of the University of Ife.
The journey of evolving a Governing Council for Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo, got another fair deal in May, 1981 when the Governing
Council of the University of Ife recommended in Minute 2750 that the
President and Commander- in- Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria could
grant the College her own but Interim Governing Council to manage its
affairs independently. This was upheld by the Federal Executive Council,
but not implemented in full till the end of the democratic government.
Meanwhile, earlier in April 1981, the Council of the University of Ife had
approved that an Interim Governing Board be set up by the University to
administer the College pending the establishment of a Governing Council by
the Federal Government. The Interim Governing Board which was set up
under the Chairmanship of then Vice-Chancellor was inaugurated on 11th
November, 1981.
The Interim Governing Board continued to administer the College
until 31st December, 1989, when the College was administratively
disarticulated from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Nevertheless, the
College still enjoys academic affiliation with the educational programmes of
the University.
As a result of the disarticulation, the College applied for affiliation of
its academic programmes to the Obafemi Awolowo University. The Senate of
the University approved the affiliation on 23rd, October 1991. The present
status of the College, therefore, is that it is academically affiliated to the
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife for the award of bachelors degrees in
education and Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
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The history of Governing Council in Adeyemi College of Education
which started from the Interim Governing Board in 1981 was eventually
solidified when in 1992, the Federal Military Government constituted the
first Governing Council for the College with Professor Ayotunde E. Yoloye as
its Chairman. This Council was made up of seasoned professionals and
erudite scholars that bequeathed good legacy to subsequent Governing
Councils of the College.
Objectives of the College Governing Council
The main objectives of the College’s Governing Council are; to ensure
the orderly development of the College to maintain its high standard, and to
ensure adequate funding. Other powers exercised by the Council include:
(a) To hold examinations and grant diplomas, professional certificates
and other distinctions to persons who have pursued a course of study
approved and accredited by the National Commission for Colleges of
Education (1993 No. 6);
(b) To demand and receive from any student or any other person
attending the College for the purpose of instruction such fees as the Council
may, with the prior approval of the Minister from time to time determine;
(c) To hold public lectures and undertake printing, publishing and
bookselling;
(d) To make gifts for any charitable purpose;
(e) To hold examinations in education for qualified teachers;
(f) To provide amenities for and make such other provision for the welfare
of the staff of the College;
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(g) To invest the funds of the College in securities specified by law or in
such other securities in Nigeria as may be approved by the Minister;
(h) To borrow money within Nigeria in such manner and upon such
security as the Minister may from time to time authorize;
(i) To enter into such contracts as may be necessary, or expedient, for
carrying into effect, the objectives of the College; (1993 No. 6)
(j) To recruit staff of the right calibre and determine the career structure
of such staff;
(k) To establish and maintain such schools and other teaching units
within the College or extramural departments as the Council may,
from time to time decide;
(l) To institute and award fellowships, medals, prizes and other tittles;
(m) To mount exhibitions and displays designed to foster an appreciation
of trends in and the scope and requirements of education;
(n) To erect, provide, equip and maintain such educational, recreational
and residential facilities as the College may require;
(o) To create lecturerships and other academic posts and offices and to
make appointments thereto;
(p) To encourage and make provision for research in the College; and
(q) To do such acts and things whether or not incidental to the foregoing
powers as may advance the objectives of the College.
Since the Federal Government has constituted a Governing Council
for the College, there has been a great improvement in the quality of
Education and service delivery of successive College Management, and staff
relations have improved as well. Adeyemi College of Education has always
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been blessed with intelligent and responsible people on its Governing
Council ever since the Interim Governing Board days. The Governing
Council of the College has always been consisted of loyal and selfless men
and women who see their membership as a call to service, with commitment
to the ideals of excellence, probity and accountability.
Adeyemi College of Education Governing Council has been led by five
prominent Nigerians as listed below:
1. Professor E. Yoloye Led Governing Council, 1992 – 1993
2. Dr. E. Obi Akatchak- Led Governing Council, 2000 – 2003
3. Alhaji Allah-Kayi -Led Governing Council, 2005 – 2007
4. Obonganwan Grace Ekong (Mrs.) - Led Governing Council, 2009 – 2011
5. Ambassador John Musa -Led Governing Council, 2013 till date.
Composition and Achievements of the College Governing Council
The composition of Governing Council in Nigeria is made such that
the government and all the stake-holders are adequately taken care of. For
Adeyemi College of Education, the Chairman and three other members are
appointed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The University of Affiliation (Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife), Federal
Ministry of Education, National Commission for Colleges of Education
(NCCE) and the Alumni Association have one representative each on the
Council. The College Academic Board is represented by two of its members
elected in a regular Academic Board meeting, while the Provost and
Registrar (Secretary to Governing Council) are automatic members.
Below are names of people who have served and are serving on the
College’s Governing Council so far.
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Professor E. Yoloye- Led Governing Council, 1992 – 1993
1. Professor E. Ayotunde Yoloye Chairman
2. Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Member
3. Dr. Sabena Attah Member
4. Professor ‘Dayo Adejumo Member
5. Mrs. F. Odulate Member
6. Mr. ‘Boye Ojo Member
7. Mrs. Veronica Onuoha Member
8. Alhaji M. T. Mohammed Member
9. Professor Okon Essien Member
10. Mrs. C. I. Adun (Rep. of Federal Ministry of Education
& Youth Development.)
11. Mrs. B. N. Oraeki (Rep. of National Teachers Institute)
12. Dr. I. Agun (Rep. of University of Affiliation)
13. Dr. B. S. Adeyemi (Rep. of Alumni Association)
14. Dr. R. A. Adeboyeje (Rep. of Academic Board)
15. Professor B. Ipaye (Provost)
16. Mr. I. O. Adesulu (Registrar/ Secretary)
Achievements
67. Repairs of the leaking roofs in the lecture rooms, student hostels and
office area
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68. Provision of equipment to Departments in preparation for the
accreditation process
69. Additional office space and furniture items
70. Science Laboratory (a) Burglary Proofing
(b)Research equipment to all Departments
(c) Colour Laboratory
71. Provision of Vehicles (a) Refurbishing old ones
(b) Purchase of new ones
72. Communication (a) Telephones
(b) Intercoms
(c) Walkie-Talkies
73. Library (a) Completion of Library Extension
(b) Furnishing of the Library
(c) Mosquito Net-Proofing
(d) Wall Fans
(e) Renovation of Staff Quarters
74. Rehabilitation of College roads
75. Purchase of Academic Gowns (Caps, Hoods and Gowns)
76. Production of 3,000 fabricated chairs
77. Refurbishing of Luxurious Bus
78. Construction of language laboratory and Fine Arts Studio
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Dr. E. Obi Akatchak -Led Governing Council, 2000 – 2003
1. Dr. E. Obi Akatchak - Chairman
2. Hon. Isa Zakari Bosua (Government Appointee)
3. Mr. Rasheed Olaniyan (Government Appointee)
4. Mrs. Ronke Thompson (Government Appointee)
5. Dr. A. M. Tura (Rep. of Federal Min. of
Education)
6. Dr. M. O. Ojo (Representative of N C CE)
7. Professor Sola Ehindero (Rep. of University of Affiliation)
8. Dr. B. S. Adeyemi (Rep. of Alumni Association)
9. Dr. J. O. Adejumo (Representative of Academic
Board)
10. Mrs. I. A. Adegoroye (Representative of Academic
Board)
11. Dr. R. A. Adeboyeje (Provost)
12. Mr. I. O. Adesulu (Registrar/ Secretary)
Achievements
79. Completion of New College Health Centre
80. Construction of Boy’s Quarter in the Bursar’s Residence, fencing of
the Bursar’s residence and construction of three security posts in the
residence of the Deputy Provost, the Bursar and the Librarian
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81. Construction of fourteen (14) stores at the shopping complex, gate,
security and visitor’s room and students’ recess hall at the
Demonstration Secondary School
82. Construction of 24 shops at the shopping complex
83. Renovation of the office of the Principal and residence of the Vice
Principal of Adeyemi College of Education Demonstration Secondary
School
84. Provision of Students’ Union Bus
85. Procurement of sporting equipment for the students
86. Procurement/Provision of public refuse dump for the College
87. Provision of Bore Holes
88. Establishment of College Farm
89. Purchase of 3 Peugeot 504 Saloon cars and a 511 KV generating set
for staff quarters
90. Construction of Adeyemi College of Education Nursery and Primary
School
91. Construction of Computer Science/Mathematics Centre
92. Construction of the School of Education Building
93. Extension to the Administrative Block – Phase I
94. Construction of Extension to Administration Block – Phase II
95. Supply of 20 Computer units and Furniture items for the extension to
the Administration Block – Phase I
96. Perimeter Fencing – Phase I
97. A block of 12 classrooms for the Nursery and Primary School – Phase I
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98. Procurement and Installation of a Feeder Pillar
99. Allocation of a Transformer to the College by Hon. Minster of Power
and Steel
100. Construction of 100-Bed ETF Hostel
101. VSAT Operation owned by the College
102. Supply of additional Furniture items for Administration Block – Phase
I
103. Construction of Administration Block – Phase 2A and 2B
Alhaji S. Allah-Kayi- Led Governing Council, 2005- 2007
1. Alhaji S. Allah-Kayi Chairman
2. Chief Solomon Nze (Government Appointee)
3. Hon. S. K. Dada (Government Appointee)
4. Chief Ben Edo-Osagie (Government Appointee)
5. Mrs. A. O. Brown (Rep. of Federal Min. of
Education)
6. Mr. U.A. Udensi (Representative of NCCE)
7. Chief J. Y. Momoh-Olle (Representative of N C CE)
8. Professor D. K. Akanbi (Rep. of University of Affiliation)
9. Dr. F. M. Epetimehin (Rep. of Alumni Association)
10. Mrs. I. F. Alao (Rep. of Academic Board)
11. Dr. J. O. Adejumo (Rep. of Academic Board)
11. Dr. V. E. A. Akorede (Acting Provost)
12. Mrs. V. O. Akindehin (Registrar/ Secretary)
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Achievements
104. ICT Virtual Library – Phase I
105. Lecture Theatre
106. Science Complex – Phase II
107. Library Extension – Phase I
108. Street Lightings and Transformer Energizing
109. College Master Plan – Phase I
110. HIV/AID Awareness Campaign
111. Rehabilitation of Buildings (Y Block, Ipaye Lecture Theatre, French
Building)
112. Science Laboratory Equipment
Education Tax Fund (ETF) Projects
113. Improvement of Electricity Supply – Phase II (2006 – 2007)
114. Construction of Academic Office Block (2006 – 2007)
115. Library Intervention (2005 – 2007)
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Projects
116. Remodeling of Provost’s Official Residence
117. Procurement of Furniture for Home Economics, Arts and Social
Sciences and Physical and Health Education Buildings
118. Procurement of Office Furniture items for Administrative Block –
Phase IIA
119. Construction of Drainages and Regarding of Access Road to
Demonstration Schools.
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120. Rehabilitation of Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium
121. Construction of Line Drains opposite the College Main Gate
122. Rehabilitation of 0.9km Road
123. Administrative Block – IIIA
124. Library Expansion – II
125. ICT/Virtual Library – II
126. Students’ Recreation Centre I
127. School of Science Complex – Phase I
128. College Master Plan – Phase II
129. Science Laboratory Equipment
130. HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign
131. Purchase of Vehicles
132. Rehabilitation of Roads
133. Rehabilitation of Buildings (Upper and Lower Lecture Theatres,
Gymnasium)
Internally General Revenue (IGR) Projects
134. Provision of collapsible chairs for Pre-NCE classrooms
135. Provision of collapsible chairs for Y-Block
136. Construction of Textile Laboratory for Home Economics
137. Renovation of Demonstration Secondary School classroom A,B,C,D,E
138. Rehabilitation of Institute of Academic Extension Services Building
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Obonganwan (Mrs.) Grace Ekong -Led Governing Council, 2009 – 2011
1. Obonganwam (Mrs.) Grace Ekong - Chairman
2. Alhaji Musban Oluwa (Government Appointee)
3. Dr. Douglas Acholonu (Government Appointee)
4. Barrister A. A. Kanu (Government Appointee)
5. Mrs. S. A. Agwta (Rep. of Fed. Ministry of
Education)
6. Mr. U. A. Udensi (Representative of N C CE)
7. Dr. F. M. Epetimehin (Rep. of Alumni Association)
8. Dr. A. I. Ajayi (Rep. of Academic Board)
9. Dr. G. B. Olaniyi (Rep. of Academic Board)
10. Professor K. Alao (Rep. of University of Affiliation)
11. Professor A. I. Idowu (Provost)
12. Mr. F. E. Aderinboye (Registrar/ Secretary)
Achievements
139. Rehabilitation of Olunloyo Hall
140. Rehabilitation of Tinubu Hall
141. Rehabilitation of Wande Abimbola Hall
142. Rehabilitation of Abiodun Hall Annex
143. Rehabilitation of Oduduwa Hall
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144. Rehabilitation of Toilet Blocks to the Halls of Residence
145. Rehabilitation of 7 Blocks of Students Residence and Construction of
Toilets/Bathrooms at the Old Cafeteria Blocks
146. Rehabilitation of College Roads
147. Extension of 11KV High- Tension Lines from Intercontinental Bank to
Wande Abimbola Hostel
148. Additional Works on the Construction of Science Complex
149. Improvement of Electricity Supply to the College – Phase II
150. Contract for the construction of a 500 – Seater Lecture Theatre Type A
(ETF Project)
151. Construction of Home Economics Blocks
152. Construction of Fine and Applied Arts Block
153. Construction Agricultural Science Block
154. Construction of Physical and Health Education Block
155. Construction of a 500 – Seater Lecture Theatre Type B (Phase I)
156. Purchase of Computers
157. Furnishing of the new Administrative Building
158. Procurement of office tables and chairs for both Academic and Non-
Academic Staff
159. Rehabilitation of Old School of Education/Centre for Educational
Technology Complex
160. Rehabilitation of Governing Council Chairman’s Lodge
161. Rehabilitation of Demonstration Secondary School Female Hostel
162. Rehabilitation of Demonstration Secondary School Male Hostel
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Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Projects
163. Rehabilitation of 5 Toilets Blocks for Students.
164. Rehabilitation of Demonstration Secondary School Staff and
Computer Rooms.
165. Supply of Furniture Items for Students’ Affairs Division.
166. Supply of Office Furniture to School of Science
167. Rehabilitation of Abiodun Hall Annexes
168. Rehabilitation of Male and Female Hostels at Demonstration
Secondary School
169. Supply of Furniture items for Senior Academic Staff
Tertiary Education Trust Fund Special Intervention in High Impact
Projects
170. Construction of School of Vocational and Technical Education
171. Construction of Centre for Educational Technology
172. Construction of Early Childhood Care and Education Complex
173. Construction of Counselling Laboratory
174. Rehabilitation of Chemistry and Biology Block
175. Construction of ICT Hall for Management Information System Centre –
Lot 1
176. Supply and Installation of Equipment for Management Information
System – Lot 2
177. Procurement of Laboratory Equipment for Physics, Biology and
Mathematics – Lot 3
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178. Procurement of Equipment for Integrated Science, Chemistry and
Agricultural Science Laboratories - Lot 4
179. Procurement of Laboratory Equipment for Home Economics, Fine and
Applied Arts and PHE – Lot 5
180. Furnishing of Obasanjo Hall, Ipaye Hall and Lecture Theatre II – Lot 6
181. Furnishing and Equipping of Counselling Laboratory and ECCE – Lot
7
182. Furnishing and Equipping of School of Vocational and Technology –
Lot 8
183. Supply and Installation of 1000KVA sound proof Generator – Lot 9
184. Supply and Installation of Cummins 640KVA sound proof Generator –
Lot 10
185. Extension of existing Generator Houses for 1000KVA and 640KVA
Generators – Lot 11
186. Procurement of Assorted textbooks and academic journals – Lot 12
187. Completion of Agricultural Science Block – Phase II
188. Reconstruction of Burnt Abiodun Student Hostel
189. Construction 500 – Seater Lecture Theatre – Phase II
190. Construction of College Main Road
191. Rehabilitation and Furnishing of Language Laboratory
192. Supply of Computers
193. Construction of 500 – Seater Lecture Theatre
194. Construction of Burnt Abiodun Annex – Lot 1 (Block A)
195. Construction of Burnt Abiodun Annex – Lot 2 (Block B)
196. Construction of Burnt Abiodun Annex – Lot 3 (Block C)
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197. Construction of Burnt Abiodun Annex – Lot 4 (Block D)
198. Construction of Burnt Abiodun Annex – Lot 5 (Toilet Block and
External Works)
199. Re-Construction of College Road
200. Supply and Installation of Language Laboratory Equipment
201. Furnishing of Lecture Theatre
202. Procurement and Installation of Virtual Exercise Physiology
Equipment (STEP-B)
203. Procurement of a Project Vehicle for STEP-B (TOYOTAL Hilux Pick-Up)
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Projects
204. Construction of a Prototype Students Hostels
205. Construction of a Porter’s Lodge
206. Renovation of Quadrangle Area and Olusegun Obasanjo Auditorium
207. Painting of Quadrangle and Adjoining Structures
208. Construction of Line Drains at Demonstration Secondary School
209. Rehabilitation/Remodeling of the Kitchen and Dining Hall at
Demonstration Secondary School
210. Procurement of 250KVA Caterpillar Generator
211. Rehabilitation of Chief Security Officer’s Quarter
212. Extension of the Office of Director, Physical Planning, Works and
Services
213. Painting of Provost, Registry and Back of Main Library
214. Rehabilitation of Senior Staff Quarters 003, 006, 007A, 007B, 008,
011, 023A, 023B, 0026, and 029.
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215. Supply of Office Furniture to the Library
216. Procurement of 80KVA Generator to serve Chairman and Provost
Lodge
217. Rehabilitation of SS2 Block at Demonstration School – Lot 1
218. Rehabilitation of JS 2 Block at Demonstration School – Lot 2
219. Rehabilitation of Demonstration Secondary School Principal’s Block –
Lot 3
220. Construction of Line Drains for Erosion Control at Demonstration
Secondary School
221. Rehabilitation of JS 1 Block at Demonstration Secondary School – Lot
6
222. Rehabilitation of SS 1 Block at Demonstration Secondary School – Lot
6
223. Construction of 1 No. Culvert and Earthwork filling on Newly Opened
Road – Lot 1
224. Construction of 1 No. Culvert and Earthwork Filling on Newly Opened
Road – Lot 12
Ambassador John Musa- Led Governing Council, 2013 till date
1. Ambassador Musa John Chairman
2. Dr. (Mrs.) O. A. Olamigoke (Government Appointee)
3. Mr. John B. Piribi (Government Appointee)
4. Mr. Kalu Amah Nkama (Government Appointee)
5. Dr. (Mrs.) Uche Uba (Rep. of Fed. Ministry of Education)
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6. Dr. A. A. Maiyanga (Representative of N C CE)
7. Professor P. O. Jedege (Rep. of University of Affiliation)
8. Barrister Bamidele Aturu (Rep. of Alumni Association)
9. Dr. A. O. Olajuyigbe (Rep. of Academic Board)
10. Dr. Y. M. Ogunsiji (Rep. of Academic Board)
11. Professor A. I. Idowu (Provost)
12. Mr. F. E. Aderinboye (Registrar/ Secretary)
ACHIEVEMENT OF PRESENT COUNCIL
1. Construction of College Roads (Gym to Vocational and Technical
Education)
2. Construction of Perimeter Fence, Wing C – Phase II
3. Rehabilitation of Demonstration School – Phase II
4. Renovation of College Buildings (Old Agricultural Science/Integrated
Science Laboratory
5. Construction of Car Parks, Drainages and Landscaping
6. Rehabilitation of Old Administrative Block
7. Construction of Sports Pavilion and Upgrading of Sport facilities
8. Construction of 500- Seater Twin Lecture Theatre
9. Construction of Academic Staff Offices and Classroom Block
10. Furnishing of 500-Seater Twin Lecture Theatre, Block of Academic
Staff Offices and Classroom
11. Furnishing of Sports Pavilion and adjoining Offices
12. Procurement of 1 No. 30 Seater Coaster Bus for Field Trips and
Teaching Practice Exercise
13. Furnishing of other academic Staff Offices
14. Full Computerisation of Bursary Department - Lot 1
15. Full Computerisation of Bursary Department - Lot 2
16. Completion of Students Recreation Centre
17. Construction of Home Economics Laboratory Block
18. Construction of two (2) bed rooms Council Guest House
19. Renewal of the appointment of the Deputy Provost
20. Appointment of substantive Bursar for the College
21. Appointment of Three (3)Deputy Registrars
22. Lateral conversion of some members of staff
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23. Appointment of six (6) Guidance Counsellors for Division of Student
Affairs.
The Governing Council of Adeyemi College of Education, like in
other institutions of higher learning, operates through certain
statutory committees to enhance its performances. Briefly discussed
below are few basic ones:
i. Finance and General Purpose Committee (F &GPC)
The above named committee is expected to make recommendations to
Council on crucial financial and other matters. Its terms of reference and
membership were usually formulated by Council.
ii. Appointments and Promotions Committee (A &PC)
This committee is saddled with the responsibilities of making
recommendations to Council on matters relating to recruitment,
confirmation and promotion of staff in the College.
iii. Staff Disciplinary and Appeal Committee
This Committee attends to all matters on staff disciplinary cases and
appeals, and make appropriate recommendations to Council on any case
considered by it.
Governing Council-Management-Staff Relations
Ever since the days of the Interim Governing Board in Adeyemi College
of Education, evidence abounds to show that there has always been very
good rapport between the Governing Council-Management and Staff of the
College. For instance, when the College arm of the Academic Staff Union of
Nigerian Universities agitated for a change from Tutorship to Lecturer
Cadre, the Interim Governing Board after due consideration was convinced
and approved it for the academic staff. There has also been prompt
approval of staff promotions and welfare requests. Moreover, the Governing
Councils of the College have always given consideration to position papers
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submitted by staff and Students’ Unions. Indeed, Governing Council in the
College has always taken off with an interactive session with staff.
One can, therefore, conclude that the various Councils put together by
the Federal Government for Adeyemi College of Education have provided the
majority value creation, built an environment that supported learning and
integrity, involved in cordial relationship with host community and assisted
School and Departmental initiatives, which fostered students and staff
academic development. The Councils have also encouraged mutual
relationship between the Staff and Management on the one hand, and
Management and students on the other.
Adeyemi College of Education Farms
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo took the bull by the horn in
establishing research, training and commercial farms through the
Department of Agricultural Science of the College. In the field of Agriculture,
the College is able to fulfill its mandate by inculcating in the students
relevant practical that will make them self-reliant and be at vantage position
to compete favourably with their counterparts in the labour market. In the
previous years, the College was able to increase her internally generated
revenue through the sales from the farms. Other achievements include
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provision of meat, palm oil and food crops to the College and the host
communities at affordable prices.
The College farm also serves as centre of research for external
postgraduate students from other higher institutions of learning. The
astronomical development in the agricultural sector of the College is
attributed to be the increase in the number of supporting staff and the
cooperative attitude of the College Management in releasing funds at the
appropriate time. Government at all levels, alumni members, friends of
Adeyemi College and the host community are enjoined to contribute their
quotas to the sustenance of these laudable projects in order to salvage the
country from hunger, a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of
the nation.
Agricultural Science is tied with the national philosophy on
agriculture for self-reliance based on the provision of the right calibre of
teachers endowed with a balanced approach between principles and practice
of agriculture for academic and vocational ends. In order to achieve
academic excellence, the range of exposure and scope of the programmes in
the Department of Agricultural Science aims at producing a competent,
skilled and versatile individual capable of facing a broad spectrum of
challenges of agricultural development in Nigeria. The philosophy of
agricultural education is based on learning and developing a solid
background on concepts, knowledge and techniques in all areas of
Agricultural Education such as soil science, agronomy, animal husbandry,
agricultural engineering, agricultural economics and extension.
Adeyemi College of Education also focuses on developing well-
rounded graduates for Agricultural Education who can occupy several
niches and function as job creators and employees. Apart from attaining
academic excellence, Ondo town where the College is sited, being an
agrarian community is expected to benefit from the farming activities of the
College. This prompts the College to embark on commercial agriculture
apart from the standard students’ research farm. The presence of the
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College in Ondo State has positively influenced the lives of the people and
their attitudes to agriculture.
The College had recorded numerous achievements including the
ability to inculcate in the agricultural graduates the right attitude to
entrepreneurship through impartation into them the right skills and
knowledge in agricultural education that made majority of them to be self-
reliant. Adeyemi College of Education is also proud of many of her products
in various primary and secondary schools as agricultural science teachers
who are effectively managing their school farms. The College has produced
and is still producing reputable academics in agricultural science (and in
related fields) in various higher institutions in Nigeria, administrators,
teachers and professional farm managers. Notable among them are Mr. Ojo
Oladapo T. (1982/83 session) now the Area Education Officer of Gbonyin
Local Government, Ekiti State Ministry of Education and Mr. Ajibade Joseph
(1989/90 session) now Agricultural Officer at Ikere Local Government of
Ekiti State and Dr. Mary Ogunkoya, the current Provost of The Federal
College of Agriculture, Akure.
The College has also been able to produce Agricultural Education
graduates that are self-reliant, competent in the field of agriculture and have
the ability to compete favourably with their counterparts in the labour
market. These outstanding achievements came as a result of the competent
agricultural science lecturers in the Department, coupled with the students’
practical/research farms and commercial farms established by the College.
The agricultural science research farm provides practical exposure to the
students, while the commercial farms not only expose the students to the
practical aspect of agriculture, but also provide food for the College
Community and her environs as well as improve the internally generated
revenue of the College. This assertion is supported by Ayoola (2013) who
opined that the Teaching and Research Farm was established to serve as a
demonstration farm for students admitted into the institution to study
Agricultural Science.
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Establishment of Agricultural Farms
The Department of Agricultural Science, Adeyemi College of
Education, and Ondo was established in 1964 for the production of Nigeria
Certificate in Education (NCE) graduates in Agricultural Science Education.
Between 1964 and 1971, the NCE programme was under the tutelage of the
University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). In order to demonstrate
the significance of practical agriculture, the Agricultural Science students of
Adeyemi College of Education were moved to the College of Agriculture,
Akure to study agricultural science for two academic sessions, while they
came back to the College to study pedagogy.
The students finally settled for both theoretical and practical
agriculture in the College in 1972. During the period of 1972/1973 –
1987/1988 academic sessions, only NCE programme was on ground;
farming activities was not as pronounced as of today; crude implements or
tools such as cutlasses and hoes were used in both student research and
commercial farms. There was no distinct difference between the students’
research farm and the commercial farms. The output was low and
sometimes ravaged by thieves. The College at present is able to provide
adequate security and the necessary implement that enhance greater
performance leading to higher yield.
In 2006, the Department was able to acquire additional tractors
through the effort of the management to boost agricultural production. In
2007, a boost was recorded in the piggery section due to the introduction of
brewery wastes to feed the pigs. The result was commendable.
Both the NCE and Degree students are exposed to practical. It has
been “do it yourself” slogan on the students’ practical farms. Agricultural
students are allotted individual plots which they maintain from the land
preparation stage to the harvesting stage. In livestock practical, animals are
slaughtered for practical purpose.
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The Farm as a Centre for Research and Training
Sustainable development and improvement of any nation is mainly
centred on training, preserving and maintaining its technological research
and scientific assets as well as proper utilization of the assets. A country
that aims to develop in all spheres of life must not meddle with research
findings. Most of the developed countries such as Britain and America excel
economically, socially and politically because they make judicious use of the
findings of research work conducted by their various academic and research
institutions. A visit to Adeyemi College of Education Library and the
Department of Agricultural Science will buttress the assertion of Prof.
Adeyemi Ibukunoluwa Idowu, the current Provost of the College that
Adeyemi College Farms are actually the centres for research. Most of the
animal husbandry, soil, crops and pests projects carried out by the students
are conducted in the agricultural farms.
Apart from the students of Adeyemi College, a number of Masters of
Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) students from various
institutions of higher learning in Nigeria use Adeyemi College Farms as their
research centres. Agents of government responsible for research
information dissemination are usually advised to get in touch with the
College Librarian and the Head of Department of Agricultural Science on
information relating to animal, crop and soil productivity from different
parts of the country, particularly Ondo State.
Research conducted by Adeogun (1978) on weaving industry in Iseyin
and the one conducted by Siyanbola (1978) on the palm oil processing at
Okitipupa, Ondo State would confirm that the projects then were long essay
types. The following sampled project works conducted by the students
between 2002 and 2013 suggest that there is development in the field of
agricultural research. Most of the Researches or Projects carried out by the
students are done in the Adeyemi College students’ research farms. Despite
229
the fact that the students are still in the introductory stage of research, their
experiments are systematic, concise, factual and commendable.
(iii) Research conducted in Animal section of the farm
Agricultural Science students are not left behind in the animal
section. Many experiments have been conducted by the students on animal
diet, growth and carcass weight. Among the notable findings in some of the
researches carried out by the students in livestock production section under
the supervision of the assigned lecturers include formulation of animal
diets.
(iv) Adeyemi College Farms as Experimental Field for External
students
Adeyemi College of Education, Department of Agriculture Students’
Research farm has become a research farm for many post graduate students
from other higher institutions of learning. Ayeni (2009) from the University
of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State established his Ph. D research work in
the Department Research Farm. He specialized in soil and plant nutrition,
while Adeleye (2010) a Ph. D candidate from the Federal University of
Technology, Akure established his fieldwork in the same students’ Research
Farm of Adeyemi College of Education and specialized in soil fertility
management. Likewise, Adeyemi (2005), a Ph.D. student from the Federal
University of Technology, Akure used the same Adeyemi farm for his Thesis
and specialized in Weed Science. Also, Dr. C.T. Omotunde now a Bishop of
Anglican Church Ekiti Diocese specialized in Crop Science. The Masters
students from other universities who used ACE farm as their research farm
are uncountable.
230
Plate 8: The College newly constructed fish pond
Plate 9: Second phase - young growing oil palm plantation
231
Plate 10: Farm implements in use at the College Farms
Processing of Palm Oil at Adeyemi College of Education
Commercial Farm
232
Plate 11: The mini oil mill
The extracted oil and water are collected and transferred into the
drums already set on fire for about one hour. The boiled oil is allowed to
cool down and then packaged in 20 litres jerry cans for sales to members of
the college community.
The moulds from which oil and sludge are extracted are taken into a
pit where the palm nuts are separated from the fibres through manual
washing with water. The palm nuts are sun-dried for some time and then
cracked by the cracker. The palm kernels got from the cracked palm nuts
are sold to the members of the public. It is on record that a total of 9,350
litres of palm oil were sold in 22 litre Jerry cans, while 5½ tonnes of palm
kernels were realized in 2012.
According to the Biblical injunction, the farmer who plants the vineyard is
expected to consume part of the produce before any other person. Oil palm
produce is sold to the college community before selling to the marketers who
come to buy for business purpose. The sludge collected in a drum during
the processing is used to feed the livestock animals in the Agricultural
Teaching and Research Farm of the college.
233
Plate 13: The College plantain plantation
Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea cayenensis.
234
Plate 14: Mechanized maize farm
Plate 15: Mechanized cassava farm
235
Plate16: Commercial yam plot established by the Department of Agriculture
Challenges and Recommendations
Adeyemi College of Education, though not mainly a College of
Agriculture has set a pace through the Department of Agriculture for other
colleges, polytechnics and universities in the country to emulate. It is crystal
clear that the country is suffering in the midst of plenty as a result of
neglect of agriculture, which is the country’s heritage. It is a mirage to
believe that Nigeria with a population of 170,123,740 as at July, 2012 will
erase the mark of poverty written in the faces of the majority without
agriculture, which is the mainstay of the country’s economy. Nigeria should
learn from the history of Netherlands in 1960 that depended on liquid gold
at the expense of other productive sectors and consequently embroiled in
food crisis and poverty. The earlier the government realized the urgent need
for proper funding and monitoring agriculture oriented institutions,
236
agencies, farmers and relevant stakeholders and utilization of agricultural
research findings, the better for the nation.
Long Term Plan
The College embarks on a large scale production of permanent crops,
especially oil palm plantation. Since the planting is in phases or blocks,
there is need for long term plan in order to take care of the processing and
storage of the produce. The long term plan will involve calculating the
expected annual yield for each annual block in order to give the potential
raw materials available for processing. The current palm oil mill in use may
not be adequate in the next five years when the young oil palm will start to
produce fruits alongside with the old ones.
It is to be noted that the fresh bunch consists of fruits embedded in
spikelets growing on a main stem. Manual threshing by cutting the fruit
laden spikelets from the bunch stem with an axe or machete and then
separating them from the spikelets by hand is labourious and
uneconomical. Also, palm tree starts fruiting at the age of three and the
yield per tree increases progressively until it reaches the peak around 20
years and the yield begins to decline from twenty five years through forty
years when the economic life of the tree seizes. There is need to purchase
more efficient processing mill that will take care of all the processing from
threshing to clarification
Provision of Storage Facilities
Plantain and pineapples are perishable products, which need urgent
disposal immediately after harvest. There is need for the College to provide
avenues for storage and processing of the produce.
Fertilizer Application
Oil palm requires fertilizer. In order to save cost of buying fertilizer,
incinerator could be provided to convert the nuts or shells and bunches
collected from oil palm to ash. Researches have convincingly shown that ash
is a source of plant nutrients, especially calcium, potassium and
237
magnesium. Leguminous crop is also advisable to be grown. This will serve
as source of nitrogen and will also reduce soil erosion.
Timeliness in Farm Operation
Agricultural activities are seasonal and it is unlike other sectors of the
economy. A delay usually leads to mass or total failure. There should be
timely release of fund for farm operations. Experts in the field of agriculture
are advised to take decisions relating to farm operations.
Provision of more Equipment
More equipment is needed to accomplish and sustain this noble task
embarked upon by the College. Tractors and other farm implements are
suggested to be purchased. Government at all levels, friends of Adeyemi
College of Education, Alumni members, host community and stakeholders
are enjoined to contribute their own quota to the sustenance of these
laudable projects in order to salvage the country from hunger, which stands
as a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of the nation.
Commercial farms should be separated from the teaching and research
farms.
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo has made landmarks in
agricultural sector by boosting food production. There have been
tremendous positive changes from time to time since the inception of the
Department of Agriculture in the College. At least, the College has been able
to contribute her quota to national development.
238
REFERENCES
Adebalogun, A.S. (2002). Response of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) to Wood
Ash.40 pp.
Adebayo, E.O. (2013). Effect of Organic, Organomineral and NPK Fertilizers
on Soil Cations in Selected Soils from Okitipupa, Southwest Nigeria.
36pp.
Adegboyega, O. S. (2012). Morphological characteristics of tomato as
influence by Organic, Organomineral and NPK fertilizers.Pp 48.
Adeyemi, I.I.2013. adeyemei College of Education in Focus. The NATION
Newspaper. Thursday, February 7, 2013. Pp27
Adeyemi, O. (1984). Effect of Planting Depth on Germination of Some
Selected Arable Crops.39 pp.
Adurewa, V.C. 2013. Growth Performance of Weaner Pig Fed Maize Replaced
with Cocoa Industiral Waste Diet. Pp30
Akinnodi, K. L. (2012). Effect of organic, organomineral and mineral
fertilizers on growth, nutrient uptake and yield of pumpkin.
Arunajoye, A.D. (2005). Effect of NPK Fertilizer and Poultry Manure on
Growth and Yield of Fluted Pumpkin.30 pp.
Ayoola, M.A.2013.adeymic College of Education Breaks New Ground in
Agricultural Development. The HOPE Newspaper. February, 1 2013.pp
3
Daudu, S.O. (2012). Comparative Effect of Organic, Organomineral and
mineral fertilizers on nutrient Uptake, Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea
mays).Pp 50.
Egankosi, M.M. (2013). Effect of Organic, Organomineral and NPK Fertilizer
on Soil Forms of Nitrogen.
Eze, O.S. (2012). Comparative effect of NPK, Organic and Organomineral
Fertilizers on Soil Chemical Properties and Yield of Tomato.70 pp.
Ojeniyi, S.O. (1999). So that our soil will not die.10th Inaugural Lecture of
the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Olaniran, S.O. (1992). Effect of Mulch-Tillage on the Performance of
Okra.34 pp.
Olubodun, K.S. (2012). Effect of Fertigation on yield and growth of Basella
Alba.35 pp.
239
Oladayo 2012 Effect of NPK, Organic and Organomineral Fertilizers on Soil
Physical Properties and Yield of Tomato.67 pp.
Hapstead, M.I. 1974. Classification of some Nigeria soils. Soil Sc.16: 437 -
443 CIA WORLD FACTBOOK 2013. Demographic of Nigeria.
Folarin, W.B.2012. Effect of Feeding Plantain Peels in Place of Maize on
Growth Performance of Rabbits. Pp 30
240
CHAPTER EIGHT
NEW LEASE OF LIFE UNDER PROFESSOR ADEYEMI IBUKUNOLUWA
IDOWU
The 23rd of June, 2006 would ever remain indelible in the annals of
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, as a very unique day that the College
started witnessing unprecedented new lease of life, following the assumption
of duty of Professor Adeyemi Ibukunoluwa Idowu, as the 15th Provost of the
College. Over the years and specifically, before he assumed duty, the College
had been confronted with various vicissitudes and critical challenges that
threatened the survival and continuity of the College as an Institution of
academic excellence. These challenges were quite apparent in the areas of
inadequate funding, ageing infrastructure, inadequate classrooms and
hostel space, declining academic fortune, low morale and productivity
among staff, incessant staff and student unrest, serious image problem.
The appointment of Professor Idowu, as the Provost of the Premier
College of Education in Nigeria, obviously grew out of the Federal
Government’s recognition of his usual leadership qualities as well as
achievements recorded in his various past national assignments. In his
determination to turn the tide around and re-invent the College, a new lease
of life started in the College.
Having assumed duty, Professor Idowu set machineries in motion to
realize his mission and vision for the College. His basic mission was
embedded in his vision which he tagged “add value to the College”. Within
few months of settling down, he instituted policies and programmes that
earned him the real “Value Added Provost”. The name “Value Added Provost”
did not come by accident, he proved to the whole world, particularly, the
College community, that he is up to such onerous and herculean tasks as
evidenced in the monumental achievements recorded during his tenure.
Indeed as a Provost, he embarked on projects that actually
transformed the College. Perhaps, that is why he has been described as a
241
humane and astute administrator and a team player who tackles
administrative duties and challenges with admirable objectivity.
Professor Idowu operates an open door policy that evolved a
systematic approach which adds value to the College. Within his tenure, he
inaugurated and executed projects that had direct impact on students, staff
and the entire Ondo community. Many of these projects were executed in
the main campus and the academic extension campus that housed
Demonstration Primary and Secondary Schools and the Directorates of
Preliminary Programmes and Part-Time Studies. As this chapter focuses on
new lease of life, it is therefore our intention to discuss the activities, efforts
and contributions that Professor. Idowu made in the development and
consolidation of Adeyemi College of Education as a leading teacher training
Institution in Nigeria.
The Bio-Data of Professor Adeyemi I. Idowu
Professor Adeyemi Ibukunoluwa Idowu was born on the 16th of June,
1950 at Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the present day
Osun State, to late Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Adetunji Idowu. He received his
primary school education in Sapele in former Mid-West Region where he
studied up to primary four, before he later came to Ibadan in Western
Region to complete the programme at the Methodist Primary School Oke-
Ado. He attended the famous Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti between January
1962 and December 1966 for his secondary esducation. In this school, he
continued his Higher School Certificate which he completed in 1968.
Thereafter, Prof. Idowu went to the prestigious University of Ife (now
Obafemi Awolowo University) between September 1970 and June 1973,
where he graduated with a B.Sc. Education (Biology/Chemistry) degree,
Second Class Honours, Upper Division. He was among the first set of
National Youth Service Corps (July 1973-June 1974). Immediately after his
NYSC, Professor Adeyemi Idowu started work as an Education Officer with
the Federal Ministry of Education, and later moved to Federal Government
Girls College, Ibadan as one of the pioneer staff of the College. In January
242
1976, He travelled to the United States of America where he obtained a
Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Guidance and Counselling from the
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, in May, 1977; and Ph.D. in Guidance
Counselling from the University of Pittsburgh, also in the United States of
America, in April, 1984. 1 Professor Adeyemi I. Idowu has a rich work
experience at tertiary levels of education in Nigeria. He was a lecturer at
Federal Advanced Teachers College (now Federal College of Education
(Special)), Oyo in 1978. He also worked in the Ministry of Home Affairs and
Rehabilitation and Social Development of the Oyo State. He was appointed
Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Counselling, University of Ilorin in
1979. He rose through the ranks of Assistant Lecturer to become a Professor
in October, 1994.
Professor Idowu has served in different academic and administrative
capacity at various levels within the University of Ilorin. He was Head of
Department for three years. He served as Dean of Education for two terms of
four years. He later became Chairman, Committee of Deans. More
significantly, he was elected Senate representative of the Council, where he
served for four years.2
Professor Idowu is a recipient of several academic scholarships,
fellowships, honours and awards such as the Nigeria Bottling Company
Scholarship for Higher School Certificate between 1967 and 1968, Prize for
the best three students in B. Sc Education Biology/Chemistry, 1970-1973;
Federal Government Scholarship to complete Master’s and Doctoral degree
programmes in the United States; winner of the Best Proposal award for
Student Research Grant at the University of Pittsburgh between 1983 and
1984; Fellow, Counselling Association of Nigeria (FCASSON), awarded by the
Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) for distinguished membership
in 2001, National President, Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) –
2000 to 2004 and Award of Honour presented by Nigerian Institute for
Training and Development (NITAD) in 2002.
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Professor Idowu belongs to many professional associations which
include: Member of the American Association of Counselling and
Development (AACD), National Vocational Guidance Association (NVGA) and
American College Personnel Association (ACPA), Member, International
Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA), who’s who in the east of the
Marquis, who’s who inc. Indiana, USA, who’s who in Nigerian Universities
and Research Institutes of the African Biographical Centre Ltd.; Lagos, The
new Who’s Who in Nigeria (92nd Ed.) of the Nigerian International
Biographical Centre, Lagos, Member (Affiliate) of the Institute of Personnel
Management of Nigeria (IPMN), Honorary Appointment into the Research
Board of Advisers of the American Biographical Institute.3
Professor Adeyemi I. Idowu is a prolific writer, having to his credit,
over seventy (70) journal articles in reputable local and international
journals. He has equally edited many books and contributed meaningful
chapters in books. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Journal of
Teacher Education (JTE). He has supervised not less than twelve (12) Ph.D.
theses and over forty (40) M.Ed. Dissertations. Prof. Idowu has also served
as External Examiner to several Universities and Colleges of Education in
Nigeria. He has attended several Conferences in Nigeria and abroad where
he presented papers.
Outside the University system, Professor Adeyemi I. Idowu was a
member of the Task Force of the National Council on Education (NCE) on
Guidance and Counselling, 1988; a Resource Person, Writer’s Workshop on
Training Manual for Career Masters, 1993; member, Planning/Writer’s
Committee (Workshop Bureau) on Blueprint on Guidance and Counselling
for Educational Institutions in Nigeria, 2000; member, Technical Research
Committee, Universal Basic Education (UBE), 2002; member, Critique
Workshop on Production of Handbook on Guidance and Counselling for
UBE, 2003; member, Presidential Visitation Panel of University of Nigeria,
Nsukka, 2004 and member, Accreditation Team to Ebonyi State University,
Abia State University and University of Port Harcourt, 2005. He was a
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member of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council
(NECO).
He was appointed Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, in
2006 and formally assumed duty in the College on Friday, 23rd June,
2006.4Since his assumption of duty, the College has experienced
unprecedented human and accelerated infrastructural development in all
spheres. Professor Idowu has been able to translate his Vision, Mission and
Agenda for the College into reality through his relentless pursuit of
transforming the College into a model College. His effort, as a reformer and
pacesetter, was rewarded in June 2010 when President and Commander-in-
Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR)
renewed his appointment for another four years.5
His competence, ability, strong character and zeal for success as an
academic and administrator, coupled with his open-door-policy in the day to
day administration of the College has endeared him, not only to staff and
students alike but, to all and sundry, even with waves of commendations.6
The Eight-Year Stewardship of Professor Adeyemi I. Idowu (2006 –
2014) That Ushered in New Lease of Life in the CollegeStaff
Development
Having become the Provost in 2006, Professor Idowu lifted the College
to a great height. He must be remembered for instituting various programes
in the College. In the area of staff development, he encouraged staff to go for
further academic studies in order to be more effective and efficient in their
duties. Many staff was sponsored to conferences, while many were
sponsored for further studies. One remarkable feature of this sponsorship to
conferences was the opportunity given to staff to attend at least one
international conference, a development that was hitherto rare in the
College. The massive attendance of International conferences by staff of the
college had gone a long way to give an international exposure to the staff of
245
the college. This development has also linked the college to the international
world.
The staffing position in the college has greatly improved. The issue of
being bottom heavy is gradually phasing out. About 45 Chief Lecturers have
been made in the College. It could be recorded that in 2006 before the
advent of the Professor Idowu’s administration, the college could only boast
of 14 Chief Lecturers. Also many have become Senior Lecturers and
Principal Lecturers. In fact, the Provost has pursued aggressively the
promotion of staff during his tenure. It is this zeal that brought tremendous
improvement in the number of Chief Lecturers and Principal Lecturers in
the College.
Professor Idowu has recorded landmark achievements in the area of
encouraging staff for further studies. During his tenure, the College has
recorded high production rate in PhD and Masters Degree holders. Indeed, it
is not an overstatement to say that the College is one of the Colleges in
Nigeria that have the highest number of PhD holders on it staff list.
With Professor Idowu the college seems to have entered an era of
impressive development in staff welfare. Professor Idowu will be remembered
for two main reasons. In the first place, he was able to establish a very
cordial relationship between the College Management and the three staff
unions in the College namely; Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior
Staff Union of Colleges of Education (SSUCOEN) and Colleges of Education
Academic Staff Union (COEASU). These three unions have, at different
occasions honoured the Provost with meritorious Awards. Professor Idowu
also established cordial relations with the two functional cooperative
societies in the College. In recognition of this, these societies have also
conferred awards of exemplary leadership on him. Secondly, he succeeded in
building a machinery of administration that was stronger and more detailed
in outlook than any previous administration in the College. In recognition of
this administrative acumen, the School of Arts and Social Sciences did not
246
hesitate to honour him with the highest award of exemplary leadership in
Tertiary Education administration in Nigeria.7
Academic Development
In the area of academic programmes, Professor Idowu had made giant
strides to improve the quality of instruction in the college, with regard to the
teaching – learning situation. The Provost placed high premium on human
resources development, maintaining and expanding infrastructural facilities,
widening and strengthening curriculum base and engaging in research and
teaching activities. Modern laboratory equipment was also purchased for
science based courses.
Another remarkable academic achievement of the Provost was the
accreditation of all programmes of the college. He was able to achieve this
landmark success because he provided all the basic elements required for
the accreditation exercise. These elements included staff strength, office
accommodation, lecture rooms, Lecture theatres and so on.
Professor Idowu successfully got approval from the National
Commission of Colleges of Education and the Senate of Obafemi Awolowo
University for the introduction of three additional NCE programmes and five
additional degree programmes. These programmes included Music, Adult
and Non-Formal Education and Early Childhood Care and Education at
NCE level, while Religious Studies, Social Studies, Economics, Guidance
and Counselling and Integrated Science/Mathematics were approved at the
degree level.8
Also, a Directorate of Preliminary Programmes was created to improve
the standard of programmes in the College. It was a radical departure from
the Pre-NCE Programme which was proscribed by the NCCE. This
Directorate was scheduled with responsibility of preparing candidates for
admission into NCE and Degree programmes. He put in place well equipped
247
structures for the programmes. In addition, as part of his policy towards
improving and enlarging academic programmes on the campus, he made the
College to enter into collaboration with Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
This collaboration enabled the College to establish Directorate of Part-Time
Studies for external degree programme.9
To further aid academic development, the library of the College also
received a boost through the Provost, as hard and soft copies of learning
materials were purchased for the library. With his relationship with
Educational foundations, the College received donation of several volumes of
books, for instance Ceezek Foundation, a non-governmental organization
based in the United States of America donated several volumes of books to
the College. This donation has helped to increase the collection of literature
in the library. The Provost also spearheaded the renovation of the library
extension. He purchased book-shelves, photocopiers, computers and e-
learning facilities for the library, in addition to the internet facilities
procured by him.
In order to make every member of staff ICT compliant, he established
the MIS, under the leadership of an Assistant Director. This is done to make
staff have access to education based on materials from e-learning, teaching
and research. He built a well equipped edifice to serve as Management
information system (MIS) and Virtual Library block. This is done to ensure
that the college could compete with its counterparts in this era of
Information and Communication Technology.
Infrastructural Development
In the area of infrastructural development, Professor Idowu had
upgraded and uplifted the image of the college through giving facelift to
existing structures and the building of new structures. The college had also
recorded remarkable progress in infrastructural developments, as a result of
the foresight of the Provost. The Provost’s academic and social connections
have brought tremendous improvement in the developmental efforts of the
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college. The human relations of the Provost had attracted some friends of
the college, who were able to assist the college in putting up befitting
structures.10 The Provost had succeeded in convincing the donors that the
college community would make judicious use of the projects. These efforts
had culminated in the erection of lecture theatres, Dean’s blocks and staff
offices. Indeed, during the tenure of Professor Adeyemi I. Idowu, the college
witnessed tremendous infrastructural development. This development made
the college to be more conducive for academic and social activities. Also
ageing infrastructures such as classroom, offices, student hostels, lecture
theatres received the attention of the Provost. All these facilities have
positioned the college for a full-fledged University status. Indeed, this had
improved the quality of structures and enhanced the general outlook of the
College.11 Within eight years of Professor Idowu’s provostship many projects
were effectively executed in order to further improve the standard of learning
and teaching and to make the environment conducive and attractive: these
projects include among others:
• Construction of Library Extension Project – Phase I;
• Construction of Students’ Recreation Centre – Phase I & II;
• Rehabilitation of some College roads;
• Fencing of the college
• Rehabilitation of class rooms and offices at Demonstration Primary
School
• Rehabilitation of class rooms and offices at Demonstration Secondary
School
• Purchase of Laboratory Equipment;
• Construction of an ICT/Virtual Library;
• Construction of Director of Physical Planning and Services’ block
• Construction of a Bursary Unit in the Administrative Block – Phase
IIIA& IIIB;
• Improved supply of water;
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• Extension of Electricity Supply/Street Lighting to the New Arbico
Millennium Market;
• Construction of a 1000-seater Lecture Theatre in the College;
• Construction of Library Extension Project – Phase II;
• Completion of Hostel B;
• Provision of a College Master Plan – Phases I & II;
• Construction of Science Complex – Phase I, II & III
• Rehabilitation of Social Studies resource centre
• Rehabilitation of Language Laboratory
• Rehabilitation of Buildings in Demonstration Primary and Secondary
Schools
• Rehabilitation of Department of Biology
• Rehabilitation of Geography Laboratory
• Street lighting and Transportation Energizing;
• Rehabilitation of College Health Centre;
• Procurement of Computer Equipment to ICT Centre – LOT I;
• Furnishing of New Administrative Building – Phases IIIA & IIIB;
• Rehabilitation of Department of Economics
• Rehabilitation of Department of History
• Rehabilitation of Department of Social Studies
• Rehabilitation of Department of Geography
• Rehabilitation of Department of Religious Studies
• Rehabilitation of Department of Biology
• Rehabilitation of Chemistry Laboratory
• Rehabilitation of Biology Laboratory
• Rehabilitation of Provost’s Block
• Rehabilitation of Registrar’s Block
• Construction of 500-seater Lecture theatre;
• Construction of Physical and Health Education Block;
• Construction of Agricultural Science Block;
• Construction of Fine and Applied Arts Block;
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• Construction of Department of Chemistry
• Construction of 25-room Academic Office Complex – ETF;
• Improvement of Electricity Supply to the College – Phase II – ETF;
• Construction of Dean’s block of the School of Languages
• Construction of 500-seater Lecturer Theatre – ETF.
• Construction of Dean’s block of the School of Arts and Social Sciences
• Construction of Department of Educational Technology
• Construction of Department of Early childhood Care and Education
• Construction of Department of Music
• Construction of Directorate of Preliminary Studies
In fact, one of the most important areas where the Provost left an
indelible impact is in the field of infrastructural development. The efforts he
put in the renovation of ageing structures and the erection of new ones are
quite commendable.12
Between 2006 and till date, Professor Idowu has administered the
College in a manner that has brought tremendous improvements in
infrastructural development in the extension unit that housed
Demonstration Primary and Secondary Schools and the Directorates of Part-
Time and preliminary programmes. New structures were built and old ones
were rehabilitated. At the main campus, some of the newly constructed
buildings included Dean’s blocks for Schools, new classrooms and offices for
staff.13 Other areas where Professor Adeyemi I. Idowu made indelible marks
are lecture theatres. Also, he renovated almost all the ageing structures on
the main campus. At the campus extension for instance, the Provost made
similar efforts to build and renovate structures. All the classrooms in the
Demonstration schools (Primary and Secondary) were renovated to facilitate
teaching and learning process. Similarly at the laboratory unit of the
secondary school, modern equipment was provided for the school. All these
aided the landmark success recorded by the students in their final
examination. It is not an overstatement to say that the school has now been
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equipped with modern scientific equipment that could compete favourable
with standard science school, anywhere in the country.
In the area of road construction, access roads were constructed. The
road that linked the School of Vocational and Technical Education through
Directorate of Physical Planning Works and Services were constructed. The
road that linked the Arbico Market with main campus was constructed. Also
access road that linked the School of Education with the second gate was
also constructed.
Students Affairs, Welfare and Crisis Management
In the area of student population, Professor Idowu administration
increased the number of students’ intake following the new departments
that were added to the existing ones. The creation of these Departments
brought tremendous increase in student population. The increasing
enrolment of students in the college brought with it a lot of challenges.
Indeed the influx of students because of the high standard of the college has
some challenges accompanying it. These include rascality unruly behaviour
and notoriety. This has constituted strong challenge to Professor Idowu
administration. To reduce student’s rascality on campus, Professor Idowu
has adopted numerous strategies to reduce the spate of student protest on
campus.
One of the strategies adopted is that the Provost attempts to produce
a semblance of peaceful co-operation and co-existence by presenting to the
students that Adeyemi community is one big family. With this approach the
students always see the Provost as their father, who at anytime is ready to
listen and assist when the need arises. The students believe that they are
relevant in the scheme of things and resolve to live in peace with the Provost
despite varying family backgrounds. This strategy adopted by the Provost
serves as a great instrument to combat student unrest. In fact this method
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was a means of balancing conflicting interests between the students and the
college management.
Professor Idowu also instituted a level playing ground for the
resolution of student grievances. This method is an open and trusting
exchange of views and facts between the students and the college
management. With this strategy the students may disagree with the
management on some issues but still remain friend of the management.
With this procedure, the students are willing to bring difficulty issues into
the open without fear of intimidation and victimization. In fact this strategy
helped the Provost to resolve all manners of student grievances such as
increase in school fees, accommodation problem, prohibition of student
union, incessant power failure, the problem of relationship between the
students and host community as well as inadequate infrastructure. The
Provost was able to resolve all these grievances whenever they occurred in
an effective and mutually satisfying manner. Indeed this strategy enabled
the students to work together with the Provost to guarantee peace on
campus. With the Provost conflict resolution strategies, through constant
meetings with the student representatives, he became abreast with their
plight and brought lasting resolutions to student grievances whenever they
arose.
As part of the Provost’s peace building and development plan, he
inaugurated a Parents Staff/ Alumni Forum. This forum is saddled with the
responsibilities of fostering a working relationship between the student and
staff on one hand, students and management on the other hand. This forum
worked hand in hand with the Provost toward peace and sustainable
development in the college. Apart from serving as mediator on conflicting
issues, the Parents Staff/Alumni Forum also serve as arbitrator. As
arbitrators, they possess the authority to act as judge over contemptuous
issues. The Provost allowed their decision on conflicting issues to be binding
on all parties.
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In addition, in order to make Adeyemi College of Education free of
crisis, the Provost advocated for peace. He encouraged members of the
college community to imbibe the gospel of peace. In other words, students
and staff engaged in peace mission.
Professor Idowu has zero tolerance for deviant behaviours and hardly
interferes in student politics. He helped to combat student unrest, having
discovered that majority of students that usually cause crisis on campus are
students with poor academic performance. In most institutions, some of
these groups of students found their way to become student union leaders
and frequently cause mayhem on campus. To stop this trend, from further
infiltrating the college, the Provost agreed with all the stakeholders that only
student with CGPA of not less than 3.50 would be allowed to contest
Students’ Union elective positions. Indeed, the leadership provided by these
set of student leaders, had in no small way, encouraged peace on campus.14
Professor Idowu had implemented viable safety programmes to contain
any form of crises and criminality on campus. He instituted excellent
information programmes to keep the college community informed about
management decision on salient matters. On the whole, the Provost
employed the right persons to handle issues relating to safety and security
in Adeyemi College of Education. He hired the right caliber of security and
safety personnel to help in maintaining peace and security. As part of
security measures on campus, paramilitary organizations were also
equipped and motivated to be more effective in curbing the menace of
cultism and other anti social activities.
In addition Professor Idowu established functional relationship with
various government security Agencies and further strengthened the internal
security through the creation of security committee headed by a Chief
Lecturer. This committee is concerned with general security on campus,
regulation of religious activities, eligibility of candidate for elective position,
student sporting and social activities, residency within the college campus,
identity cards and means of identification, and issues relating to cultism.
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These strategies greatly assisted the college to curtail the challenges of
insecurity on campus.
Indeed, one of the most important areas where Professor Idowu left an
indelible mark was in the establishment of modern eatery. There was not
such in the College when he assumed duty as Provost. This made him to
devote his energy to establish a centre. As Chief Executive, he entered into
agreement with Tantalizer Plc for the establishment of a branch in the
College.
Professor Idowui’s tenure as Provost blazed the trail and helped the
college to have three banks on the campus. In fact, there was no bank in the
college since the inception of the college in 1964. It is on record today that
his initiative made the United Bank, Plc; Skye and Intercontinental banks
and also the Aogo Community Micro Finance Bank to have branches in the
College.
Professor Idowu had contributed in no small measures in ensuring
peace on campus through the formation and implementation of an effective
defence system. The Provost instituted defence mechanism geared towards
the security of lives and properties. One of the most dramatic and far-
reaching contributions of Professor Idowu was the means of identification on
campus. Identity cards and lanyards were provided for all staff and students
in the college. This made it easy to identify members of the college
community. He enforced the wearing of lanyards. Within the period of one
year, the culture of wearing lanyard for identification became established
through. Staff and students now put on customized identity cards with
different lanyard colours for purpose of identification. This has greatly
assisted the college in checking both internal and external infiltrations.
Today, this has become a symbol of identity for Adeyemi Staff and Students
not only within the College but outside the College Community. This has
tremendously reduced the tempo of insecurity.
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College-Community Relationship
In the area of the community relations, the Provost enjoyed a robust
relationship with the host community. While the host community has been
increasingly involved with development in the College on the one hand, the
Provost has been invited regularly to social engagements in town. The
cordial relationship has made High Chief Sir Olabanji Akingbule, MFR on
his part to construct a 250-seater lecture theatre for the College while the
late Lisa of Ondo Kingdom High Chief Bayo Akinnola, CFR, Lisa of Ondo
Kingdom had assisted in the completion of Students’ Union Building.
Indeed, the post of Chief Executive is very strategic not only to the
College but also the Ondo Community. He had to re-orient the people, and
inform them of the management programmes. He took these challenges with
his usual vigour and dedication. With time, the Provost earned the
admiration of the Ondo community. He made the people to be constantly
aware of management programmes. He embarked on meeting with the Ondo
community. He instituted necessary measures for good inter-relationship
between the College and Ondo community. Indeed, he brought College very
close to the community through regular interactions.15 This relationship has
culminated in the conferment of chieftaincy titles of Fiwajoye of Ondo
Kingdom on the Provost and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Adetoun Idowu by the
Osemawe, the Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba
Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, Jilo II. By the Provost’s peaceful and
friendship policy, he has earned the respect of the Ondo Community. He has
boosted the image and prestige of the College through the cordial
relationship between the gown and the town. Today, Professor Adeyemi
Idowu is a household name in Ondo land.
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End Notes
1. ACE Newsletter Volume I issued I August/September, 2013 p. 11
2. Oral evidence derived from Professor Adeyemi Ibukunoluwa Idowu,
Provost Adeyemi College of Education Ondo, 20th August, 2013.
3. The Nation, Thursday 7 February 2003 Professor Adeyemi
Ibukunoluwa Idowu. The Trail blazer p. 20.
4. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Nigeria, News Bulletin July,
2006.
5. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Nigeria, News Bulletin May,
2010.
6. Bulletin of the 5th Annual National conference, School of Arts and
Social Sciences, Adeyemi College of Education 2013. Pp 1 – 20
7. Ibid
8. Idowu A. I. (2013) An address delivered at the 32nd Convocation
lecture of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo.
9. Idowu A. I. (2009) An Address delivered of the Matriculation Ceremony
of 2008 Sandwich Students.
10. Idowu A. I. (2008) An Address delivered in the 7th Special Lecture
Series of the College
11. Bulletin of the 2013 Annual Conference School of Science. Pp 21 & 22
12. For details on infrastructural development under Professor Idowu see
Adeyemi College of Education Project pictures in Adeyemi College of
Education in focus. Pp 4 – 6.
13. Marc-Sarah Media Concept 2013, Adeyemi College of Education in
focus. P3
14. Idowu A. I (2010) An Address delivered at 31st Convocation Ceremony,
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
15. Oral evidence derived from Professor Adeyemi Ibukunoluwa Idowu,
Provost Adeyemi College of Education Ondo, 20th August, 2013.
CHAPTER NINE
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INTERACTIVE SESSIONS WITH SOME FORMER PRINCIPAL,
PROVOSTS AND SERVING PROVOST OF THE COLLEGE
The central focus of this chapter is that of detailed
documentation of the interactions held with former Principal,
Provosts and serving Provost of Adeyemi College of Education,
Ondo. The contributions of these College Administrators are very
germane to the history of the College. This chapter contains the
interviews held with Mr. L. O. Sofenwa (Principal 1966 – 1969)
Professors Adesina (Provost 1984 -1985),Mr. B. F. Adeniji
(January –March 1991) Dr. R.A. Adeboyeje, (Associate Professor)
(Provost 1999 – 2004) Dr. (now Professor) Akorede (Acting Provost
2004 – 2006) and Professor A.I. Idowu (incumbent Provost 2006
to date). The choice of these six College Administrators was
influenced not only by the need to include the interviews held
with them but also by the desire to give adequate recognition to
their contributions to the making of Adeyemi College of
Education. Data for this chapter have come primarily from the
discussions held with them. The chapter has been divided into
six parts. The first part is on the interview conducted with Mr. L.
O. Sofenwa. The second part dwells extensively on the interaction
with Professor Segun Adesina. The third part concentrates on
the interview held with Mr..B. F. Adeniji. While the fourth part
reveals the discussion held with Dr. R. A. Adeboyeje. The focus of
the fifth part is on the interview conducted with Professor V. E. A.
Akorede. The last part is a reflection on contemporary issues in
the transformation of the College as expressed by the incumbent
Provost, Professor Adeyemi I. Idowu.
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I. INTERVIEW CONDUCTED WITH MR. L. O.
SOFENWA1
Question – Can we meet you in terms of your personal bio-data?
Response – My name is Mr. L. O. Sofenwa. I was born in Lagos
on the 8th of November, 1927 to enlightened parents from
Egbaland. I had a middle class upbringing and the privilege of
sound education. Though born to Muslim parents, I became a
Christian from early life. I attended Ereko Methodist School,
Lagos, between 1933 and 1939 for my kindergarten and primary
education. I was at Tinunbu Methodist School, Lagos in 1940
and Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos for my Secondary
Education between 1940 and 1946. It was at the Methodist Boys’
High School Lagos, that I sat for and passed my Senior
Cambridge School leaving Certificate and London Matriculation
Examination Certificate. I was at Birkbeck College, University of
London United Kingdom between 1950 and 1954 for my B. A.
Degree in Latin, English and History. I attended the Institute of
Education, University of London between 1954 and 1955 for my
Postgraduate Certificate in Education. I was also at St Paul’s
College at Cheltenhan, Glos United Kingdom between 1961 and
1962 to obtain a Diploma in Teaching of English as a foreign
Language. I was in the United States of America for Master of
Arts, Higher Education at Teachers’ College, Columbia University
on UNESCO Fellowship between 1968 and 1969.I started my
career as a Third Class Clerk at the Accountant General’s Office
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Treasury, Nigerian Secretariat, Lagos 1947 – 1949, Education
Office, Colony Province, Lagos between 1955 and 1957.I taught
in the following Schools before coming to Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo in 1966 as the Principal: Eko Boy’s High School
Lagos, Government College Ugheli, Delta Province, Government
college Ibadan, 1961 to 1963 and Ayetoro Comprehensive
College.
Question – How did you become the Principal of Adeyemi College
of Education?
Response – I was posted to the College by the Western State
Government to head the place.
Question – When you came to Adeyemi College, what did you
meet on ground in form of challenges and how did you attempt to
solve them?
Response – I was actually blank when I was posted to Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo. However, I took up the challenge of
having to lead a tertiary institution where all the students are
mature and responsible adults. To be offered admission to
Adeyemi College in those days, you must have gotten your
Teacher’s Grade II Certificate with years of experience or GCE
London in relevant subjects. I had earlier worked in Secondary
Schools and summoned the courage to forge ahead. Water was a
big problem when I came and the person that handed over to me
Mrs. Ogundipe had hinted me. To solve the water problem, I
liaised with Water Corporation in Akure to secure water for the
students and the kitchen. Another challenge I had was the first
coup which broke out not long from the time I came on board.
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Most of the staff were expatriates. Unfortunately, the morning
after the announcement of the coup plotters, I woke up only to
see that all the expatriate staff were gone without my knowledge.
I had to grapple with the problems of getting replacements for my
staff. Again I discovered that I had to get close to the students to
be able to manage them well. I mixed up with them and socialized
very well among them. I went as far as joining them in their
palm-wine drinkers’ club. Fortunately my wife a Registered Nurse
and a matron was transferred to Akure and could only come
home on duty-free days. All these made my early days in the
College easy.
Question – Could you remember any other area of challenges
and how you managed them?
Response – I remembered having a challenge with the kitchen
and particularly with one politician handling supplies of food
items. He believed he could not be tamed even when he was
supplying substandard items. My predecessor, Mrs. P. A.
Ogundipe had told me that if I was going to have any problem in
the College it was going to be with that politician. He belonged to
the Action Group and was almost untamable. The students’
welfare was paramount in my administration, so when the report
got to me I investigated it and having got my report I arranged a
journey to Ibadan in the College Bus along with the Bursar,
Kitchen Matron, Food Prefect and we went to Ibadan with a
report to see Mr. Somade who was in charge of Schools. The
Ministry did not inform him before his order of supply was
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withdrawn and I was asked to suggest another person for the
position.
Question – The First Convocation Ceremony was held by your
administration, could you remember how it went?
Response – Well, it was a low-key celebration since it took place
during the civil war and we had about 90 graduating students. It
must be stressed that at that time, this was a great success for
the Western State Government in terms of Teacher Education.
Question – Can you remember the subjects offered and some of
your staff or students?
Response – We offered the common subjects like History,
English, French, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology,
Geography, Physical and Health Education, Home-Economics,
Religious Knowledge and Education. As to the teachers who
worked with me then I remember one Adeniji, Adedeji. I cannot
remember others. Comrade Adefemi was a Part One Student
when I was leaving in 1969.
Question – Where were the Teachers produced by Adeyemi
College of Education meant to work on completion of their
programmes in the College?
Response – The teachers produced by Adeyemi College of
Education were meant to work in Secondary Schools.
Question – Was there any regret you had working in Adeyemi
College as Principal?
Response – None. Indeed none! No regret. “I left Adeyemi College
for United States, Columbia University on a UNESCO Fellowship
to do my Master Degree.”
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II. INTERVIEW CONDUCTED WITH PROFESSOR
SEGUN ADESINA2
Question – We are from Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo.
Can we meet you, in the areas of your personal life, educational
attainment, work experience and so on?
Response – Ok, personal life, let me start from the scratch. I am
a native of Abeokuta. I was born on the 5th of January, 1941 to
two people who were both educationists. My father, Samuel
Adeboye Adesina was a teacher but ended up as the Supervisor
of a Catholic School for the Egbado region in Ogun State. My
mother was one of the first set of Our Lady of Apostles Teacher
Training College in Yaba, Lagos State and she ended up as the
headmistress of the school. I attended Saint Augustine Primary
School Abeokuta. After my primary Education, I gained
admission into Loyola College, Ibadan. I was one of the thirty-
four foundation set. That is, we were thirty-four at the inception
of the College. Then, from there, I attended Nigerian College of
Arts, Science and Technology for my A’ level and then, in 1962 I
gained admission into the University of Ife. I was also part of the
foundation set of University of Ife where I read History and
graduated in 1965 with a 2nd Class Upper in History. I then went
back to Loyola College to teach in 1966. I had the opportunity of
Federal Government Scholarship and African American Institute
Fellowship to travel to the United States in 1966 for my Masters
263
Degree and I changed from History to Educational
Administration. I obtained my Masters degree in Educational
Administration in 1967 and in the same year I returned to the
country to start my University teaching career as an Assistant
Lecturer in the University of Lagos. Later, I returned to Columbia
University in 1970 for my doctoral degree, having obtained a
study leave from my employer, the University of Lagos. I
remained at the University of Lagos until 1975 when I got
appointment at the United Nations as the Education Officer in
charge of the education of refugees in 33 countries. I remained in
the office of the United Nations Commissioner for refugees until
1976 when I returned to my job at the University of Lagos. In
1978, I got my professorship from University of Ilorin and in
1980; I became the Dean of the Faculty of Education, University
of Ilorin. I was there for four years between 1980 and 1984. In
1984, I got a sabbatical appointment at the University of Ife,
which took me to Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo.
Question – How did you become the Provost of the Institution
and when you came in, what were your plans and how did you
execute those plans?
Response – Actually, I came to Adeyemi College of Education by
sheer coincidence. That is, It was not by desire. My sabbatical
was to be spent at the Faculty of Education, University of Ife, but
for one reason or the other, the Vice Chancellor said that, the
vacancy that I could occupy was at Ondo, at Adeyemi College of
Education where one Mr. Ninan was the Acting Principal. The
Vice Chancellor then issued me a letter in 1984 appointing me as
264
the first Provost of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo because
at that time Colleges of Education stopped having headship as
principals, they started referring to them as Provosts in 1984. So,
the Vice Chancellor then posted me to Adeyemi College of
Education as Provost. When I came to Adeyemi College of
Education, my vision was to leave an impact, I wanted to make
sure that it is not how long I spend there that matters but how
much impact I was able to make. So, right from the onset, I had
to assess what the problems of the institution were. First of all,
there was the problem of leadership. You see, the leadership that
I met was in an acting capacity. So, there is very little that could
be done when one is in acting capacity. Unless one is occupying a
post in a substantive capacity, he or she will lack confidence in
doing what should necessarily be done. The first problem was
leadership. The second that I observed was in terms of the
Personnel, Academic and Non-Academic. In terms of academics, I
discovered that they were more tied to the University of Ife than
to the College and also, there were very little programmes for
progression academically. Things like study leave for those
working on Masters’ degree, or Doctoral programme, were aliens
to the system at that time and the staff themselves were not
aspiring to advance themselves academically. In the non-
academic area, it was like posting part of the administrative staff
of Ife to Ondo. They could not function independently except they
got clearance from the authorities at Ife. For example, the
Registrar was posted from the Registrar’s office at Ife, the Bursar
was posted from the Bursary at Ife, so, there was a limit to which
265
both of them including the then College Principal could spend.
Whatever they could spend had to be approved by Ife. I found
that nauseating, especially after you have headed a Faculty for
four years and then you find yourself being governed by rules
that are mainly applicable to secondary school system. The
students constituted the third problem. They lacked proper
supervision. They were too free. They could not be controlled
because the people that should control them were not even on
ground. What I discovered was that most of the people that were
on ground at that time were from neighbouring towns, very few of
them were actually stationed in the college. In fact, my
administrative officer, Mr. Makinde, was living outside even while
I was right in the premises. So, the students themselves lacked
proper supervision, apart from the fact that accommodation
problems were terrible. So, that was another area. Giving the
college a strong academic state was one of my major goals. The
other problem that I ran into was related to infrastructure in the
premises. Some of the buildings, when I went there in 1984 were
the buildings that were there since 1960. The roofs were all in
tatters, there was water problem and the library was virtually
empty. The classrooms were dilapidated and so on and so forth.
The problem of infrastructure was just rife. In fact in terms of the
students’ achievement when I went there, I discovered that for
the past 7 or 8 years, no students got any certificate from that
place because the issue of who to sign was unresolved. It was still
being debated between Ife and Ondo. So, it was my lot, I just
brought all the certificates together and signed about 8 to 8,000
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of them in 3 nights. One can see the extent of neglect that was
there. The question of convocation did not even arise when there
was no certificate to issue. For the past 8 years, the place could
not do anything called convocation for the purpose of issuing
certificates and things like that. So, there are problems and I
knew that I was coming to spend a short period there, that I have
two alternatives, either to say, “pass through the place, leave
them as they are and return to your place”, or to say “No, you
just have to change and put them on a completely different path
that they are not used to”. It was not easy but it was done, so I
opted for the second choice by saying. “No, this is not how a
College of Education should be, it should be strongly academic,
that is my own personal principle. I strongly believe that the
College of Education that teaches its own history, teaches its own
English, teaches its own sciences should not be tied to the
timetable and the aims and objective of the other faculties of the
University. But as I said, I was a Dean, before coming to Ondo,
for 4 years, the Dean of Faculty of Education. I knew what it is to
run degree programmes in Education. For instance, unless the
Faculty of Arts, Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences have settled
their time-table, we cannot draw any time-table in the Faculty of
Education and, then, the same thing goes for the examinations.
So, I was bent on having the College of Education where all the
subjects and the pedagogy would be taught. The academic staff
should be improved, they should go for their PhDs, they should
go for their masters. I had to tell all the staff, “let me have your
request for Masters and PhD programmes, all of you” in the
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subject areas, because that was the system that I met. In the
NCE system that was how it was. The subjects and education
courses were taught under one umbrella. So, let’s project it to the
degree. So I said, “you the Division of Arts, go for your PhDs, so
that you can continue to stay there, you in the sciences and
Education, go for your PhD”. So, that was how we embarked on
it.
Question – At that period, we learnt that you advised the Faculty
of Education to really bring the Faculty to Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo. How true is this?
Response – No, it’s not that I advised them, when I said I wanted
to run degree programmes in Adeyemi College of Education,
Ondo, they said University of Ife cannot run two degree
programmes in Education, one at Ife and the other at Adeyemi.
Then I said well, fine, let us have one degree programme. The
facilities at Adeyemi are now better than the facilities at Ife, so
bring your Faculty to Ondo and you know that was a very
difficult suggestion. It was like saying that the Faculty of
Education at Ife should be abolished. So, they had to rise against
it. I said I agreed with you that you cannot have two degree
programmes in the same Faculty to be running in the different
locations i.e. one degree programme in Education at Ife and
another degree programme in Education at Adeyemi. Then I said,
“well, you see, the people at Ondo have an independent degree
programme in Education, then join them”. As you know, the
people at Ife do not have an independent degree programmes in
Education, they still have a degree programme in Education that
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is tied to the Faculty of Arts, tied to the regulation in the Faculty
of science, tied to the time-table and examination conditions in
all these other faculties but at Ondo, everything is under one
umbrella. At inception, we were not tied to the Faculty of Arts at
Ife, except the general regulations governing the award of the
degree programmes. That is, it is not that we are teaching the
courses of Faculty of Arts or that we have to wait for the time-
table of the Faculty of Arts before we draw our own at Ondo. It is
an independent programme, that was why I said it was not as
easy as it is being recounted now.
The Senate of Ife stood strongly against it and I stood
strongly against the Senate at Ife because I said it is not
individual interest as Professors or Senior Lecturers that matters,
it is the recognition of Adeyemi as an independent institution that
should come first. I then said let us try to compromise. At the
very worst, let us have our own degree programme and then say
it is in affiliation with the University of Ife. The irony of it was
that students were opting more for Adeyemi degree programmes
than for Ife for different reasons. For instance, the admission at
the Faculty of Education, University of Ife, was based on quota
system, the quota that the University gave to that Faculty, but in
Adeyemi, we determined our own number. The number we
admitted at Adeyemi was not tied to the number they admitted at
Faculty of Arts or Science. But, meanwhile, we said we should
exclude the NCE students, because if we started with the NCE
students, they could just say we are doing in-breeding, just
promoting our own NCE students but if we then bring students
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from all schools under the same conditions, like taking the same
JAMB examination, scoring the same number of points, having
the same cut-off points with Ife and everything, then they could
run an independent programme and I am sure that is how it is
up to today.
Question – According to you, your tenure was brief, I do not
know, maybe you recorded a remarkable influence on
infrastructural development of the College in spite of this brief
tenure?
Response – Yes, the ones that I can now remember vividly in the
area of water supply. I did not remember students taking
buckets, coming outside the compound to draw water again
because there was no water in the College. We dug, bore holes, at
least I dug two. One for the hostels and one for the staff quarters.
That solved the problem of water. Luckily, the supply was
sumptuous. Electricity, well, the generator house that is on the
right, going towards the Provost house was built. A major, new
real generator that would capture the entire campus was bought.
The day it was brought to the compound, it was singing and
drumming. Also the roads were completely tarred because I had
to, first of all, fight for independent award of contracts, especially
those that can be done by direct labour. I did not want to leave
any abandoned project there, or start a building that I will not
complete; I did not want to start a road or borehole that I will not
complete. So, all these things had to be compressed. There were
sleepless nights for the 16 months that I spent there, so, the road
networks were rehabilitated. Then, the Library was furnished, the
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centre hall, I mean the auditorium was completely rehabilitated
because there were leakings and some of the roofs were even
coming down. Since I could not wait enough to build a new hall, I
decided to rehabilitate the existing one and then the entire
premises were re-painted, that was why the whole place looked
new by the time I was leaving. Then, staff quarters. For the few
staff quarters that were there, we made sure that we charged
those who were cleaning there with the responsibility of cleaning
the place often and often.
Question – Did you institute a robust relationship between the
College and Ondo Community during your tenure?
Response – Yes, that was one area that I thought I also made a
major impact. I managed to institute College-Community
relations, because at the time I came, the relationship was not
very cordial. The community of Ondo saw the institution as ‘their
college’, the College saw the institution as our college not their
own. In other words, there was no interaction, social, economic
etc, between the Community and the College. Secondly, the
Community complained bitterly that contrary to the Federal
Government regulations that positions in a Federal institutions
should be occupied by members of the community. Adeyemi
College did not observe it. For example, the regulation is that any
junior position like, level 1 to 6, at the time should be given to the
immediate community but when I came there, I discovered that
very few members of the Ondo Community were in the service of
the college. There was a triangular representation among the
staff, the Dean of the Faculty of Education at that time was from
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Ijero, the Registrar was from Ise (Ekiti) the other Dean was from
Aye Ekiti, these are communities in Ekiti but these people that I
have mentioned are the people that are actually governing the
College. So, the posts at the bottom were completely shared by
Ijero, Ise, Aaye. So, the Ondo community was just watching. I
now called the group because I am not from Ondo and I said,
look, this is what the Federal Government said, “as much as
possible, build some kind of cordial relationship with the
community by engaging them with some of the positions here”.
So, I started implementing that immediately. Those that were
there should stay. It is not that you are sacking. No, that is not
the solution. Those that have been employed should stay but
further employment should now concentrate on the community.
And of course, on my arrival, I paid a courtesy call on the
Osemawe, Oba Adekolurejo. By the time I left, I think the
correction of the imbalance was so conspicuous that the Ondo
community recognized it and after I had left, they invited me back
to be conferred with a chieftaincy title. As a matter of fact, they
did not tell me they were going to give me a chieftaincy title, they
said they were going to do a send-off or farewell party and the
explanation was that if they told me that I should come for
chieftaincy title, I would not come that I was such a radical. The
day this chieftaincy title was to be conferred I came from Ilorin
and then stood at a distance where the reception was to be held,
the driver and myself were saying that maybe we should allow
them to finish the marriage in the hall before we move in, not
knowing that they were waiting for us.
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Somebody just spotted my driver and I as we were standing, and
said “look, the people we are looking for are under the tree there
and you know, I dressed as if I was coming for the send-off party,
they had already prepared the things and that was how I found
myself conferred with a title of Oba Moyegun.
Question – As far as the college is concerned, we can see your
marks, and as I am talking, people believe most of the things that
are on campus presently were either projected or actually put in
place by you. We learnt that before your arrival, only one
borehole was in existence in the College and it was by struggle
that the then College Principal Mr. Ninan, was able to sink the
borehole which was even non functional as it was not serviced for
many years. But in your tenure the system changed. One would
want to ask, why you declined staying back to complete this good
work because we were told that some of the structures that were
put in place by you were actually not completed by your
successors. An instance is the three story umcompleted building
beside the maintenance, that was handled by Soleh Bonneh,
almost the same time with the University hall extension?
Response – I cannot remember the one you mentioned but what
I am very clear about is the hostel, Wande Abimbola hall. It was
handled by my administration. We awarded the contract. As a
matter of fact, there was an interesting thing the contractors did.
He bought two Peugeot 505 vehicles for me, which I passed on to
the staff and the students. The Soleh Bonneh projects, I cannot
remember. In terms of construction, the ones that I can
remember very well were the gymnasium which was cracking; the
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road leading to it; then, the petrol station and then part of the
Works Department, but not the story building. The building in
Works Department I can remember. You see, parts of the decision
then also was that we would not be servicing our vehicles
outside, that was what occasioned the construction. Mr.
Babatope was the clerk of works at that time and I just told him
that we should not be wasting out money servicing our vehicles
that we should construct some base where we can be servicing
our vehicles and, as a rule, all college vehicles were to be serviced
within. That was what occasioned the construction of the
maintenance block and there were no elaborate constructions
then. For example look at the catering building, i.e. the students’
cafeteria, it was constructed by us. So, University of Ife said they
were going to study the plan work of the contractors. Perhaps
they did not think the project could be completed immediately. I
said, I would not be here forever, I wanted things I could do then
and complete. I called all the heads of divisions. So, I just said
“Dr this, you and your staff, go and make all your fund request
for your own unit”. The desire was the same. So, I think there
were six divisions. I now said, let us have six projects. Each
school should have one, the Provost’s office would also have one
to supervise. They had their budget, they went to the town to
organize their cement, their sand, their wood, their nails and
other things needed at construction site and the place was ready.
It was only the infrastructure but that was the way most of these
structures were erected including the maintenance building. The
staff co-operated, they could have taken the attitude such as go
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and award the contract; this is not part of our job. I think we
spent about five hundred thousand on all the 6 units including
the tarring of the surrounding and the flowering.
Question – How did you get the fund to finance all the projects?
Response – Fine, I knew you were going to ask that. The fund for
Adeyemi College of Education was provided by the National
Universities Commission distinctly but paid to the University of
Ife which had been dusting it out and taking ‘Value Added Tax’
on it. For example the year that I went there, the capital
allocation to Adeyemi College of Education was 6 million, a lot of
money. Now, I went to Ife and said I wanted to do this and I was
told to take it slow and wait for the next quarter but I said to
them that the money had been given to them. It was not easy
talking about money and they refused to co-operate. I went
straight to the NUC to complain that the funds that were meant
for capital development at Adeyemi College of Education were
held by Ife and they had refused to disburse it and that I am not
going to be at Adeyemi for four, five or six years waiting for them,
because I looked at the track of disbursement of funds in the
previous four years, Mr. Ninan could not say anything that was
said now. He could not even maintain the borehole, you know. He
would just go there, smile at them, perhaps what he wanted was
the retention of his job. He was an India, he did not have the kind
of commitment that I am talking about. I worked out what they
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were owing Adeyemi College of Education. I worked out how
much was to be given to Adeyemi College of Education and then
went to NUC to say that the place is suffering, while somebody
else is spending the money. So, NUC then asked me what I
wanted them to do. I said there are two things they could do; it is
either you send Adeyemi College of Education’s money to
Adeyemi College of Education or send a very strongly worded
letter to Ife to the extent that they could quote me and say that I
was the one that reported. It is either they send the money to
Adeyemi College of Education directly or send the letter to Ife that
they should immediately cough out Adeyemi’s money to Adeyemi
College of Education and that your attention had been drawn to
the fact they were owing Adeyemi College. It was easier for them
to do because they had not been dealing directly with Adeyemi
College of Education, they had been contacting Adeyemi College
of Education through Ife. So, the NUC executive secretary at that
time decided that he was going to do exactly what I said and
asked me if I was ready to bear the letter and I replied “why not?
What is the point leaving the letter behind? So, I waited till he
later gave me a copy and said I should give it to the Vice
Chancellor and a copy to the Bursar. So, they said I wanted to
revolt because I said that I did not want a staff of the bursary to
head the College bursary, because there was a limit to what he
could do. So, the money was transferred to the bank account of
Adeyemi College of Education at Ondo. University of Ife would say
they had some contractors that they wanted to introduce now
that the money had been shifted and I told them that we do not
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appoint contractors here, we do it ourselves. That is why I had to
ensure that I did not put myself in a situation where I would be
going back to them pleading for extension. The Ondo community
said I should extend. My University at Ilorin was willing to extend
but Ife was not. If I had been co-operating, they could have
extended my stay and I could have refused. What I am trying to
say is that if I had done otherwise, I could have met myself in a
position where I would say “please extend my stay”. On the last
day, I handed over to Dr (Mrs.) Fayemi who was my Deputy
Provost at that time. So, it was very simple, even the Ondo
community did not know that I had left. Perhaps that was why I
had to be brought back for the chieftaincy title.
Question – We would like to know if during your tenure, Adeyemi
College of Education gained from its affiliation to the University,
considering the relationship you have just described?
Response – It was Ife that gained from Adeyemi. If they did not
gain from Adeyemi, they could not have said that they were not
ready to release them. How did they gain? The Vice Chancellor
was using Adeyemi as a holiday camp, anytime he was tired he
would come and stay as long as he wanted to stay. The Ife
lecturers were doing part-time teaching at Adeyemi and getting
paid for it. Part of the problem that I had with Ife was that I said
that “you cannot teach and moderate yourself”. So, I formally
wrote that “if they are affiliated, if they are part of Ife, you cannot
moderate yourself and you cannot teach yourself and moderate
yourself. We can still tolerate part-time teaching where we do not
have staff, let us get some people from Ife to teach for us because
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we are still in the same family but getting the same person that
has taught to come and moderate, where is the third party?
None”. I believe they were making additional income from
Adeyemi and things like that. The only thing that I would say
Adeyemi gained is that we have the certificate of Ife and as I told
you, for 8 years they did not issue those certificates. It is Ife that
is gaining from Adeyemi up till today. After I left, I found myself
in the position to give my opinion about Ife and Ondo. I left
Adeyemi in 1985, I became Executive Secretary in 1987 and then
I found myself in the position to tell the Federal Ministry of
Education that Adeyemi should be a University of Education. As
a matter of fact, in 1996 when the late Abacha committee on the
future of higher education was set up, I was a member of that
committee. I was actually going to that committee from Adeyemi’s
angle but when I found myself in the committee on future of
higher Education in Nigeria in 1996, the section on Universities
was to be written by myself and Mrs. Kuforiji. Now, it was clear
that we ought to get Adeyemi and Ife divorced and that Adeyemi
College of Education should clearly become a University of
Education on its own. The structure was there, Adeyemi College
of Education has all the facilities to run a degree programme,
when you compare all the facilities with the facilities in some of
the Universities especially Faculty of Education. Some of these
state Universities like my own state that started in the premises
of a primary school and things like that but because it is a
University, recognized University. But because Adeyemi is a
College of Education, it is a College of Education, therefore we
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cannot stand as a University but I think they are moving along
that direction now. One day, we will be one.
III . INTERVIEW WITH REVEREND BENJAMIN FOLARIN
ADENIJI 3
Question - Can we meet you ?
Response- I am Reverend Benjamin Folarin Adeniji, one time
acting Provost of the College. I joined Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo, as a Tutor II in the Department of History on
1st December, 1967, when Chief W.O. Akingbola was the
Principal of the College. In 1968, I was appointed Acting Head of
Department of History. At that time, I had twelve (12) lecture
hours per week, teaching some History courses in my
Department, as well as courses in Educational Psychology and
Statistics in the School of Education. In 1969, three members of
Academic Staff of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, including
myself were sponsored by UNESCO for fourteen months
Advanced Courses in Education in a British University. I
returned to the College in June, 1970 to assume fully the
Headship of Department of History, and performing some
supervisory functions in the School of Education.
Question - Can you please assess student’s welfare as at that
time?
Response - All the students were comfortably accommodated
then, in the four student’s hostels, with two students occupy a
well spacious and ventilated room. There was regular supply of
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potable water and electricity in the College. Each student in Part
I received a monthly stipend of three pounds (£ 3), Part II, four
pounds (£ 4), and in Part III, five pounds(£ 5). The socio-cultural
activities of the students were very interesting and effectively
monitored. There were no cases of cultism and examination
malpractices. Some Academic Staff were appointed as Hall
Masters for proper surveillance of students’ activities in the Halls
of Residence.
Question - Give historical development of degree programme in
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
Response - The Senate of the then University of Ile-Ife, now
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, approved of its statutory
meeting in April 1981 that the BA/B.SC degree programme
recommended by the faculty of Education, University of Ife be
commenced. The College started the degree programmes during
the 1982-83 sessions in English, Yoruba and French. The degree
programmes in the College were approved in phases by the
Senate of the degree awarding institution. During the 1989/90
session, degree programmes started in Biology, Chemistry,
Mathematics, Physics and Physical and Health Education
(school) of Science), History (School of Arts, then) and Fine Arts
(School of Applied Arts and Science, then) degree programmes in
Home Economics and Agricultural Science took off later with the
disarticulation of the administration of the College from Obafemi
Awolowo University, with effect from 1st January, 1990, the
College has been administratively autonomous under the
National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) affiliated
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to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in respect of the degree
programmes.
Question - Do you mind telling us about the Inauguration of the
Parents, Staff andAlumni Forum in the College?
Response - Following the inauguration of the Parents, Staff and
Alumni in the College, I was appointed Chairman of the Forum
which constitutes a veritable platform for the promotion of
harmonious College-community relationship, enduring peace in
the College and educational excellence. The members of the
Parents-Staff Alumni Forum have been meeting regularly to
dialogue on emerging issues concerned with student’s welfare
infra-structural development of the College and provision of
essential teaching and learning in the College. The body has been
working relentlessly towards achieving the lofty goals of the
College.
Question - How did you become the Acting Provost? What were
your peace strategies?
Response - I had played a prominent role in the peace mission in
the College. In April 1990, there was violent students’ protest and
demonstration in the College, when the then Provost of the
College, Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Fayemi was assaulted and maltreated by
the Students’ Union Officers. This led to the closure of the College
on the 11th April, 1990. Some Executive members of the
Students’ Union were either suspended or expelled from the
College. However, the College was re-opened in January 1991
with a ban on Students’ Union activities. During the students’
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crisis I reached out to notable personalities in Ondo Kingdom,
including Chief (Mrs.) Iluyemi, who used her position as the
Commissioner for Education in Ondo State, to invite the Security
Agents to the College to halt the Students’ rampage.
Following the voluntary retirement of Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Fayemi
on 31st December, 1990, I assumed the leadership of the College
as the Acting Provost between 2nd January, 1991 and 31st March,
1991.
IV. INTERVIEW CONDUCTED WITH DR R.A.
ADEBOYEJE4
Question – Can we meet you especially in the areas of your early
life and academic achievement?
Response – Thank you very much. I am Dr. Reuben Adepoju
Adeboyeje. I was born in Igbisin Oloto. I attended L. A. Primary
School Ilu-titun. Also I attended Anglican Secondary Modern
School, Ilu-titun. I attended St. John Mary Teachers’ College,
Owo between 1967 and 1968. I attended University of Ife now
Obafemi Awolowo University from 1971 – 1974 for the first
degree, for the master’s degree; 1977 – 1980, Ph.D; 1982 – 1984.
I joined the College immediately I finished the NYSC in 1977,
precisely April 1, 1977 and rose through the ranks until there
was an interview for the post of Provostship in December 2, 1998.
The appointment was given on the 1st of April, 1999. I was the
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Provost for 6 years between 1999 and 2005. The first term was
between 1st April, 1999 to 31st March, 2003 and the second
term; 1st April, 2003 to March 18, 2005. So that is the trend.
Question – When you became the Provost in April 1999, what
were your visions and programmes and how did you execute
those programmes for the College.
Response – Okay, thank you very much. I thought and I
planned, I tried to introduce, with the co-operation of the staff
and management, a lot of programmes that would enhance the
progress of the College. For example, we built some facilities like
the health centre, the administrative block, phase I and II. Then
we pursued revenue generating facilities such as a plantation of
87½ acres, we planned to expand but we could not execute.
There were some other facilities like the school of Education
building, the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.
We also erected a new hostel behind the School of Education.
Then in the long run, we named some facilities in the College in
honour of some people who had contributed to the success of the
College. For example, Obasanjo Auditorium, Ipaye Lecture
theatre and S. K. Babalola Conference Room. We also named the
Administrative block, Kabiru Ishyaku Administrative block, and
many roads in the College were named like that, e.g. Fayemi
Crescent etc. The event brought may dignitaries to the College. I
know Mrs. Fayemi attended as former Provost, Fafunwa attended
as former Minister for Education and somebody who had great
interest in the college. We named the library in his honour and
some other things were named in honour of former Ministers, like
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Conference Room, Computer building, and the Health Centre. So,
that was an event on his own and it was well attended. Somebody
gave us a donation that day, that was Professor Dibu Ojerinde.
He gave us N100,000:00 that day as donation. We were the first
to start perimeter fencing in the College in front of the gate and
we started the Demonstration Nursery and Primary School and
erected some buildings there.
Question – During your tenure, can you please assess the staff
development?
Response – Yes, the staff strength increased and besides we tried
to improve the training programme. Some people were even sent
abroad for further training. I can remember about three or four
members of staff who were sent abroad on the sponsorship of the
College at that time. One was Mr. Adeoye in Fine Arts, another
person in Agriculture Science at that time and I think about two
others were sent, but people also had day-release for higher
degree programmes within the country (Ife, FUTA, Ibadan and
may be Lagos at that time) and the students’ population
increased. We continued the sandwich programme for the
students and the population increased also. All these brought
some revenue to the college. So, for staff, I remembered those
things we did, sending them for training within the country and
outside the country.
Question – When you talked about your personal data, you said
you assumed duty as a Lecturer at Adeyemi in 1977, you must
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have worked with a number of Provosts, do you mind telling us
your experience over the years before your own tenure?
Response – Okay, thank you very much. As I was joining the
College in 1977, Late Mr. Oyewale was the Principal for up to
three years or more. Later he retired. Mr. Ninan, an Indian, took
over, he became Principal (and later Provost) and left around
1991 or so, then Professor Adesina and later Dr. Mrs. Fayemi,
Mr. Adeniji also served as Acting Provost for about three months,
Professor Ipaye then became Provost and he was there for about
eight years and then I took over from Professor Ipaye.
Question – Looking through these people that you have just
mentioned, you worked with about seven Provosts before it was
your turn, do you mind telling us some good things you noticed
while working with them?
Response – Mr. J. O. Oyewale was very plain, he would do things
as he saw them. He sought the co-operation of all, but worked
closely with people who were highly experienced and you know I
was junior then, I entered as an Assistant tutor, not even a
Lecturer. So, I saw him as a very good father and he was working
hard in the interest of the college, as much as it was humanly
possible, because we were totally under Ife at that time. I learnt
the college was being run on imprest, so, the college could not
initiate anything on its own. That was what we were told, they
could only implement what Ife wanted.
Mr. V. Ninan too struggled very hard, there was a time we had
water problem. He went to the water corporation at Ondo. I think
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there was an Indian there. They had to make that Indian come to
the college to do some repairs behind Tinubu hall and the thing
worked for some time with the assistance of the co-Indian. He too
tried to move the college forward by ensuring that we had
facilities and the staff strength was not too large at that time. In
fact many houses in the college were vacant at his time because
many staff did not stay long as at that time.
Then, Professor Segun Adesina tried to make some radical
changes. He introduced the Journal of Teacher Education,
because, at that time, people thought the academic level was too
low, so, we could not float any journal but sincerely and luckily,
when there was a Provost who was a Professor, he introduced
that journal and it was recognized by Ife for promotion because
the journal was led by a Professor of his calibre. Then, he built
the Maintenance Department. He made Dr. E. A. Abiodun, who
was very much hardworking, the chairman and that place, the
whole of the place, was built within one month. He said he
contacted a contractor who charged about N150,000:00 at that
time but the thing was built with just N32,000:00 with the
assistance of Dr. Abiodun. That assignment was day and night
and it was executed. Later, Professor Adesina built former
Student Union Cafeteria and it was this same Dr. Abiodun who
worked very hard to achieve that. He was chairman of the
building committee and the thing was executed within a very
short time.
Then came Dr (Mrs.) P. O. Fayemi who also worked very hard and
introduced many programmes in the School of Vocational and
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Technical Education and re-constructed the Home-Economics
Department then. It was during Dr (Mrs.) P. O. Fayemi’s time
that Ife started the so-called abandoned project. Ife later left the
building and Adeyemi could not take over as at that time, we
could only make some minor contributions so that we could put
students there for lectures. It was during the time of Dr (Mrs.) P.
O. Fayemi that Wande Abimbola hall was built.Dr (Mrs.) P. O.
Fayemi tried her best and later Reverend B. F. Adeniji came but
time did not permit him. He was there for just three months, then
came Professor Babatunde Ipaye who introduced a lot of
programmes. The staff training continued during his time. It was
during his time that the Computer Department was expanded
but it was still in the old cafeteria of the college. Then, Professor
Ipaye had many buildings to his credit, the present Professor
Ipaye lecture theatre, then the old cafeteria was expanded and
some staff of the School of Education were put there. Then, the
School of Languages block came up during his time and the so-
called Y block came up during his time. The Integrated Science
building was erected by Professor Ipaye as at that time.
Question – We want you to talk on the relationship between your
management and students, staff, host community (Ondo) and
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife during your tenure.
Response – There was a major thing I forgot when I was just
running over the thing we put up. We bought these two
generators, one for the students’ area and another one for the
staff area. Each of them was 511kv. The old one in the staff area
could not serve the whole college, so, another one was bought for
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the students area only. Later, the old one for the staff area could
no longer function and a new one was bought for the staff area,
making two big generators that were bought during my time in
the college. Sincerely, the relationship between management and
students and staff and management, management and the town
was normal because among human beings, we always have
varying interests. There will be some argument, grievances,
disagreements and so on but I would say all those things at that
time were human, but if disagreements are resolved amicably,
then, there is going to be progress. For quite some time, Obafemi
Awolowo University and Adeyemi College of Education did not
have the same view about some things. For example on, the
degree programme, whether to be full-fledged degree programme
or full-fledged University of Education. All these things have
caused some disagreements for some time and it does not matter
who is the Provost, if those things are still there, they will always
come up. We were clamouring for some things but Ife did not see
the way we saw and this is usually the cause of the
disagreement, it is human.
Question – You talked about status, University status for the
college. Do you consider the college ripe for this status?
Response – The college is ripe for the status. I can say it
anywhere and I even said it during my time when I led the
management to meet the Vice Chancellor, Professor Rogers. I
wrote a paper and presented it to him, I mentioned it during a
conference but Ife got annoyed that I went to say it in a
conference but I was just thinking generally that Adeyemi College
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of Education is ripe. Consider the infrastructure, the staff and in
fact it would assist the college to grow rapidly, because these
people who are leaving the service of the college to become
Professor within two or three years elsewhere. They would have
stayed here and become Professors of Education, Science
Education etc., if the college is totally autonomous and this will
be very good for the college, students generally, staff,
management and so on. In the area of promotion, l know if one is
dangled and people know they can get to the peak of their career,
people would concentrate and face their lines, those who want to
become Professors will stay. The town too will gain from it. So, I
think government should do it for Adeyemi College of Education
as early as humanly possible because Adeyemi College is
matured, ripe and it should be upgraded to a University.
Question – During your time, people had some improvement in
terms of transport facilities. Do you still recollect? Did the College
buy some vehicles to enhance transport services or what made
this possible?
Response – Okay, thank you very much. It was so. Not quite six
months when I assumed office, we were given a very big bus. At
that time, not all the twenty Federal Colleges were given but we
were so lucky. The day I saw it being driven into the college, I was
very happy. Now, there were some other vehicles which the
Council purchased, like the Peugeot 406 series. The Council
purchased then for the Principal Officers of the College and
Chairman of Governing Council, I think about six pieces or so
and the other vehicles in the college which I inherited were
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repaired as transport for students and staff. The students were
agitating for a bus before I assumed duty and by the grace of
God, we had to buy it within about two weeks or I month when I
assumed duty because the students had closed the college before
I assumed duty, they said until they had bus, they seized one
college bus at that time which they went to keep at Lagos and
they said unless we gave them a bus, they would not release it
but we pleaded and begged them and they released it and not
quite one week, we bought their own bus for them. They were
very glad and they co-operated because they were able to move to
their places of meetings and so on. So, that is what I remember
in the area of transport.
Question – During Professor Ipaye’s tenure the one preceding
yours, the status of lecturers was somehow enhanced to
Readership or Associate Professorship. We were expecting that
during your own time, something like that would be built on.
What actually happened?
Response – The differences in interests and views between the
college and Ife created some hindrances. However, many
lecturers were raised to the status of Chief Lecturer, the only
thing absent was the status of readers during my Provostship. I
do not have to mention names.
Question – You mentioned some projects that your management
executed like the students’ hostel, the primary school, the
administrative block that housed the Provost and Registrar. How
did you source fund to execute these projects?
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Response – The Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), the annual
allocation also from the Ministry of Education through the
National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), the
Federal Government through the Ministry. Then, the PTF fund
was allocated directly from PTF at Abuja. That was how we got
the money.
Question – Do you mind explaining the process of getting funds
for the projects approved?
Response – Money is not released without doing the necessary
homework. Adeyemi College of Education always had list of
projects thoroughly debated, revised and kept there. Then, based
on priority, when it comes to the turn of a project and it is
approved by the NCCE (NCCE, that is the Department of
programme, Planning and Development (PPD)) that oversees the
drawings, plans and so on. Then we recommend to the Director,
PPD at Abuja. At times, you go back as many times as possible
before it can be approved and recommended to the Executive
Secretary of NCCE. Then E.S would contact the ministry before
final approval that was during our time. It is now beyond that
now, it also goes to the National Assembly and so on. As at that
time, it would be approved by the Ministry of Education and will
come back to the college. That is after the Governing Council had
seen everything and told the Provost to take it to Abuja but
Provost would bring it back to the Governing Council to advertise.
Governing Council would advertise through the Registrar, tenders
would be made and the projects would be started after the
Governing Council had opened the tenders and awarded. Reports
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would be made back to the NCCE to be releasing funds for the
different stages. It is not that the whole money would come en-
bloc, it is the different stages like the drawings, the foundation
level up to DPC, money for building, roofing and so on, and it has
to be made clear also that no Provost had/has the ability to
award any building project. In fact no Governing Council has the
right, not to talk of Provost, to award project single-handedly.
Question – How about the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of
the College? Can the money be used to execute projects.
Response – Internally Generated Revenue, in most cases, is part
of funds for staff emolument because, at times, government
would say it had released money and the thing would not get to
the college and staff would hear that money had been released for
a particular purpose. A lot of the problems in the colleges or
higher institutions had cropped up in this manner. Yes,
government would say they have released money and nothing
comes to you except you have to scout round for money. In the
area of pension, pensioners would come and be demanding for
money. At times, for five years their money would not come, but
we have to be paying on humanitarian ground, not because
government paid the money. But it is not easy to go to the rooftop
and be saying government did not pay. Government would even
expect that you should manoeuver. I remember an occasion we
reminded the former President, Obasanjo that students were still
paying N90 which he approved for accommodation when he was
military head of State. He said “go and take control, maneuver;
there must be no problem in your institution”. I begged the
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student leadership to help us manoeuver among the students so
that they would be paying something more than N90. The
students were convinced that it should be more than N90. We
said it was our money, we should have light 24 hours, since it
was our diesel. Some of us would sleep at 10 pm, some until 2
am and we must have light. So, this is where Internally
Generated Revenue went.
Question – What advice can you give us on ways or things we
can do at this present moment to move the College forward?
Response – Thank you very much. The College belongs to all of
us. I always told people that I was not carrying the college to
Igbisin and sincerely it is not possible. That place would remain
forever. So, we should see it that way and everybody, Head of the
College Management, Governing Council, Staff and Students
should see the place as their own and contribute the little they
can. That is, everyone should do his best and leave the rest to
God but we must act according to our conscience, so that in the
long run, when we sit back and look at the place, we could say
we have done our best as granted by God. We should not be
waiting for supervision before we do our best, even when nobody
is supervising you, do your best for the college in the area you are
told to work. Lecturers should attend lectures promptly. Students
should attend lectures promptly and do their assignments. So, all
of us should work for peace even those who have left the place
should work for peace in that place because whether we like it or
not, we have passed through the place and for those who are still
there, they are passing through the place and one day, they
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would leave the place. So, they should do things that would make
them say they had done their best for Adeyemi College of
Education. If lecturers do their work promptly, students would
have no time, no i.e. time to protest. If students do their works as
expected, then they will have the joy that they are working for
themselves and working for the college and nobody would be
forcing anybody to do anything. If management renders service
according to the availability of funds and makes all effort to make
the staff and the students aware, there will be peace.
Management should be impartial in meeting the interest of the
community, staff and students. This is headship, it can come to
the turn of anybody at any time, depending upon God’s
assignment. We should know that one day we will leave the place
and then face God. Having said all these, I have to say that what
will be will be, even when one has done one’s best. Let us work
according to our conscience all the time. That is my advice
V. INTERVIEW CONDUCTED WITH PROFESSOR V. E.
A. AKOREDE5
Question – Can we meet you?
Response – I am Professor V. E. A. Akorede, I was one of the staff
in Adeyemi College of Education around 1986 and 2006 at the
Geography Department as a lecturer. I was a Senior Principal
Lecturer in Ilesha. A Senior Principal Lecturer is the equivalent
of a Chief Lecturer, but I came in as a Principal Lecturer. About a
year or two years after, Dr. Mrs. Fayemi, who was our Acting
Provost, advised that I could become the supervisor of works. So,
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I combined my supervision of the Maintenance Department, just
like the position of the Director of Works, with the teaching of
Geography. It was not easy but I enjoyed it because I was
encouraged. Subsequently, Dr. Mrs. Fayemi left here, Professor
Ipaye came and I had a sabbatical and, by the time I came back
from the sabbatical, I did not go back to the Maintenance
Department, I remained with my job, teaching Geography and
became the Head of Geography. With Ipaye, I became Chief
Lecturer, then reader; you know that was a step that Ipaye took
which was fundamentally very good. Although they blamed him.
They said he was not authorized to promote people to
Readership. Subsequently, the Social Science was taken away
from the other humanities, Social Sciences became a School of its
own and then, while Professor Osisanwo was in Languages, I was
in Arts and Social Sciences. I became the Dean, the first Dean of
the School of Arts and Social Sciences.
Question – Can you tell us about your educational background?
Response – I am a teacher-trained, NCE from the most Premier
Teachers’ College, Ransome Kuti College of Education, Ibadan. I
finished in 1965, then taught briefly at Oramiyan Grammar
School, Ile-Ife for two years, then I went back for my degree
programme at the University of Lagos. It was a very difficult time
because it was the time of the Civil War in Nigeria but Lagos
provided us with abundant protection for our educational career.
I finished in University of Lagos in June, 1970 after studying
Geography Education. It was when Chief Obafemi Awolowo was
in the Federal Cabinet as Vice Chairman and Federal
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Commissioner for Finance and he insisted that there should be
some assistance for indigent students. I applied for the
scholarship but at the time I was given the indigent programme,
it was a scholarship for those of us who were studying Education
or there was a reason to call us indigent. So, that was how I got
trained and after a good degree with 2nd class upper division, I
was also given University Scholarship to do my masters. It was
between education and Geography but Professor Richard Akinola
encouraged me to opt for Geography. When I finished, I went to
teach at University of Benin from where I transferred to Ilesha
College of Education, may be an error or may be by the grace of
God, it was from Ilesa that I got my appointment to Adeyemi
College of Education. By the time I arrived at Adeyemi College of
Education, I had completed my Ph.D, for which reason, I
transferred from University of Benin to Ilesa to give me closeness
to the University of Ife.
Question – How did you become the Acting Provost of the
College?
Response – Well, that was another miracle. When Ipaye was to
go away, what I needed was a sabbatical leave, I wanted to go
somewhere because I thought I needed money to beef-up, I had
not built a house, I needed somewhere to keep my children if I
retire. So, they were now advertising to take over from Ipaye, I
said I did not need the position of a Provost, what I needed was a
sabbatical. Ipaye did not give me sabbatical, he said I could keep
on asking whoever came in, may be that person would be kind
enough to give me. So, fortunately, when Dr. R. A. Adeboyeje took
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over, he allowed me to go on my sabbatical which was good
enough for me and I went to the University of Maiduguri.
Incidentally, at that time, I needed all the resources and by the
grace of God, Obasanjo became President and he improved the
salary of staff. So, when I spent that year, Maiduguri wanted me
to remain but there was crisis, you know this fuel agitation and
what President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to do was to stabilize
the price so that fuel would be available anytime you get to the
station but those people did not understand and they started
killing people mostly southerners. I wanted to run back but
incidentally, at that time, I guess Professor Osisanwo was very
helpful. I could not come back, I had to remain. I spent a year
over there and when I came back, there was crisis in Adeyemi
College of Education, staff were raising eyebrow, students were
making agitations in 2001 and by 2002, the thing was so heated
and they said there should be somebody to deputize and at that
time, Dr Olarenwaju travelled and had an accident but I think
the students mentioned that they needed somebody who was old
enough to be able to advise and he would be able to speak to the
students and they would listen and all that kind of a thing. So, it
should be a man like me and they asked the Council to bring me
into the cabinet, that is the College Management. That, there,
somebody would be able to advise the Provost and all that, that
was how I got into the trouble. So, I got in here, then, Olarenwaju
unfortunately died in that accident, he was initially the Director
of Post Graduate Programme when I was brought in, I was asked
to go into that position. When he was appointed the Deputy
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Provost, then I can take care of his position in the Post-Graduate
section. It was there too that his death created a vacuum and one
way or the other, I was slotted into the Deputy Provost. Along the
line, staff conflict came up, it was becoming too much for the
innocent man but staff got into the situation, students multiplied
it and then the whole quagmire was becoming unenduring. So, I
became the deputy Provost by that accident, I was not interested
in Provostship, I was too old for it, I thought I needed rest and I
told my boss when I got in there and I had to advise him that he
should listen a little and exhibit obedience to some extent, but
again the thing was just rippling, satan was increasing fury on
every side and maybe the Federal Government position too did
not understand the whole thing and they asked my boss to stay
off. That is how we ran into the storm and I became the acting
Provost.
Question – When you became the Acting Provost, what were your
programmes for the College and how did you execute them?
Response – As an acting Provost, the most important programme
was the restoration of peace. Let me tell you one thing, I never
had a programme for Provostship, if I had a programme, I would
have been interviewed and this question would have come up
before I became the Provost, then I would tell them that I wanted
to build a mansion, create a farm, promote anything etc. When I
got to my boss, I told him “look, this is the letter they gave me
from Abuja, they have brought it, I do not know what you want
me to do” and He said “whatever you want to do, you can do it”
but again the most important thing was the restoration of peace.
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The students were off, they were sent away for about four or five
months, some staff terminated. In fact, the whole place was in
total black out. I was asked to take over and by the grace of God,
I did my best, we prayed and prayed, we had assistance and
understanding from the community itself, from the Federal
Government and from the Council of the College. Bringing in the
people, initially restoring peace, for students were able to come
in, about 200 staff members were asked to go away and at that
time, armed robbers were sent to the College, they came for about
two or three times. At a time we were told that staff members that
have been sent away were compelled to go away, if they wanted to
come back, could we take them back? We had to go to Abuja
many times, Abuja said if we took them back, we must not pay
them, we must not give them salaries for the fourteen months
they have been sent away, you can imagine. Fortunately, we were
able to persuade the Abuja people, they said if we can get the
fund, we can pay them. We built may be one or two, structures,
we tried to see if the Uncompleted block could be completed, they
said it had gone to the Ife-Adeyemi relationship. A few others,
may be about two or three, we started after the staff members
returned. At the time, the council said they wanted me to
continue, who would ever continue in that type of quagmire with
threat to life and property? But, again, I thank God, I never knew
I can achieve or remain there for six months I thought my boss
would come back but we tried whatever we could.
Question – What about the staff welfare?
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Response – I think that is where we can thank God because, at
least, whatever happened, the fact that we were able to restore
peace was quite fundamental. People that were rusticated or were
sacked, they said they were supporting or engineering students
and all that, perhaps they did that, I do not know but I knew one
thing, there might be a reason why they felt that they wanted to
encourage one group or the other against management, but again
I felt they were situations we could easily have solved. Attempts
were made to bring policemen to come and arrest Union leaders,
Staff Union leaders, I had to go to the police station and the
policemen were very kind, they released them to us. Even, when
the Commissioner of Police at Akure had to come here, they said
somebody was kidnapped and that I was the one responsible for
his kidnap. I said I did not know anything about it. This boy was
sent to somewhere in Ede to keep him there for sometime. It cost
the college over 80 million Naira to pay 14 months salaries. We
were able to persuade the Federal Government, the ministry of
Education to allow us to pay them and we did. One thing is that
God sees my heart. Isijola (the Ag. Bursar) said, if they said we
should pay, them, we would find the money to pay them, Allah-
kayi (the Council Chairman) said, if you can find the money, he
will go and talk to them over there. Allah-kayi is now dead but he
went there to persuade them, asking them to allow us to pay and
we said we would pay it in installment. I do not think we have
paid it more than two or three installments and we were able to
fulfill that promise.
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Question – How did you get such a large amount of money to pay
those staff members for fourteen months?
Response – Well, I think I am not basically in accounting but
even the Federal Government too gave us some subsidy.
Question – The other aspect is the issue of community relation,
that is, between the College and host community, we do not know
if the relationship was so cordial between your management and
the host community.
Response – I think we were cordial because they encouraged and
supported us. Late Chief Bayo Akinola was very supportive, he
would send for me and advise me. In fact it was him that took me
to his house in the barracks road. He usually organized a picnic
in his own village every year. There was also Chief Ogunniya, who
was a member of the National Assembly, he would send for me
and all that. So, the relationship was cordial.
Question – We want your fatherly advice for the college in all
ramifications.
Response – The College should promote academician, special
paper presentation by Chief lecturer should be encouraged. This
give good names and good image, so we should encourage it.
Even the facilities that are there now, I had congratulated the
provost on that. There are so many Universities who do not have
one-third of what Adeyemi College of Education has now. I want
to say one thing, God has given Professor Adeyemi Idowu a rare
opportunity. He is a blessing to the college because when I got to
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that campus and I saw things that had been done, buildings that
had come up, even good things he has been doing. One thing is
to say that without co-operation and unity, there can be no
progress. Adeyemi College of Education is good enough for a
University status. When there is a fight for one purpose, there
should not be people who are not supporting it, we should try
and make intellectual achievement objective. I want to encourage
my friends that remain in that place to struggle and make it, then
God would bless and open ways for them. We should appreciate
Ife for doing well for us.
VI. INTERVIEW CONDUCTED WITH PROFESSOR ADEYEMI
IBUKUNOLUWA IDOWU6
Question – Can we meet with you, especially in the area of your
early life, educational attainment, work experience and extra
curricula activities?
Response – As you know I am Professor Adeyemi Ibukunoluwa
Idowu. Born some 63 years ago.Born into a modest struggling
class family. Both of my parents are deceased now. I started my
early education in Mid West Region, I went to primary school for
some years in Sapele then part of former Mid West region. I
stayed up to primary four, then came to the West, in Ibadan,
where I finished my primary school education in Methodist
Primary School 1, Oke-Ado. I gained admission into the famous
Christ School, Ado-Ekiti. I started in 1962, had my school
certificate in 1966 and then continued there for my Higher School
Certificate which I finished in 1968. I gained admission into
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Obafemi Awolowo University to study B. Sc/Ed Biology
Chemistry in September 1970 and I finished the degree
programme with 2nd Class Upper division in June 1973. I was
fortunate to be among the first set of NYSC, which started in July
1973 and I completed my Youth Service in June 1974. I
immediately started work as an Education Officer with the
Federal Ministry of Education but I did not stay long before
moving to teaching line I started with Federal Government Girls
College, Ibadan as pioneer staff of the College, but in January
1976, I travelled out to the United States for my Masters degree
in Guidance and Counselling which was then a relatively new
course in Education. I obtained it in 1977 and came back to
Nigeria. I worked for a while, first of all in Federal Advanced
Teachers College (now FCE, Special) Oyo, worked for a year or so
and then moved to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Rehabilitation
and Social Development of Oyo State and I found out that the job
was not meeting my aspiration as a scholar. I finally got
employed as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Ilorin and
assumed duty on the 1st of May, 1979. It was at the University of
Ilorin that I started my Academic Career and rose through the
ranks to become a Professor on the 1st of October, 1994. I was
serving there as Professor and Head of Department, (two or three
times) before I became the Dean of Education of which I served
two terms of four years. In my last year of Deanship, I was made
the Chairman Committee of Deans and, then, I was elected as a
Senate Representative of Council, where I served for four years.
Luckily, through the special Grace of God, as I was finishing the
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tenure in 2004, I applied to Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
as Provost, and I was appointed Provost. I assumed duty on the
23rd Of June, 2006 and I have since been here, hoping to finish
my tenure by 22nd of June, 2014. So, that is the summary of my
life in terms of schooling and career.
Question – How did you become the Provost and when you
assumed duty in June 2006 as you have said, what were your
missions and visions for the College?
Response – Ok, I would say it is through the grace of God that I
became the Provost. To be honest, and not be immodest, I will
say it was the first Job I applied for, apart from when I went to
the University of Ilorin for my first appointment. Yes, we were
short-listed and six of us made the final list. I got to know later
that I was the only one that presented a mission and vision
statement for the College, and I believe Council was impressed by
my performance and recommended me for the appointment. In
terms of the mission and vision that I have for this college, I tried
to convince Council, at that time, that it was my goal to be able to
move this College forward because the college has potential and
that what I saw on ground at that time did not justify the
potential that the College had. We have to move the College to
become a world class (and first class centre of excellence) in
Education. In doing this, we need to drive the system, move staff
to develop and encourage the students by giving them quality
Education, and to change the general atmosphere of the College
into the one that will fit into the 21st Century. In line with this
mission, we then said, we needed, first and foremost, full
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accreditation for all the courses offered by the College, and at
that time, accreditation was around the corner for the NCE
programmes. We struggled to get all the programmes accredited.
For the fourteen programmes of the degree, about five of them
were not accredited as at that time. In my first year, we made
sure that we got accreditation for those courses. Currently, all
our programmes are finally accredited, although we are due for
re-accreditation in both NCE and degree. But presently, except
the new courses we have just brought on board, all our
programmes are fully accredited. It is my hope, as we are
preparing to leave, to see if we can still get accreditation for the
new programmes and get full re-accreditation for the existing
ones. We should be able to do that. Do not forget that we have
added three courses at the NCE level; Adult and non formal
Education, Early Childhood Care and Education (both in
Education) and the Department of Music, in the School of Arts
and Social Sciences. For the Degree, we thank God and Obafemi
Awolowo University (OAU), that we have been able to add five
courses to the existing thirteen. Now, we have eighteen course at
the degree level as Religious Studies, Social Studies, Economics,
Mathematic/Integrated Science were added. We also have
Guidance Counselling in Education. So, in summary that is what
I was able to convince Council to do, which Council bought, and
it became part of what we were able to do in the last seven years,
and also what I thought was best for this College in terms of
moving it forward. My greatest challenge has been that aspect,
which I hope that this College would have become a University of
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Education by now, but we have not lost hope, we are still
struggling and moves are still being made here and there, at
attaining that status before this tenure runs to an end.
Question – Adeyemi College of Education in some quarters has
been regarded as a volatile institution. What were your peace
strategies to promote peaceful co-existence between Staff and
Management on one hand and Management and Students on the
other hand, in these seven years you have spent as Chief
Executive of the College?
Response – It is very challenging. Adeyemi is a very volatile
institution as you have said, but as volatile as it is, I also believe
that God has been with us and that is the key thing. That God
had really favoured this college and that we have also tried our
best to make sure that we draw staff close to the Management.
What do I mean by that? What we have been trying to do is to be
open, honest and accessible. We have not kept things away from
the staff. I keep telling the staff that if they know of anything that
is their right, that has come into this college but has not been
made open to them, let them challenge me. So, I believe that it is
this openness that is working. The staff, for instance, coming
from a crisis period, there were lots of problems of staff trying to
have faith in management, trying to trust management. So, in the
first two, three, years, that was the battle we fought, trying to
convince staff that we are sincere and we are genuine and that
they can trust us as the way things are now, I believe we have
been able to put that challenge behind us, as staff trust us. In
fact, staff usually come to us and tell the management that ‘this
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is what we want’ or ‘that is what we do not want’. If we are
unable to do it, we will explain to them why we are not able to do
it and they will believe us. Staff has been forthcoming, in terms of
giving suggestions on how to move this college forward. And
when we are talking of staff, I am talking of staff across board,
Academic staff under the umbrella of COEASU, Non-teaching
staff under the umbrella of SSUCOEN and NASU. Although, it is
not as if we still do not rub shoulders here and there; saying no,
we want this, we want that, but in terms of the general
atmosphere, I would say it has been very cordial. These seven
years, we have not had any major event that would lead to a
strike by any of the three staff unions. So, thank God for that
and I am also grateful to the leadership of the three staff unions.
It is gradually becoming a policy or an understanding that, even
when we have changes in the leadership of the unions, new
leaders come on board with the understanding that come; we are
not coming to forment trouble or create crisis, we are coming in
to continue where the past executives left and to work with
management. So, even with the handing over of the various
executives, we have been able to work through that and we have
attained this because it is not only the management but
everybody that benefits from peace. Staff and students have been
able to come on board to be able to build this kind of
development. If you do not have peace you cannot have
development and it is because of the relative peace that we have
been able to see this kind of development that we are talking
about. As for the students, I will also say, in a place where you
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have 8,000 – 10,000 students from different backgrounds,
different homes and so on, definitely you will expect different
opinions and different ways of behaviour. So, we have been able
to relate also with the students. But once in a while, students get
nervy, they are stressed and they react to pressures in terms of
finance, pressure in terms of academic work, pressure in terms of
societal expectations. So they tend to react to these things and a
way of acting them out is to lay that on management and for the
seven years plus that I have been here, I would say we have not
had any major incident until that incident of last year, the 14th
May, crisis. Even, what happened, one can still not lay his hands
on what has led to this. It was not the problem of they were not
being taught, it was not the problem of they, not being examined,
it was not the problem of they, not being given their entitlement.
It was not the problem of water, electricity or, roads that you find
to be common problems in other places, but it was just a
spontaneous action by some misguided students, people from
town who just wanted to do something different. But I thank God
that we were able to curtail that with the help of the community,
the Osemawe in Council, Chiefs and also stakeholders such as
former students of the College, Alumni and also from staff and
students themselves, who did not feel that that was what was
good for us, but I believe that, where we are now, we have gotten
over that. The college is moving on steadily and we have a
Students’ Transition Committee in place and they are the ones
that will work until we are able to conduct elections, credible
elections for that matter, to now usher in new Students’ Union
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Government Executives. So, in terms of the community, it has
been very challenging, but we have had supports from all
segments. We have had support from the immediate Ondo
community. We have had support from the State Government.
We have had support from staff and we have had support from
students. So that is what has allowed for the peace that we have
seen in the college today and I want to thank everyone for
achieving this. I must not forget members of the Management,
Deans, Directors, Principal Officers who have also contributed, in
terms of taking decisions here and there. So, it has been good. I
would say, for Adeyemi. So, what used to be the volatile Adeyemi
is now the Progressive Adeyemi that is moving on to be able to
take its rightful place in the comity of Colleges of Education in
Nigeria.
Question – You have spent about seven years as chief executive
of the College. What are your achievements especially in the area
of Staffing Position, conference sponsorship, staff academic
development and infrastructural facilities?
Response – It will become immodest for someone to be counting
his achievements but what I can say at this point is that we have
driven energy into staff attaining higher degrees. When we came,
in the first two years, unfortunately, the core of well qualified
staff went into severance, through voluntary retirement. That is,
a crop of those who are readers at that time. This significantly
dropped the number of PhD that we had then. Given the energy,
we said we will put or pump into getting staff to move, but as at
that time, it was tough because staff did not buy the idea. But we
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did not give up, and today, what we have is very pleasing. We
have grown so big in terms of staff that have attained their PhD.
Not only that, as at that time, we could count the number of chief
lecturers on your finger tips; this day, we are losing count. In the
last Academic Board, when we have the new set of Chief
Lecturers, I think we were counting over fifty of them. So in terms
of staff strength, we have boosted staff strength in all
departments and not only in terms of number or quantity, but in
terms of quality. These days, through interview and long search
we have been able to get very credible, highly trained staff who
are motivated. In the sense that, once they get their salary and
allowances and entitlement, they will be challenged and ready to
contribute to the academic development of the college.
In addition, we have also encouraged staff through sponsorship
to conferences. I did not know of any college of education that
has these policies that we have here, that, actually, will send all
staff to conferences, though local. But our efforts have been now
complemented by TETFUND, which have now given a new
impetus into staff attending International Conferences, and I am
very well pleased that a lot of our staff are attending conferences
overseas and their papers have been accepted in journals that
are international in outlook. The attainments of PhD have not
only been through our own effort. Although we have had so many
staff, whom we have trained through study leave with pay, some
without pay, day releases but also now with Academic Staff
Training and Development Policy of TETFUND. It has now
become easy for our staff to be trained for their PhD and masters
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degrees and a lot staff are benefiting tremendously from this
gesture of TETFUND. And at this given point, almost all the staff
are involved one way or the other with higher training to improve
on their qualifications. I believe that the time we will be leaving
next year, a lot of our staff will have attained either the Masters
degree or the PhD. And I must also add that there is a special
attention we are given to students that finished from here, and
that is in-terms of those who attained First Class in their
graduation year. We have looked at these group as a group for
the future and we are encouraging them to come back, and those
who have resolved to become the staff of the college have done
well. Easily, they get their Masters degree and move on to PhD. In
terms of staff quality, I can say we have done fairly well.
In terms of infrastructure, if you go round the school today,
all ageing structures that we found out, have been given new
shape such that those structures will become modern, and we
are trying to accommodate staff, although, we have not done to
the fullest, but we are trying to make sure that all teaching staff
have befitting offices for them to do their individual works. As I
said, we have not attained that to the fullest, but we have tried so
much to give teaching staff conducive office space, such that they
can do their work efficiently. We have not left out the non-
teaching staff as well. As we improve on the academic attainment
of teaching staff, we have also been doing that to non-teaching
staff and also accommodating them to offices where they can also
do their work effectively. We have built lecture theatres to be able
to accommodate students for large classes and still plan to build
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more lecture theatres which I hope will become policy of this
college, until we found out that we have enough lecture theatres
to take care of the teaching of students in this college. In essence,
in terms of academic staff development we have tried and in
terms of infrastructure we have also tried. Then, aesthetic in the
landscaping, if we go round, we have not yet got to where we
want to be, but we are beginning to get there in terms of making
the campus look beautiful and extensive. We have left the little
areas of the quadrangle and we are now moving inward, to be
able to make use of our vast land and to put new structures and
also to do practical work for our agriculture, in terms of the farm
space that we have. So I will say, if we look at the vision and the
mission that we said when we were coming in, I believe we are on
the right path.
Question – How far have you implemented your vision for the
Directorate of Preliminary Studies and the Directorate of Part-
Time Studies?
Response – The Directorate was formerly known as Pre-NCE, but
we decided that we would upgrade. In upgrading it, we then
introduced the Pre-Degree and also other programme. In fact, we
had wanted to commence the IJMB done in some other
institutions but we did not go that far because we do not have
enough people to at least provide services, hence, instead of
calling it Pre-NCE, Pre-Degree, we now decided to become a
Directorate of Preliminary Programmes. So these preliminary
programmes are those that prepare people for NCE and degree. In
the last three or four years, we had the high turnover of people
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who finished from there and are now in the college or have gone
into other colleges, to attain goals in terms of NCE admission or
degree admission. The place is well run and we have a large
number of students there that are taught by our highly motivated
staff. So, the programme is running very well. Alongside that, we
also have the part-time studies and apart from the part-time
degree students, we also have the part-time NCE sandwich.
These programmes are well run and taught by staff, and the
students are happy that they are getting the type of quality
education that they desired, as they are graduating and going on
to join other services. So all these other programmes are doing
very well, just like they are doing on the main campus, and for
ease of administration, we moved them to demonstration school
site. However, our future goal is that some day, we will be able to
move the part-time studies and the preliminary programme to
permanent sites. We can use a part of our vast land to
accommodate both preliminary programmes and also the part-
time studies. It is good that they are not linked to the part of the
main campus but that areas can be carved out for them where
they can be located, using our vast land, so that the
administration can be done from such area in town and we are
thinking of areas along Laje road that we can just carve out and
then use for preliminary programme and part-time studies.
Question – The post of Chief Executive is very strategic not only
to the College but to the host community. We do not know,
whether your administration has robust relationship between the
Management and Ondo community.
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Response – I think that is the best part, if we are talking of
success, because we have a very cordial, smooth and very
effective relationship with the community. We are part and parcel
of the community just like the community is part and parcel of
the college. The community has a lot of interest now in the
college than in the past and I believe it is because we have been
able to reach out to the community. To the palace, we are always
welcome there, in terms of activities that go on. In the vast
community as a whole, the community also feels part of us in
whatever activities we engage in. So this has really helped. We
can point to activities of the town members in the college; the
lecture theatre that was donated to us by High Chief Odunwo of
Ondo Kingdom, Scholarship from Indigenes of the town; borehole
that was provided by a legislator from this town and so on and so
forth. The college also takes part in most of the activities that we
are invited to. I believe this forms a strong bond, in terms of
town-gown relationship, and I say we are really happy about that
and we still expect to forge ahead more in that area to be able to
receive more things from this Ondo community, in which
Adeyemi College is situated.
Question – We want you to talk about the relationship between
the college and Obafemi Awolowo University. How cordial is the
relationship?
Response – I would say that it has been very cordial. There are
challenges here and there and it is expected. This is the
relationship that has started since 1982. Obviously, with change
in leadership of Adeyemi College, we expect people to react and
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relate differently. Basically in terms of the academic relationship,
that, we have been able to do effectively. What is that academic
relationship? Definitely, they, being a University of Affiliation,
and us, being the institution that does the teaching and marking
and being supervised by OAU, the standard has been very high. I
am happy to report that a lot of our students have excelled in
their various endeavours in the nation and that attests to the
quality of education that we give here, and OAU had done the
supervision. They have been coming regularly for meetings,
especially the Joint Academic Board, moderating degree courses
and so on and so forth. In terms of financial relationship, we
have had and we say we have fulfilled all our obligations and we
enjoy a cordial relationship. If the relationship were not cordial, I
do not think they would go to the extent of getting five additional
programmes approved for us and they did this willingly and
gladly and we are also happy that they are involved in monitoring
that these new programmes are nurtured to become fully fledged
programmes of OAU, taught and examined just like they would
be done in the main campus. The issue of certificate signing has
been the one that has been giving us a lot of concern, but I thank
God that we are gradually getting through that. A lot of our
certificates are now being signed so that all our students are now
happy that they can collect their certificates as they graduate.
Students go to NYSC as at when due because all results are
taken as at when due by the Senate of OAU. So, it has been a
cordial relationship, although, if you ask me, I will still prefer a
situation whereby we are be able to award degree on our own.
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But since this is what is still in place, I believe we are enjoying a
good relationship with OAU and I want to thank the Vice
Chancellor and all other members of Management and the Dean
of Education for allowing us to have this smooth relationship.
Question – Within these seven years, what are your challenges?
Response – The major challenge that we have is financial. There
are lots of things that we have in mind, which we are willing to
do, but unable to do due to financial constraint. In the area of
capital grants for instance, we have had problems in the last four
years or so, which we have been rolling and rolling over whatever
financial appropriation is for capital, but not withstanding, we
have also tried in terms generating more revenue internally. All
the rehabilitation projects and construction projects that are on
campus are being done through internally generated fund, but we
will do a lot better if we have more finance. We are grateful to
TETFUND for assisting us to upgrade our different structures
and we have been able to do that by their support. The other
challenge that I readily identify has to do with this vision that
this place is more than ready in terms of structure, in terms of
staffing, in terms of physical readiness, this campus is more than
ready to accept the status of a university. There are lots of
universities that exist today which do not have the kind of
facilities that we have. So, we believe that this political thing
should be broken so that we can attain our real status. I am sure
that if we become a university, we will be able to retain a lot of
our staff who are going as soon as they attain their PhD to
Universities outside Nigeria. We will also be able to improve on
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our present programme offering. If we become a University, we
would be able to have our own Senate, the Senate would be able
to look at the programmes and be able to look at the curriculum
and be able to decide on what programmes are viable, what
programmes are not viable, what programmes we need to add
and so on and we would also be able to compete in attracting
better quality staff from other institutions, either through
government appointment or on sabbatical leave, but right now we
are not able to do this because of the limitation that we are not a
University. So, I hope that, very shortly, people who are in
government, people who have authority will look favourably
toward this college in moving it to become a university, so that we
can attain more. The Ondo Community would also benefit from
this new status if it is finally given to us.
Question – You would be leaving and saying final bye-bye to
Adeyemi College of Education on 22nd June, 2014, what would
you want the Adeyemi community to remember you for?
Response – I believe that when I leave, people would look at the
eight years and be able to say with a lot of fairness, what they
think have happened in the last eight years. I want to say that as
a person, I had a vision when I was coming here and in the last
seven years or so we have pursued that dream and I believe that I
will pursue it till I leave next year, and by the time we are leaving,
we would be able to look back and say that we have pursued our
vision and we have been able to attain it. That we have attained it
does not mean that more would not need to be done but that
whatever we have set out for ourselves as what needs to be done,
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we have been able to do that and then we can move on from
there. That what I want to be remembered for. I do not want you
be trivialized to say Idowu is the one that built a lecture theatre.
No I want us to see it beyond that, that what were the needs of
this college and what have been done to address them. What
were the strengths of this college and what were the weaknesses
and how have we been able to strengthen that. What were the
facilities of this college and how have we been able to make it
comfortable for the community and how have the college been
able to meet its goal and how is the college faring among other
federal colleges of education. These days, you will find out that a
lot of happenings are going on in the college of education system
where we now find our staff occupying positions of various
sectors. For instance, committee of librarians, we find out that
our Librarian is the chairman; committee of Internal Auditors of
Colleges of Education, the Head of Internal audit of the college is
the chairman and so on. Ex-Chairman of our Colleges of
Education Academic Staff Union is the National Vice President of
COEASU. So, we have begun to take our rightful place in the
Nation and things that are academic are being moved here. In
October for instance, the Association of Sociology of Education
will come here for their National Conference. This college hosts
School conferences every year and people turn up in large
number. In this next month, Joint Admission and Matriculation
Board is moving its admission exercise into our College for NCE
and Polytechnic.
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In a nutshell, this college is now being recognized as a place that
people should go to. All this is because of what is happening but
above all, if there is one sentence to say about this college, it is
that this college has left the era of violence and crisis and has
now moved to the era of peace.
End Notes
1. Oral interview, Mr. L. O. Sofenwa, former Principal, 10th
October, 2013
2. Oral interview, Professor Segun Adesina, Former Provost,
12th December, 2013
3. Oral Interview with Mr. Benjamin Folarin Adeniji former
Acting Provost, 22nd January 2014
4. Oral interview, Dr. R. A. Adeboyeje, (Associate Professor)
Former Provost, 23rd January, 2014
5. Oral interview, Dr. (now Professor) V. E. A. Akorede, Former
Acting Provost, 26th January, 2014
6. Oral interview, Professor Adeyemi Ibukunoluwa Idowu,
incumbent Provost, 20th August, 2013
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CHAPTER TEN
INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED WITH SELECTED DIGNITARIES
The central focus of this chapter is that of detailed documentation of the
interactions held with some dignitaries like former staff of the College, old students,
incumbent Dean of the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife,
prominent members of the Ondo community that have influenced Adeyemi College
of Education, Ondo. Professor Peter O. Jegede, Professor Adeyemi
Aderoba,Professor Jacob Taiwo Ogundari, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo, Professor Michael
Oluwole Ajisafe, Professor Joseph Adedoja Oyewusi, Dr. C.B. Oguntonade,
Professor Samuel Ibidapo Ogunrinde, Mr. Jerry Akindojutimi, Chief Mrs. Olufunke
Iluyemi, Chief Isaac Olufemi Adesulu, Dr. Peter S.Orimoloye, Mr. Olufemi
Oladokun Adedeji, Dr. E.A. Abiodun and Dr. M.O. Akindehin
The choice of these people was not influenced by any special preference, but
the need to include the interviews held with them as a matter of documentation for
the future generation who may further wish to re-interpret for historical purposes.
Their contributions to the making of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo at fifty,
does not in any way imply that others who were not captured by this work were
less significant. Data for this chapter have come primarily from direct discussions
held with them.
I. INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR PHILIP OLUROTIMI JEGEDE1
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Question:Can we meet you?
Response: My name is Professor Philip Olurotimi Jegede. I assumed duty in
Obafemi Awolowo University on 15th August 1995 and rose through the rank to
become Professor of Computer Education on 1st October, 2009. I became the Dean
Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife on 1st October, 2011 after
my tenure as Director Institute of Education. Presently I am a member of the
Governing Council of Adeyemi College of Education representing University of
affiliation (Obafemi Awolowo University).
Question: Sir, can you give the historical record of the affiliation of Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Response:The relationship began in 1972 when the College was transferred to the
University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) lle-lfe, for supervision of its
academic programmes. The University later took full responsibility both for the
academic policy and the administration of the College including staff recruitment.
On 22nd April, 1981 the Senate of the University of Ife approved that the College
commence the running of degree programme of the Faculty of Education. The
College started the programme in 1982/83 session in three departments namely:
English, French and Yoruba.
The University continued to administer the College until 31st December,
1991 when the College was administratively disarticulated from the Obafemi
Awolowo University. Nevertheless the College still enjoys academic affiliation with
the University. The present status of the College therefore is that it is academically
affiliated to Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-lfe for the award of degree and Post
Graduate Diploma in Education.
Question: What is your assessment of the quality of staff and the students of
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo?
Response:Obafemi Awolowo University is concerned with quality. The University is
not interested in wishy washy programme. Adeyemi College of Education has been
able to meet up with the quality standard required by OAU. The University is proud
of the quality of staff and students from Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo.
About 22% of lecturers in Adeyemi College of Education Ondo are Ph.D. holders.
The instructional delivery is alright. This is evidenced by the quality of questions
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set by the lecturers. The products/students from Adeyemi College of Education,
Ondo can stand side by side with students from any other higher institution in
Nigeria. The products of Adeyemi College of Education Ondo that are admitted for
one programme or the other at OAU usually perform very well.
However, there is still the need for lecturers in Adeyemi College of Education
Ondo to improve their academic qualifications in terms of obtaining Ph.D. The 22%
of lecturers that are Ph.D. holders in the College is not up to the required standard.
This is far below what is accepted for accreditation in the university. Although
Adeyemi is a college of education, but since it runs our degree programmes, we can
not demand less than what is required by the NUC.
Question: How does OAU ensure that the quality of its degree programme is
maintained at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo?
Response: As per quality of instruction, Adeyemi College of Education Ondo, uses
the curriculum of OAU for its Degree and Post Graduate Diploma programmes.
With this, the quality of instruction is consistently maintained. Also, the questions
and results of OAU’s Degree and PGDE programmes in Adeyemi College of
Education Ondo are always moderated by the University.
Question: As a Council member representing the University of affiliation, comment
on some striking developments you have witnessed in Adeyemi College of
Education Ondo.
Response: I have been close to Adeyemi College of Education Ondo all along. Many
physical developments have taken place within the last few years. Particularly
during the tenure of the present Provost of the College, development has been
rapid. This is evidenced by the number of buildings commissioned during the last
convocation ceremony. There is befitting learning environment in the College.
Anyone that enters the college will see that the environment is beautiful.
Another area of development in the College is in the area of academic
programme. Recently new NCE and degree programmes have started in the College.
Question: Do you think that Adeyemi College of Education Ondo is ripe for being
upgraded to a university of education? What is your reason?
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Response: Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo is ripe to be transformed to a
University of Education. The college is well prepared to become a university. Some
universities don’t even have what Adeyemi College of Education Ondo has. The
affiliation of Adeyemi College of Education Ondo with OAU has assisted the College.
The affiliation has awakened lectures to take up academic responsibilities and
develop themselves in the area of attaining Ph.D. Adeyemi College of Education
Ondo is no longer learning to walk, it is already walking.
Government has made the pronouncement. All we are waiting for is the
implementation. We expect that the six colleges of education that were upgraded to
universities of education by the government will take effect. The justifications for
university of educations are:
i We need more universities particularly universities of education because private
universities in Nigeria do not offer education courses.
ii. The Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme require more facilities for
teacher education. The UBE programme can not succeed without more facilities to
train professional teachers.
iii. The Millennium Development Goal of reducing mass illiteracy hinges on teacher
education. Shortage of teacher education facilities may lead to mass illiteracy in the
country.
I know that Adeyemi College of Education Ondo becoming a university of education
is a reality that would come to pass one day. Lecturers in the college should get
ready by improving their academic status because promotion criteria in colleges are
different from that of university.
Question: If Adeyemi College of Education Ondo is upgraded to a university of
education, in what way would it affect OAU as an institution?
Response: OAU does not have anything to lose if Adeyemi College of Education
Ondo becomes a university of education. Adeyemi College of Education Ondo as a
university of education would become a sister institution and OAU will be happy to
have provided the mentoring. In fact, after the government pronouncement that
Adeyemi College of Education Ondo and five other colleges had been upgraded, at
OAU we were ready for disengagement with the affiliation arrangement. We were
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expecting that by now Adeyemi College of Education Ondo would be at the second
year of its own degree programme. We are surprised that the government has not
implemented this. May be because of finance.
Question: As the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile Ife, in what ways do you think OAU can still be of help in promoting
development in Adeyemi College of Education Ondo?
Response: To be of more help to Adeyemi College of Education Ondo, the
admission of Adeyemi lecturers to run post graduate degrees can become a priority
to OAU just as we do for our own staff here.OAU can also be of more help by
providing additional teaching resources to Adeyemi College of Education Ondo.
That is, Adeyemi College of Education Ondo can hire some OAU lecturers, on part
time basis, to handle some courses in the College.
Question: As Adeyemi College of Education Ondo is preparing for its 50th Jubilee,
what vision or action plan do you think the College can embark upon to further
enhance its mission statement?
Response: In the first place, I appreciate the actions of the present provost. He has
lifted the status of the College to a very high level. Also, the present Council is
properly positioned to work for the advancement of the College. This is evidenced in
the quality of discussions during Council meetings. For further advancement in
Adeyemi College of Education Ondo, the College should begin to identify particular
areas of strength where it can provide leadership. The College should start thinking
of specialized areas of education that can make it different from other colleges of
education. Members of staff can be sent out and trained in such areas.
Question: Is there any other information you want to give concerning Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo?
Response: I wish the entire members of the College community happy Golden
Jubilee.
�
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II. INTERVIEW WITH PROFFESSOR ADEYEMI ADEROBA (THE LOTUJAMA
OF ONDO KINGDOM)2
Question: Professor, you are welcome Sir.
Answer:Thank you so much.
Question:Can we meet you sir?
Response: I am Professor Adeyemi Aderoba, I am the Lotujama of Ondo Kingdom,
that is, the head of all Ijamas of Ondo Kingdom.You may not know the full weight
of that but, Ijama is a dynasty of Chiefs, we control about fifteen quarters of this
kingdom. I am also a retired Professor of Engineering, I retired five years ago, so I
am on my own going round places, retired but never tired and of course a friend of
Adeyemi College of Education.
Question: In that wise, it means we will not be wrong to call you a stakeholder
in the Adeyemi project?
Response: Yes, I believe I am, because I love the place.
Question: As a prominent indigene of Ondo Kingdom can you please give a brief
profile of Reverend Cannon Adeyemi whose name was adopted for the College?
Response: Well, the first school in the old Ondo Province, by this, I mean the first
secondary school founded in 1919 was Ondo Boys High School and the first
Principal and more or less the founder, I said more or less, because there is a
reason for that, was Reverend Canon Adeyemi.He is the first principal of the school
and he nurtured the school. The school was a community school and still a
community school. The school was founded by a unique combination of three
sectors of the Ondo community, the Christian sector of which Rev. Cannon
Adeyemi derived from, the Muslim sector and the Obaship. The three groups came
together and started the school and we are extremely lucky to have Cannon Craig
Adeyemi as the first principal. Originally, he derived from Oyo, his linage actually
came from Oyo. He was a Prince, and we understand that his mother came from
Ondo, so somewhere along the line he just got here, but at that time when some of
the most qualified people, just a few people, have degree in 1919 and he had a
master’s degree, an M.A. and he did quite a lot to get the place sorted out. People
came all the way from the present Lagos, Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, Edo even Osun, Oyo
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and Ogun.This was the citadel of learning for all these areas, so it is no wonder
that when he died and the Western Region Government established the College of
Education the opportunity came, the Ondos pressed and the name was given as
Adeyemi College of Education. I would have preferred that they said “Craige
Adeyemi College of Education” that could have put it more appropriately but we
thank God that the name was attached to the College.
Question: Sir, we want to ask, in what way(s) has Adeyemi College of Education
contributed to the development of Ondo Kingdom?
Response: Adeyemi College of Education was established in 1964; of course, that
is why it is going to be 50 years in 2014. I was then in form 4, in secondary school,
and we used to spend six years. I went to Ondo Grammar School, we suffered
admission to go to Adeyemi College of Education. At that time, it was the Eldorado
of the educational system. They were actually paying the students to attend school.
You can go and crosscheck the record. They provided the students with
accommodation and stipends. They never paid fees, so I was enticed by this idea of
being given salary while I was a student. But on a lighter mood, there are so many
areas that Adeyemi College of Education has developed this town.If you see
Adeyemi College Road there, that corridor was a bush.It opened where you will call
big road now and we used to call the College ‘ARBICO’ and Arbicowas the
construction company that constructed the College. The Ondo knew the Collegeby
only Arbicoand the buildings; you can still see some of the beautiful buildings.
There were so many white people brought in to do the teaching, so the first impact
the school made was that it opened that corridor on which so many people now
bought land.It expanded the town. Then, it enabled the unique platform for a whole
lot of other people to come to the town thereby supplementing the importance of
the Ondo Boys High School as Citadel of learning. Then, there was another
instance, one of the first females to ever be a lecturer in that school was Mrs.
Oluwole.She came from this town and at that time nobody knew that a woman
could rise that high and that made a lot of impact on a lot of females in this town,
that if a woman could be a lecturer in Arbicowho am I not to aspire to get in? I am
giving you both the physical and the psychological impacts that Adeyemi College of
Education made on the town. I could not get in. I would have been in the third set
of the College. I eventually got admitted for HSC. I didn’t even know the difference
but I wanted that money. My principal then, Chief Olu Akinbobola, said you are a
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science person at least I was very good in Mathematics and he said HSC is a direct
link to the University. I didn’t know this and haven’t said that, it made a lot of
impact in the subsequent years. Adeyemi College of Education produced NCE but
another angle that the College helped was this Sandwich programme, which
enabled many of our grade III & grade II teachers to improve on their education,
gradually.Even those that were about to retire went to Adeyemi College of
Education to do their sandwich programme.It was a very good development. The
Ondos were always going to Lagos to do one thing or the other. Ondos really never
liked teaching but a few came into Adeyemi College of Education, and if you go
there now, I believe that we have a significant number of Ondos both in academic
and administrative areas. It provided employment for the town. Although one would
have loved the place to be a university by now (I know that would be one of your
questions). When you site a higher institution in some places, sometimes it
becomes a problem. I can remember Offa, an epicenter of trouble whereby the
town and the gown have been in perpetual commotion. Even in the last ten years,
Federal Polytechnic, Offa has been a problem. It is on record that the Federal
Polytechnic and the community have clashes. We didn’t have that situation here.
Infact, the community has been an adjudicator in the usual common rifts in higher
institutions.We always come into it.Sometimes,it will be between staff, students,
management and unions we always come in and settle it for them and it has never
degenerated into a community/Adeyemi College problem.So we believe that, all in
all, there has been an epicenter progressive relationship with the community and
we are proud of this.
Question: As an academic of high repute, what would be your candid and
objective assessment of the present Management, ably represented by Professor
Adeyemi Idowu since you are familiar with the College?
Response: In fact, my first name is Adeyemi, so we have so many things in
common. Interestingly, the present Chief Executive of the College and Provost
incidentally is Adeyemi.His first name is Adeyemi, so we have Adeyemi Idowuand
Adeyemi Aderoba; and we have been good friends. Professor Adeyemi Idowu and
myself have been very good friends – not because of commonality of name, nor
because he is a professor like me – because he has done well. If he has not done
well, I will not be his friend. He has done very well. I have seen a lot of Provosts,
They didn’t do badly. Don’t let us say they are bad.At least, I know of
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ProfessorIpaye and some acting Provosts.They all did well in their own ways but
there is a difference between doing well and doingverywell. If you look at it from the
basis of infrastructure, Ipaye did quite a lot, but Ipaye’s is just like John the
Baptist, who happened to be forerunner ofthe Messiah. Adeyemi Idowu really, really
did very well. He had put up so many structures.It is something one can see.
Anyright-thinking person would see that the infrastructuresin many of the
universities in this countryare not as good as those of Adeyemi College of
Education.He achieved these not just by sitting down and wishing that all these
things came through. He had to go round, get to Abuja, persuade people to release
funds to him and he had to reach out to some of the government parastatals and
agencies such as TETFund.He had to reach out to old Alumni of the College and I
can see a few building there. One of them was donated by Chief (Mrs.) Remi
Tinubu. You know, these things are not just simple to achieve.He has done that
and has elevated the academic programmes. Anybody now who is not having higher
degree should better rethink because this is preparatory to upgrading the place to a
university.Professor Adeyemi Idowu is conscious of that and that is why he is
encouraging many of the Lecturers to even go for their PhDs. And at a time even
under Ipaye, they appointed qualified Chief Lecturers as Associate Professors.
Professor Idowu is one of those that are pushing for the university status. Many of
the staff would not know the extent we have gone on this. Then, the Provost has
related himself to the host Community to the extent that we even appreciated him
and gave him a chieftaincy title. Let me tell you this, I think it was when his child
was getting married, I even went to Ibadan for the wedding. I rarely go outside this
town for any social function. I don’t know the sitting room of Prof. Adeyemi Idowu. I
have never been there and I have never securedone naira contract in Adeyemi
College of Education, so that one cannot say that I am just praising him because I
am chopping something from him. No, I just see his work and I respect him and he
respects me and he has made a lot of progress. There was an unfortunate incident
that almost marred this brilliant performance, when some terrible students started
demonstrating and breaking things, and Ondos rose up and said this was
untenable.In fact some of those people that instigated the students have never
recovered because of the way the community handled them.The Provost rose up
from the challenge.The strength of a man is not judged only by his successes but
by his tenacity in facing crises. Professor Adeyemi Idowu has distinguished himself
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with a special character to face crises.Look at the way you are preparing for the
50th anniversary of the College.
Question: Adeyemi College of Education, no doubt is a great institution, and there
has been agitation that the College be made a university.We need your reaction on
this, secondly, what is the Community doing to achieve this goal?
Response: The community has been longing for university for a very long time. So
many cases, even the Obafemi Awolowo University was expected to have been sited
here. The old Ondo State University, at Ado-Ekiti was supposed to have been sited
here. The Federal University of Technology, Akure was supposed to have been sited
here. For some strange reasons, we never got any.So we became extremely
frustrated, our aspiration were partly met by Wesley University of Science and
Technology, but, we still will want Adeyemi College of Education be upgraded to a
University status, that is Federal might. The parastatal overseeing the Colleges of
Education, the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) is totally
different from the parastatal overseeing the university systems, which is National
Universities Commission (NUC).Look at it from the human angle.If you have a good
student in you class or your school that wants to move to another school, the
natural tendency is that you won’t let him go. If it were to be a bad student, you
will say, let him go.So that is one of the problems of Adeyemi College of Education.
Deep down, the NCCE does not want Adeyemi College to go because they are one of
the first set of the Colleges of Education in the country.One would have wanted
ACE to be a full degree awarding institution and I believe that the Ondos want this
to happen.They would even be prepared to invest in that project. You need to
understand the mentality of Ondos. Look at Don Bosco, which is a very good
institution practically, most of the students there are not natives. Ondos like high
sounding qualifications and degrees.They would rather have B.A. in Yoruba than
to have very high distinct NCE in something, so, that is our mentality. So we would
keep praying. When I was there (ACE) sometimes ago, I still told the gathering that
it is our fervent desire in Ondo Kingdom to see that ACE is upgraded to a
university. That is our hope. I talked to the former Chairman of the House on
Education, Farouk Lawan when he came to the College and said I hadthree
requests:The three rquests boiled down on ACE becoming a university. Period. The
Kabiyesi continues to seize every opportunity when in Abuja to press necessary
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bottons for the upgrading. The entire Kingdom is praying and looking forward to
the upgrading. Thank you.
III. INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR JACOB TAIWO OGUNDARI3
Question: Can we meet you, Sir?
Response: I am Professor Jacob Taiwo Ogundari, one of the fourth set of students
of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo. I was admitted into the College on 5th
January 1967 to pursue Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Physical and
Health Education and General Science. I successfully completed the NCE
programme in 1969 with my bosom colleagues such as Professor Dibu Ojerinde in
Science Education, Mr. Aganga (Senior), Mr. Omilabu (a prominent volleyball
player) and Mrs. Mope Obayemi.
Question: What were the requirements to enter Adeyemi College as at that time?
Response: Admission of students into the College then was highly competitive.
Apart from the required number of credit passes in the relevant subjects at the
Grade II T.C. and WAEC, GCE Ordinary Level, candidates seeking admission into
the College would sit for Entrance Examination and the successful candidates
would appear physically for a screening interview exercise.
Question: Can you speak on the staff strength?
Response: The principal of the College then was Mr. L.A. Sofenwa (1966-1968),
while UNESCO personnel formed the bulk of the academic staff in the College. Mr.
Churtre was teaching education courses, while Mr. Joseph Adedoja Oyewusi (now a
professor) was the Head of the Department of Physical and Health Education. Other
lecturers in the Department of PHE were Late Professor Adedeji, Mr. Falebita and
Mr. Fabunmi. There was nothing like over-population of students, as the entire
fourth set of students were 27, and one left the College because of the civil war.
Question: We want you to talk on physical facilities.
Response: There was no problem of physical facilities as these were adequately
provided by the UNESCO. The College Quadrangle was used for the PHE practicals.
Other existing facilities in the College then includedone lecture theatre, two blocks
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of lecture rooms, four halls of residence, staffquarters, library, science laboratories,
Centre for Education Technology, administrative block, quadrangle, one
auditorium, a mini-Health Centre and a cafeteria.
Question: Can you tell us about student welfare?
Response: The campus life was very interesting. All students were comfortably
accommodated freely in the existing four halls of residence, namely: Tinubu Hall for
female students only, Oduduwa, Abiodun and Ololunloyo (formerly known as
Independence Hall) halls for male students only. There was free feeding for all
students. Only two students occupied a room. Each student in NCE I got three
pounds (£ 3), NCE II got four pounds (£ 4), and five pounds (£ 5)for NCE III student
as his/her monthly stipend. There was regular supply of electricity and potable
water. The students used to experience shortage of water supply in the months of
February and March. The Student Union Secretariat was based in Tinubu Hall and
no male student visited Tinubu Hall after 7.00p.m.
There was strict student discipline. No cases of examination malpractice,
cultism and students’ protest. Co-curricular activities were well encouraged in the
College then. Adeyemi College of Education participated in NACEGA organized for
the then existing five Colleges of Education in the country held in Lagos and the
College came second. The College emerged first in the NACEGA held in 1964 in the
College.
Question: What about Academic Calendar?
Response: The College adopted two-term academic structure for each academic
year. Tests were conducted at the end of the academic year. There was no place for
re-sit examination, except in the final year examination popularly known as the
“September Conference”.
IV. INTERVIEW WITH MR. AFOLABI OJUAWO4
Question: Can we meet you, Sir?
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Response: I amMr. Afolabi Ojuawo (now a Barrister), a former University
administrator, but now a politician and legal practitioner. I was the Registrar of
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo between 1983 and 1990.
Question: Can you recount the trend of development of Adeyemi College of
Education?
Response: The history of Adeyemi College of Education could be categorized into
three phases. These include:
a) Phase I: Adeyemi College of Education under UNESCO
b) Phase II: Adeyemi College of Education under Western Region
c) Phase III: Adeyemi College of Education under University of Ife, Ile-Ife.
Following the recommendation of the University Council at its meeting of
27th May, 1981, the President-in-Council approved that Adeyemi College of
Education Ondo be granted an autonomous status and a Governing
Council. The Federal Government also decided that meanwhile, the Interim
Governing Board set up by the University (UNIFE) should continue to
administer the College until such a time that the Governing Council was
established by the Federal Government.
The Senate of UNIFE, at its meeting of 22nd April, 1981 approved that
the B.A/B.SC programmes in the Faculty of Education be commenced and
continued with until such a time when the College would be ripe to design
its own programme for the approval of the Senate of the University and that
the degree would be awarded by the University of Ife, Ile-Ife. The College
started the degree programme during 1982/1983 session in English, Yoruba
and French, while other degree programmes commenced later.
Before the commencement of degree in the College in 1982/83, the
bulk of the tutors (academic staff) were first degree holders. UNIFE directed
that the minimum requirement to teach in the College was Master’s degree.
This policy compelled some tutors to leave the College. Also, academic
appointment was based on acquisition of higher degrees. The Registry was
very strong then, with the establishment of some departments, patterned
after UNIFE.
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Guidelines from UNIFE was also given to Adeyemi College of Education on
the appointment of academic staff into various senior academic cadres in the
College, up to professorial cadre. Professors Esan and Oke were recruited into the
College then, while Dr. Ogunrinde, Dr. Orisawayi, Dr. Osisanwo, Dr. Aboderin
became Readers or Associate Professors later.
Question: Do you mind explaining the process of getting fund for projects at that
time?
Response: The National Universities Commission (NUC) started to fund the College
separately from the University (UNIFE) with effect from 1981/82 session. The fund
was meant for both capital projects and recurrent expenditure in the College. ACE
was the only College then to have direct contact with NUC.With the disarticulation
of the administration of the College from Obafemi Awolowo University with effect
from 1st January, 1990, the College has been administratively autonomous under
the umbrella of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
However, the College is still academically affiliated to OAU in respect of the degree
programmes.
The fund was well utilized in providing facilities in the College including the
uncompleted buildings, rehabilitation of College buildings and provision of office
accommodation for staff. The library was also expanded and a qualified Librarian
was recruited. Also, the Directorate of Physical Planning, Works and Maintenance
Services received better development and Engineer Jogbodo was employed to head
the Directorate. While more senior academic staff, including Dr. C.B. Oguntonade,
and Dr. V. E.A. Akorede were employed into the College.
Question: We want you to talk about staff development.
Response: The period between 1984-1990 was quite remarkable in Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo. There was mutual relationship between the academic
and non-academic staff. It was a period of turn around in the life of the College in
terms of quality academic programmes in the College, departmentalization and staff
promotion. Mr. V. Ninan was the first Head of the College to be designated as
Provost, between 1979 and 1984. He was succeeded by Professor Segun Adesina
who was on one year sabbatical leave from the University of Ilorin (Provost 1984-
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1985). Professor Adesina was succeeded by Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Fayemi (Provost, 1985-
1990).
V. INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR MICHAEL OLUWOLE AJISAFE5
Question:Can we meet you, Sir?
Response: I am Dr. Michael Oluwole Ajisafe (now a professor). I joined Adeyemi
College of Education as a lecturer in the Department of Physical and Health
Education in September 1972 when Dr. J.A. Oyewusi (now a Professor) was the
Head of Department of Physical and Health Education and Mr. B.O. Rotimi was the
Principal of the College. I became the Head of Department of Physical and Health
Education in January 1973, the year the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
started. I became Lecturer I in the Department of Physical and Health Education,
when Professor Babs Fafunwa was the Dean, Faculty of Education, University of
Ife, (later known as Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU). Prominent academic staff
members of the College as at that time were Dr. Ola, Dr. Bayo Gesinde, Dr. Tunde
Ipaye, Dr. B.O. Adeyemi, Dr. Ogunbiyi and Dr. Abioye.
Question: What were the requirements to enter the College ?
Response: Entrance Examination into the College was being conducted by the
University of Ife. Essay questions were prepared for the eligible candidates. The
successful candidates were later invited into the College for practical tests and
screening interview exercise.
Question: We want you to talk on staff welfare.
Response: Every academic staff had a very comfortable office accommodation while
most of the staff lived in the staff quarters provided in the College. Salaries and
other staff emoluments were promptly disbursed. However, there was no College
sponsorship for conferences. The social activities in the College then were superb.
Prominent artists/musicians such as Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey were occasionally
invited into the College by students’ clubs for entertainment. The wives of staff in
the College were inspired to take keen interest in the College social and sporting
activities.
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Question: Do you mind commenting on students discipline in the College?
Response: The students, though they were not many, comported themselves well
by obeying all the statutory regulations of the College. There were no cases of
cultism and examination malpractice. The students were kept busy during their
leisure time with various intra-mural sporting activities organized by the College.
Also, extra-mural sporting activities were organized by the College for the
sportsmen and women in Ondo Kingdom to further promote the good relationship
between the College and Ondo community.
Adeyemi College of Education would ever remain an enviable citadel of
honour, a College of significant prestige and the best in the country in terms of lofty
academic programmes, commendable demeanor of the staff and unprecedented
infrastructural development
VI INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR JOSEPH ADEDOJA OYEWUSI6
Question: Can we meet you, Sir?
Response: I amProfessor Joseph Adedoja Oyewusi. I was appointed as a
foundation tutor in the Department of Physical and Health Education, Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo in 1964. I started my teaching career in the College
under the Pioneering Principal of the College Mr. (now) Dr. Jack C.E. Greig (1964),
later Mr. A. Ogundipe (Principal, 1965-1966), Mr. L.A. Sofenwa (Principal, 1967-
1968), Chief W.O. Akingbola (Principal, 1969-1970) and Mr. B.O. Rotimi (Principal,
1970-1975). I was the pioneering Head of Department of Physical and Health
Education. I single-handedly taught all the PHE courses in the department and
coordinated all the affairs of the department. Two tutors later joined me in the
department.
I was a member of Academic Board of Adeyemi College of Education and the
College Representative at the Statutory Board Meetings of University of Ife, now
Obafemi Awolowo University.
Question: How would you assess physical facilities you had at the time?
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Response: The existing facilities then for the Physical and Health Education in the
College were grossly inadequate. There was no field for sporting activities and PHE
practicals. The gymnasium was not yet constructed. However, the PHE practicals
were being conducted in the College quadrangle while the secondary school fields
in Ondo community were being used for the College sporting activities. The College
took part in the first NACEGA held in Zaria.
Question: We want you to talk on town-gown relationship then.
Response: The College maintained a harmonious and very healthy relationship
with Ondo community. The Department of Physical and Health Education
organized virile sporting activities for the existing few primary and secondary
schools in Ondo community then. This further enhanced the cordial relationship
between Adeyemi College of Education and Ondo Community.
Question: We want you to talk on staff development.
Response: The College showed keen interest in the development of the available
academic staff. The UNESCO in collaboration with the College sponsored some
tutors in the College for their higher degree programmes. Mr. Oyewusi (now
professor Oyewusi) was one of the beneficiaries.
VII. INTERVIEW WITH DR. C.B. OGUNTONADE7
Question: Can you introduce yourself,Sir.
Response: My name is Dr. C.B. Oguntonade.
Question: When did you join Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo staff ?
Response: I joined Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo on Monday 15th October,
1984 as a lecturer in the Department of Curriculum Studies and Audio-Visual
Instruction (CAI) and Physics when Professor Segun Adesina, who was on one-year
sabbatical leave from University of Ilorin, was the acting Provost of the College.
Question: What were the positions of responsibilities you held in the College?
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Response: I wasDeputy Provost to Dr. (Mrs.) P. O. Fayemi in 1985, Chairman of
the College Building Committee and Director of the Institute of Postgraduate
Studies and Research.
Question: Can you assess the career structure of academic staff in the College in
your years in the College?
Response: The College encouraged and sponsored academic staff for higher degree
programmes in Nigerian universities. While academic staff without teaching
qualifications were inspired to enroll for the Post Graduate Diploma in Education
(PGDE) in the Directorate. Programmes were mounted for the academic staff in the
College. Many academic staff benefitted including Mr. Olufemi Adedeji in the
Department of French.
I maintain that the promotion criteria for academic staff should be re-visited, by
placing high premium on teaching effectiveness, rather than on paper publications,
which is susceptible to manonvering in recent times. Also, the College should make
provision for the products of Diploma in Computer Studies in the College
Convocation ceremonies.
Question: What is your view about student unionism in the College?
Response: Student unionism in College could be seen as a trouble making forum
during my years as the Deputy Provost of the College. However, some mature and
responsible members of Student Union executives used to come for pieces of advice
on what to do and how to go about it.
Question: How would you perceive the town-gown relationship during your years
in the College?
Response: The cordial town-gown relationship was being susceptible to itching
politics. The community wanted the appointment of the Junior staff in the College
to be solely reserved for Ondo indigenes.
Question:During your visit to the College in recent times, what can you say about
the pace of physical development of the College?
Response: The current Provost, Professor Adeyemi Idowu, invited me to the 2010
Convocation ceremony of the College. The Management under the leadership of
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Professor Adeyemi Idowu should be commended for the unprecedented pace of
physical development of the College. This team has done a wonderful job in the
College.
VIII. INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR SAMUEL IBIDAPO OGUNRINDE8
Question:Can we meet you, Sir?
Response: I amProfessorSamuel Ibidapo Ogunrinde. I was employed in Adeyemi
College of Education, Ondo as a tutor in 1972 in the Department of Agricultural
Science. At that time, I had National Diploma (ND) and Bachelor of Science B.Sc. in
Agricultural Science. I was the first academic staff in the Department of
Agricultural Science, teaching all the Agricultural Science courses based in the
department when Mr. B.O. Rotimi was the Principal of the College. Some academic
staff were brought to the department on part-time basis.
The pioneering N.C.E. Agricultural Science students were 17. The NCE
Agricultural Science students would spend their first two years at the then School
of Agriculture, Akure and their third year (Final year) would be spent in the College.
Question:Do you mind explaining the mode of students admission in the College?
Response: The admission of students into the College at that time was highly
competitive and very tight. The admission requirements include four credits at GCE
O’ level or it equivalents; excellent performance in entrance examination being
conducted then by the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University; and
commendable performance in oral interview conducted in the College.
Question:How would you assess students’ welfare?
Response: The College was very sensitive to the welfare issues of the students. The
students were on scholarship/bursary awards receiving three pounds (£3) in part I;
four pounds (£4)in part II and five pounds (£5)in part III, as individual student’s
monthly stipend. Feeding was 10 kobo for breakfast, 20k for lunch and 20 kobo for
super. There was regular supply of electricity in the halls of residence and lecture
rooms. Students were comfortably accommodated. Only two students occupied a
very spacious and well-ventilated room. The feeding fee later increased to 50 kobo
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for breakfast, 50 kobo for lunch and 50 kobo for super. Students had access to
regular supply of portable water.
Question: Could you talk on early development of the Department of Agricultural
Science.
Response: I contributed immensely to the early development of the Department of
Agricultural Science in the College. Citrus and oil palms were planted in the
specific locations in the College which contributed to the aesthetic look of the
College. The available facilities for Agricultural Science practicals were grossly
inadequate then. The department had to use some facilities at the Ministry of
Agriculture in Ondo town and Lipakala Farms, along Ondo-Akure Road for the
students’ practicals.
Question:Do you still recollect the organizations, students’ clubs and unions?
Response: Most of the students belonged to various highly disciplined and very
virile socio-cultural organizations such as palm-wine drinkers club. The activities of
the students’ clubs and unions were closely monitored by their patrons and staff
advisers who were mostly academic staff. However, the Students’ Union, under the
leadership of Ogedengbe was not in good terms with the College Management led by
Mr. B.O. Rotimi. The student’s violent protest led by Ogedengbe resulted in the exit
of the College Principal, Mr. B.O. Rotimi from the College. The College at that time
did not experience cases of examination malpractice and cultism.
Question: Could you remember the struggle for change in nomenclature from
Tutorship to Lecturership?
Response: Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUN) started in
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo during 1978/1979 academic session. The
executive members of Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUN) now
Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
Chapter perceived the need to change from the unpopular and obsolete tutorship
title to lecturership. The ASUN, ACE Chapter led by me vigorously pursued the
issue before the Senate of University of Ife, under the Chairman of Professor Wande
Abimbola. The matter received the blessing of the Senate then, with the condition
that appointment and promotion of all academic staff of Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo should be based on acquisition of higher degrees up to doctorate
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degree (Ph.D.) level. This condition compelled many academic staff in the College to
go for Ph.D. degrees, and those who could not cope, left the College.
Question: Do you consider the College ripe for a university status?
Response: Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo would ever remain a centre of
excellence in the area of teacher education and continues to provide significant
service to the nation in particular. The unprecedented development of the College
in terms of physical and personnel development convincingly indicates that the
College is over due for upgrade as an autonomous Federal Government University
of Education.
IX. INTEVIEW WITH MR. JERRY AKIN AKINDOJUTIMI9
Question:Can we meet you, Sir?
Response: I amMr. Jerry Akin Akindojutimi and was one of the third set of
students admitted into Adeyemi College of Education Ondo; popularly known then
as Arbico, the name of the contracting firm handling the capital projects in the
College then.I was admitted into the College in 1966 to pursue NCE programme in
Mathematics/Physics.
Question: Could you remember what campus life was during your time?
Response: Campus life at Adeyemi College of Education was very exciting and
interesting, particularly between 1966 and 1968 when every student in the College
was on monthly stipend of five pounds (£5). The monthly allowance was eventually
stopped in early 1969. There were many social clubs to which students belonged.
Prominent among them was Club Eightconsisting of eight science-based students
namely Akin Akindojutimi, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, Dr. Adewale, Dr. Aganga, Dr.
William Olaniyi, Dr. Akinwalere and Mr. Filani. Club Eight was meant to forge
ahead academically. Also, there was Mighty Mujemu Clubconsisting of men with
beards from all the departments in the College.
The halls of residence then were Tinubu Hall, Ololunloyo Hall, Abiodun Hall
and Oduduwa Hall. There was no off-campus student. The Students Union leaders
were mature, highly responsible, very dynamic and accommodating. They were
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elderly people, married and held Grade II Teachers’ Certificate. There was no
student’s riot or violent demonstration of any kind at that time.
Question: During the early years of the College, can you assess student-staff
relationship?
Response: There was healthy and cordial relationship between the students and
the staff. The bulk of the lecturers were foreigners- the UNESCO Staff, who
maintained harmonious relationships with the students. They also assisted the
students in getting reading materials in the College Library. No cases of
examination malpractice and cultism. No student could assault any junior non-
academic staff.
Question: We want you to talk on student welfare.
Response: All students were comfortably accommodated in the halls of residence.
A well spacious and highly ventilated room with all conveniences was allocated to
two students. Hall wardens among the lecturers were appointed to monitor the
students’ activities in the halls of residence. There were College security men who
ensured safety of students’ lives and properties while sufficient number of
gardeners and cleaners were recruited for maintenance, cleanliness and other
custodial services in the College.
There was regular supply of potable water and electricity in the entire
College then. Feeding was free in the College cafeteria. Students’ visitors were often
given free long bread, fried eggs and tea. Four pieces of cloths per student per week
were being dry-cleaned in the College laundry. The NCE graduates then were
employed by the government immediately after graduation.
There was high level of commitment by students to academic activities.
Students were punctual to lectures and attended to all academic matters such as
assignments, tests, examinations decently and promptly. The entire students were
well committed and there was a healthy academic rivalry among them. There was
no room for carry over courses. Once a student failed a course, he or she would
repeat the session. No case of examination malpractice or rustication of students
on poor academic performance.
Question:Give a historical development of the College’s Alumni Association?
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Response: The Alumni Association of the College was inaugurated in early 1980s. I
was appointed Director of Socials and Dr. Orimoloye was appointed the National
President of the Association. All members were mandated to pay annual directly to
the bank account of the Association. The current Provost of the College pledged to
give the Association an office in the College.
Question:What is your advice for the College?
Response: Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, today is a paradise on earth, with
many modern buildings springing up in the College in recent times and
unprecedented aesthetic values to the College today. It becomes more imperative
for the College Alumni Association, the Osemawe in Council, group of High Chiefs
in Ondo Kingdom, Ondo State Governor, group of Ondo Kingdom professors and
the concerned individual to work for the upgrading of the College to a Federal
University of Education.
X. INTERVIEW WITH MRS.OLUFUNKE ILUYEMI10
Question:Can we meet you,Ma?
Response: I am Chief (Mrs.) Olufunke Iluyemi, the Iyalode of Ondo Kingdom and
Yeye Oba of Ajueand an accomplished teacher. I graduated from the University of
Ibadan, Ibadan in 1963. I taught in various secondary schools in the defunct
Western Region and rose from classroom teacher to the school headship position. I
was a Principal of St. Monica’s Secondary School, Ondo. I served as a
Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and also a Commissioner for Education
in Ondo State.
Question:How would you explain your contributions to the development of
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo?
Response: I was one of the prominent Ondo indigenes that assisted the group of
experts from the Ministry of Education, Ibadan in securing the present site of
Adeyemi College of Education, using parameters such as: proximity to the
community, topography of the land, space for expansion and other aesthetic values
of the present site of the College.
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As a community leader, I ensured that Ondo Kingdom maintains
harmonious, cordial and healthy relationship with Adeyemi College of Education.
The College is seen both as a commercial nerve centre of Ondo Kingdom and a
centre of academic excellence brought to the doorsteps of Ondo people. The past
and present Provosts of the College notably Mr. V. Ninan, Professor Segun Adesina
and Dr. (Mrs.) P.O. Fayemi and Professor Adeyemi Idowu related well and are
relating well with the Ondo community. The Ondo people have been praying that
Adeyemi College of Education would be up-graded to an autonomous Federal
University of Education, during the tenure of Professor Adeyemi Idowu.
I was not only well committed to the Provosts of the College then, but a
mother, whose passion, love and concern for all people would ever remain indelible
in the annals of the College. For instance, the issue that led to the unfortunate
violent protest of students against Dr. (Mrs.) Fayemi’s administration in April 1990
was not known to the public. The students under the leadership of their ferocious
looking executive leaders violently demonstrated and maltreated the Provost and
assaulted her person. To prevent the loss of lives and destruction of properties in
the College, I quickly intervened in the crisis, by inviting anti-riot police to the
College. To avert the ruinous student rampage, the College was closed down by the
Federal Minister of Education, on 11th April, 1990.
Question: What is the community doing about the upgrading of Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo to a full University of Education in Nigeria?
Response: His Royal Highness, Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, High Chiefs in Ondo
Kingdom and other dignatories and religious leaders have been praying, working
relentlessly and contacting regularly the concerned prominent people in Abuja to
up-grade Adeyemi College of Education to an autonomous Federal University of
Education. The high caliber of personnel and the intra-modern physical facilities in
the College now are enough to get the College, up-graded to a Federal University of
Education.
Question:What pieces of advice can you give to the College?
Response: Ondo community expects Adeyemi College of Education to organize
periodically some sporting activities for secondary school students in Ondo
Kingdom. This will further improve the social life of the children. The College may
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also have a plaza and an amusement park that could attract the people in the
community to the College. This would further enhance the existing cordial
relationship between the College and community.
The College should place high premium on practical-oriented education that
would make the students acquire skills for job creation. This would minimize the
problem of graduate unemployment in the society.
XI. INTERVIEW HELD WITH CHIEF ISAAC OLUFEMI ADESULU11
Question: Can we meet you sir?
Response
I amChief Isaac Adesulu, the Ladasa of Ondo Kingdom, I was the former
Deputy Registrar, Personnel Affairs of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife up till
1990 when I was appointed the substantive Registrar of Adeyemi College of
Education, Ondo, in 1990. I assumed duty as the Registrar of the College on 16th
January, 1991 and retired from active service on 20th December, 2001. My tenure
witnessed a remarkable development in the organization and administrative set-up
of the College. I worked with Professor Babatunde Ipaye, the Provost of the College
between 1991 and 1999; and Dr. Reuben Adepoju Adeboyeje.
Question: Could you say something about the disarticulation of the Administration
of the College from Obafemi Awolowo University?
Response
The disarticulation of the administration of the College, from Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife took effect from 1st January 1990. Since then, the
College has been administratively autonomous under the umbrella of the National
Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). However, the College is still
academically affiliated to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in respect of its
degree programmes. Following the disarticulation of administration, I was actively
involved in administrative re-structuring of the College into six main units namely,
the Library, Health Centre, General Administration, Bursary and the Academics,
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which include the Schools, Directorate of Post-Graduate Students and Research
and Student’s Affairs.
The first Governing Council of the College came in 1992 under the
Chairmanship of Professor E. Yoloye. Professor Babatunde Ipaye was the Provost
and I was the Registrar and Secretary to that Governing Council.
Question: What informed change in nomenclature from Tutorship to
Lecturership?
Response
Before the disarticulation of the administration of the College from Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, members of Academic Staff of the College had been
clamouring for a change in nomenclature from Tutorship to Lecturership mounting
pressure on the Interim Governing Board of the College. The NCCE which has
administrative control over the College has designed the Academic Staff of the
College like other Colleges as Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer III, Lecturer I, Lecturer I,
Senior Lecturer, Principal Lecturer and Chief Lecturer. Moreover, the policy on the
status of Readership developed from the College during Professor Babatunde
Ipaye’s administration, using University Criteria.
The papers of eligible Chief Lecturers, who applied for the status of
Readership were sent to three different Professors in Nigeria Universities, based on
their areas of specialization for thorough assessment. The Chief lecturers who met
the required criteria for appointment as Readers were later shortlisted for oral
interview. Some lecturers notably Dr. Ogunrinde, Dr. Adejumo, Dr. Tolani
Akindehin, Dr. Osisanwo, Dr. Akorede, Dr. Adeboyeje and Dr. Koleoso benefitted
from the exercise.
Question: What were the strategies of conflict resolution in the College?
Response
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The College had witnessed various dimensions of students’ crises. For
instance in April 1990, the students violently demonstrated and maltreated the
then Provost. This led to the closure of the College on 11th April, 1990. The then
Registrar, Barrister Afolabi Ojuowo left the College. Some students Union officers
were either suspended or expelled from the College. The students resumed for
academic work in January 1991 with a ban on students’ Union activities. Various
Visitation Panels emerged due to that students’ crisis.
The College had a separate Committee that handled cases of examination
malpractice. The Examination Malpractice Committee then, was under the
Chairmanship of Professor Ademosun. This Committee was quite different from
Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC) and its reports were forwarded to the
Provost for necessary action, Investigation Panels were set up on cases of
examination malpractice, cultism and other disciplinary problems in the College.
The Governing Council considered the reports of the Staff Disciplinary Committee,
before they were forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Education for necessary
action.
The Parents-Staff Forum (PSF) was inaugurated in the College in August,
2000 to serve as a platform for the promotion of better College-Community relation,
enduring peace and educational excellence.
Question: What can you say about staff welfare and College Academic
Programme ?
Response
The Academic Staff in the College then were about 200, while the Registry
Staff were about 50. The College had a robust Staff development programme for
both Academic and Non-Academic Staff. The Staff development higher degrees,
Conferences, Seminars and Workshops. The College adhered strictly to the policy of
the Federal Ministry of Education, on staff promotion, issued to the College by the
National Commission for Colleges of Education.
In the area of academic programmes,Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
remains academically affiliated to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in respect
of its degree programmes while the NCCE provides periodically the Curricula for
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the NCE programmes, designated as the Minimum Standards for the Colleges of
Education.
XII. INTERVIEW WITH DR. PETER S. ORIMOLOYE12
Question: Sir, when did you come to Adeyemi College of Education for your
studentship?
Response
I was admitted to Adeyemi College of Education in the early 1960s. I think I
resumed precisely on 21st May, 1964.
Question: By implication you were one of the pioneering students in the College?
Response
Yes
Question: Sir, do remember how many years you spent in the College as a
student?
Response
I think about 2 and half years. I remember that I graduated in 1966 that was
the year of the first Nigerian coup.
Question: In which Department sir?
Response
Department of Physical and Health Education.
Question: Was there any student union in the College at that time?
Response
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Yes, there was, and I was even involved in the activities of the student union of my
days.
Question: Can you remember any of your teachers then?
Response
Yes, Mr. Ajisafe and Mr. Oyewusi. They are both Professors now.
Question: How was campus life then… social life, lectures, feeding, etc?
Response
In those days, all students lived together in the same hostel – male and
female. It’s a funny thing.
Question: Didn’t that create any problem?
Response
No, not at all. The boys were on the ground floor while the girls were upstairs.
Question: And the boys were not going to the girls’ rooms at night?
Response
Laughs …….. No.
Question: Which of the hostels? There are many of them now?
Response
It was Tinubu Hall. That was the only hostel then?
Question: Any social, weekend activities then?
Response
Yes, there were. We used to enjoy ourselves a lot.
Question: What can you say about the tutors, lectures, welfare, etc?
Response
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The teachers then were not many. They were few but very hardworking. We
were all living together as a family. No problem of electricity or scarcity of water. If
any of us was sick, we would all go and take care of him or her.
Question: The population must be very small, then?
Response
Yes, all the students in the College were less than a hundred at that time.
Question: What about school fees, feeding and so on?
Response
We were not paying any school fees at all. It was free education. In fact, the
government was even paying us stipends. There was a cafeteria where we all went
to eat – free of charge.
Question: During your studentship, in those days, were there students’ riots or
demonstrations or violent protests, students burning tires on the road and driving
back motorists?
Response
During our own time, there was nothing like that.
Question: You were a student in the Department of Physical Education. What
can you say about sporting activities on the campus at that time?
Response
There were sporting activities especially for those of us in the Physical
Education. In addition, the College also participated actively in Inter-Collegiate
Sport Competitions.
Question: What can you say about the relationship between the College and the
host community, that is, Ondo town?
Response
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The relationship was cordial and friendly. No hostility of any kind. In
addition, no student was living in the town. All of us were in the hostel inside the
campus.
Question: How high was the rate of students’ failure in examinations?
Response
During our own time, we took our studies seriously and failure rate was minimal.
Question: Today, the problem of examination malpractice is of serious concern
to school management and the government. How was the situation in your days at
Adeyemi College of Education?
Response
The problem did not exist at all at that time.
Question: What of the problem of cultism?
Response
It did not exist either.
Question: As the first National President of the Alumni Association of the
College, in what ways have you assisted to move the College forward?
Response
We have been able to secure a place for the construction of the Alumni
Secretariat on the campus. There were also instances when we intervened to nip
students’ crisis in the bud before such crisis got out of hand. Also, when I was a
member of the National Assembly in Abuja, I did my best to draw the attention of
the government to the College for development.
Question: Finally, sir, what advice do you have for the College?
Response
In view of the facilities and infrastructure the College can boast of at present,
the College is overdue for elevation to University status. All hands should be on
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deck, especially the staff and the management, to ensure that this dream becomes
a reality.
XIII. INTERVIEW WITH MR. OLUFEMI OLADOKUN ADEDEJI13
Question - Can we meet you?
Response
I am Olufemi OladokunI came to Adeyemi College of Education on the 4th of
July, 1968 as Education Officer I and stayed till his retirement as Chief Lecturer in
October, 2000.
Q. Can you trace the trend of development from 1968 till your exit from
the College?
Response
When I came in 1968, Adeyemi College was a very small community and
almost every one of us knew ourselves. There were four academic staff in the
Department of French, himself, one white man Dr. D.G. Evans who also was the
Vice Principal of the College at that time. The third teacher in the Department of
French was Mr. Shile Asemoore and a UNESCO staff.In 1972 when the College was
taken over by the University of Ife, we were given the choice to either stay or go
back to the Ministry of Education that employed us initially. He decided to stay
back with Ife, Dr. Evans went back to his country and his other colleagues in the
Department of French went back to the Ministry. Thus he was left all alone in the
Department of French.
Q. How many Principals and Provost did you work with and can you still
remember their names?
Response
I worked with Mr. L.O. Sofenwa, Mr. Akingbola, Mr. Rotimi, Mr. Oyewale, Mr.
Ninan, Prof. Segun Adesina, Dr. Mrs. Fayemi. Rev. Adeniji Professor Ipaye and Dr.
Adeboyeje.
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Q. How would you assess their tenures of office each?
Response
Mr. Sofenwa was a very hardworking Principal; he appeared to know every
staff by their names. For illustration, I travelled one day without taking permission
from Mr. Sofenwa. While on my way, my car broke down. He met me there, gave
me a ride to the College and neither took it up nor mentioned it later.
Mr. Akingbola W.O. was a very fatherly person who amuses us with his jokes
and Latin quotations. His removal as Principal was an example of this. It was
announced publicly without any prior notice to him and he responded too using
one of his Latin quotations to turn it to joke.
Q. Can you recollect the first students protest which was said to have
taken place in the days of Mr. Akingbola?
I could not recollect the cause(s) of the protest but he remembered it took
place.
Mr. Rotimi was another hardworking Principal of the College. He would go
round the College even at night. He took the gun of one Hausa Security man one
night without the man’s knowledge while the man was asleep. The man had to beg
for the gun the following morning. Again the entrance examination scripts were
usually submitted to him. Mr. Rotimi will take pain to check through all the
scripts. I proved this at a time and found it so. Mr. Rotimi was very efficient and
he went round the College every morning.
Q. Could you remember the crisis that led to the exit of Mr. Rotimi?
Although I also could not remember this too vividly, but I knew “Boro” as he
was fondly called by both students and staff could be sometimes high-handed. He
had that potential.
Mr. Oyewale was very fatherly and he used to entertain all staff in his office.
He was reluctant when he was asked to succeed Mr. Rotimi but he later picked up
and staff and students’ welfare were his priorities.
Mr. Ninan, an expatriate succeeded Mr. Oyewale and he was also loved by
everybody. He did his best before he left too. All staff first of all questioned why
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they should ask us to be led by an alien, but later we resolved to work with him
and we enjoyed his tenure.
Professor Segun Adesina was another workaholics. He encouraged us all to
move forward academically. He left a very important academic landmark in the
College. He would encourage us to come to work on Saturdays to develop academic
papers. He built some structures.
Dr. Mrs. Fayemi was motherly and she was quite close to my family. She did
much as she could during her days.
Q. Do you mind commenting on the Adeyemi College Seven Students
Crisis of the Mama Fayemi days?
I really could not identify what sparked off the crisis, but Dr. Mrs. Fayemi
tried her best. I thinks it was a normal thing that the students would do.
Q. Could you recollect some of the issues involving the Registrar of the
College and the Ag. Provost Dr. Mrs. Fayemi? We learnt there was a war of
supremacy between them, how true was that?
I think there was an issue between them, but I also think Mama did not
handle the issues too well at that time. She, in my opinion put some feminine
touch to the handling and this did not help the matter.
Q. Mr. Adeniji was an Ag. Provost, though his tenure was so brief, he was
however there in your days. Could you say something about him?
He did the best he could but you never can satisfy the students or the staff.
Professor Ipaye was here with us as a staff in 1968-69 when he was doing
his PhD. He left us and came back in 1972 after his Doctorate degree before he left
for Ilorin sometime in the mid-1970s.
He came back here as Provost in 1991 April and was here till 1999. He gave
a fatherly touch to the College too. He was fondly called “Baba Ipaye” He was
interested in people’s family. He made the College to advance academically. He
erected many buildings and one of it was named after him today. He introduced
many new programmes.
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Dr. Adeboyeje was to my mind the luckiest of all the Provosts of the College.
He was home grown. I think it was youthful exuberance or something that spoilt
the chance for him. There were crises during his tenure both with staff unions and
the students union. He had no peace; hence he could not really perform.
Q. How would you explain the dwindling registration of students in French
during your days?
I earlier told you that; time was when I was the only staff in the Department
of French of the College. I tried to get staff for the Department but could not. I
went as far as University of Lagos and Benin to get Master degree holders but none
wanted to come. Later, I opened Pre-NCE and Extra Mural Classes for French
which really worked out very well.”
Q. As Dean of the School of Languages in 1996-1997, could you remember
what happened?
I was actually not elected Dean because I did not like elective posts. The
elected Dean, Dr. Wole Arohunmolase was offered Sabbatical appointment
elsewhere and I had to stand-in for him. I completed his tenure and the Provost
prevailed on me to stay another one year before he came back. As to what I did as
Dean, the one year abroad of the French students was restructured and redefined.
We also introduced acculturation for the Hausa and Igbo students.
Q. Do you know anything about the Christ Chapel in your days?
People were meeting somewhere inside the College but it was called Chapel
for the students. I was attending my church, the CAC somewhere in town.
Q. Is the College ripe for the University status?
I think the College is over-ripe for that status and if we have been very
serious I mean the Community, we could have had it. Ondo community has what
it takes to fight and secure it for the College and their town.
Pieces of Advice for the College
I believe that members of staff could be more devoted to their works. When I
retired from active service in 2000, I could have stayed more years but I was getting
disillusioned due to the attitude of staff to their work. Both the staff and students
354
had reduced in quality. It was not the quality of staff I worked with from 1968-
1990 that were left with me anymore. They do not consider the work as a priority.
I was running after students to retrieve their assignment for Continuous
Assessment. I therefore lost interest and desired to proceed on retirement than
stay.
Adeyemi College students were noted as first class students anywhere in the
world up to the 1990s. This must be maintained.
XIV. INTERVIEW WITH DR. E.A. ABIODUN14
Question: Can we meet you?
Response
I am Dr. E. A. Abiodun, I was transferred to Adeyemi College of Education
by the Western State Government in January 1971 as Tutor Grade II in the
Department of English. I Worked with Adeyemi College of Education from 1971 to
1992 before my retirement. However, I was retained for Contract appointment till
2000 on the insistence of the Provost, Professor Ipaye. On the ground was that
there was no PhD. holder in the Department of Guidance and Management and
that I should produce/groom one before going finally.
Question: Can you recount the Development that took place in Adeyemi
College of Education between 1971 and the time you retired from active
service in the College in year 2000?
Response
The period before the College was given to the University of Ife to administer
was almost blank in term of development. This was because it was administered
directly by the Western State Government till 1972. The University of Ife took over
sometimes in 1972 and the whole of the system was overhauled. Tutors were re-
interviewed for admittance in to the system and those who were not interested
returned to the Ministry of Education in Ibadan. I could still recollect a few of
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those who chose to stay: My humble self, Messrs Adeniji, Adedeji, Oyewale and
after the interview, we were given appointment as Tutor II by the University of Ife.
Question: You remember different crises that occurred in the College?
Response
Chief W.A. Akingbola witnessed a crisis as Principal of the College. In my
opinion, he was the cause of that crisis and the reason was his high handedness.
He was an indigene of the Ondo and he arrogated to himself so much power. He
was transferred from the College by the Permanent Secretary who announced it
during a convocation ceremony which he came to preside on.
The one that took place under the administration of Mr. B.O. Rotimi was
also caused by similar factor. Mr. Rotimi seemed not to have respect for the
students who were mature students and adults. He was a civil servant posted from
the Ministry of Education, he seem to lack good human relation. His own high
handedness was perhaps because of his connection with the ‘powers that be.’ He
took gun and threatened that he was going to shoot students who were protesting
for water supply. The Management of University of Ife set up an investigation panel
headed by Prof. Adaralegbe and Mr. Rotimi was found culpable. He was recalled to
Ife and given another appointment before his retirement. Mr. Rotimi was
succeeded as Principal by Mr. Oyewale because he was the most senior Academic
staff after that crisis.
There was a crisis in the days of Dr. Mrs. Fayemi as Ag. Provost. That was
between herself and the Registrar Mr. Afolabi Ojuawo. A panel was also sent to
investigate one of those crises. In my opinion as a sufficiently senior academic
staff, the crisis was ‘a crisis of superiority’ between the Registrar and the Provost
and it lingered on for a long time. Indeed it spread to the student Unionism and
staff welfare
Mr. B.F. Adeniji was appointed the Ag. Provost after Dr. Mrs. Fayemi
although for just three months. I do not know so much about Adeniji’s tenure,
perhaps because it was short.
Question: When was the College Academic Board introduced or how were
you approving results?
356
Response
The College Academic Board was introduced by Ife. It was the Dean of the
Faculty of Education that presided over College Academic Board, since there was
no Professor on ground in the College to preside. It was believed that it must be
presided over by a Professor.
Question: Can you assess the College academic programmes in your days?
Response
The Product of the College at this period outshine others, they were therefore
allowed to spend two years for their First Degree Programme in Ife.
Question. You have worked with eight Provosts, can you asses them?
Response:
Mr. B.O. Rotimi came with civil servant mentality. His human relation was
very poor. He was not sensitive to people’s need and demands.
Mr. Oyewale was a complete gentlemen, he was loved by everybody and was
very attentive to people’s opinion. He was the Provost for a short time but he
succeeded.
Mr. Ninan did not have any problem with either staff or students.
People’s only concern under Mr. Ninan was that he was an expatriate (an Indian).
He recorded laudable achievements like the Borehole he sunk for the College to
solve the water problem.
Professor Adesina was an academic to the core and he showed this in many
ways. He provided academic leadership and many of my colleagues registered for
their Master and PhD. Programmes under his short tenure.
Dr. Mrs. Fayemi was a very difficult person to work with. She had a very
bad temperament. Most of us were only trying to tolerate her as we worked with
her. Being a woman also worked against her especially because she had vindictive
tendencies.
I cannot say much about Mr. B.F. Adeniji because of the shortness of his
tenure as Ag. Provost
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Professor Ipaye was very pleasant to work with. Most of the development that
we saw in the twilight of our days were initiated by Ipaye. Ipaye encouraged many
of our junior colleagues to pursue and complete their PhD. These include, Drs. A.I.
Ajayi, Alao, Omoyeni, Ogungbenro. He also encouraged many to pursue and finish
PGDE. He had a very good human relation, even about his staff families.
XV. INTERVIEW WITH DR. FOLA AKINDEHIN15
Question - Can you meet you?
Response:
I am Dr. Fola Akindehin. I joined the services of the College on 1st April
1979 in the Department Physics as an Assistant Tutor II. I was Head of
Department of Physics for some years before moving to the School of Education in
1985. I became the Deputy Provost of the College on 12th June, 2000 and stepped
down when my wife became the Registrar of the College in December, 2001.
Question: Having worked with many Provosts in the College during your 27
years of adventure in Adeyemi College, can you comment on each of them
you worked with?
There may not be any basis for comparison since the circumstances in
which all of them worked were not the same. Each of them faced challenges as
they came there and they worked in some peculiar situations.
Mr. Oyewale was the Principal of the College when he came in 1979 and he handled
cases his own ways.
He was followed by Mr. Ninan who was an expatriate. Ninan operated
under Ife and he also handled issues his own ways.
He was succeeded by Prof. Segun Adesina who was here on Sabbatical from
Ife for just a year. Professor Adesina was the first perhaps to see the College in
clear perspective and was eager to introduce many changes. To that effect he wrote
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a report when he was going which Ife did not seem to like so much. That report
would have put Adeyemi College in a different light entirely.
Question: What was the content of his report that could have put Adeyemi
College in another light, Sir?
He felt the College was being underutilized and that Ife could move the
whole of her faculty of Education to Ondo. However, there was a stiff resistance to
that from the Faculty on the floor of the Senate of Ife.
Dr. Mrs. Fayemi also did as much as she could. We noticed under Dr.
(Mrs.) Fayemi that there was a dwindling enrolment in the Sciences and French
that led to the introduction of the pre-NCE programme in French and Sciences. We
must also note that each of these heads of this institution was involved in some
peculiar situations. For instance, limited resources restricted supervision from Ife
etc. For illustration, “When I came in there was almost no Registry as such. There
was Mr. Gbakinro who was almost a one man Registry for the College. It was later
that Mr. Afolabi Ojuawo was posted from Ife. It was Mr. Ojuawo that actually
organized a Registry as we have it today in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo.
This changed the orientation of staff.”
Then came the issue of affiliation and the issue of how to make the College
autonomous, and it was this that brought the issue of Interim Governing Board.
These were part of the circumstances in which some of them worked. Mr. Ojuawo
was succeeded by Mr. Adesulu (now Chief Femi Adesulu) who also continued with
the maintenance of the Registry already established by his predecessor(s).
When Dr. (Mrs.) Fayemi left the College, Revd. Adeniji succeeded him for
about three months before Late Professor Babatunde Ipaye came in.
Professor Ipaye came and introduced many programmes to the College.
Computer, Igbo Language, Hausa, Business Education.
Dr. Adeboyeje also came and tried his best. The major difficulty during his
period was the crises that engulf the College. As a result of this, nobody could
think of the introduction of new programmes then. It was how to ensure the
restoration of peace and industrial harmony. The Unions and the Management
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were really at logger heads. It must be said that he succeeded in building some
structures. For instance, the Mathematics Computer Building and Kabiru Isyaku
Administrative Complex. He was limited by those crises.
Q. How would you describe the relationship between the College and
University of Ife?
In the 1970s, the College was being supervised by Ife. At a point it was
under the Institute of Education and later it became a unit within the Faculty of
Education. At this time, even salaries of staff were directly paid from Ife. Because
the College here could not control its finances, approvals were sought on virtually
all issues. At that time too, the College was not on Senate of the University
therefore, everything that the College have to do with the University had to pass
through the Faculty. This therefore limited the operations of the College.
Q. Sir you have been in the College before the uncompleted buildings in
the College were begun. Can you give us some insights about these
uncompleted buildings?
I was not in the management then, I would not know the details. All he
knew was that the fund for the College came from Ife. The vision as of the time was
to build Arts and Social Sciences. The contract was awarded by Ife and the work
began and later it was abandoned. It was during the tenure of Professor Wande
Abimbola as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife.
Question: Can you take us down the memory lane about the foundation of
what we know today as Christ Chapel Interdenominational, Adeyemi college
of Education, Ondo?
When I came into the College in 1979 and joined the Chapel, I met one Mr.
Faturoti of Fine and Applied Arts Department. The Chapel as it was then called,
was made up of all Protestants except Baptist. At that time, it was the Students
Christian Movement (SCM) that was holding the services. I joined them and later
one Mr. Onisile also joined us. Because students were more in number, very few
members of staff and nobody was coming from town, any time the students go on
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holidays, the Chapel also goes on break and everybody returns to his/her home
church in town.
Later, members came together to say that the church could not be going on
break that we started to hold services with the few staff on ground during holidays.
I must also say that when Mr. Ojuawo came from Ife, he brought the idea from Ife
that there was a Warden who could also be handling religious activities on campus
here like Ife. So, he appealed to the then Bishop of the Anglican Diocese (Bishop
Aderin) and late Revd. B.F. Odomo was appointed for the College. He was
appointed as Assistant Registrar, Halls. However, there was one Mr. Ewegbemi in
the Registry who felt that the duties of the Hall may be too small for an Assistant
Registrar. Revd. Odomo was therefore asked to also join the mainstream of
Registry.
When Mr. Adesulu came into the College, he also joined the Chapel as Mr.
Adesulu and not as the Registrar. He was encouraged to be part of the Building
committee and which he gladly accepted. However, when people wanted to make
unnecessary demands on him because of his office, he withdrew from the Chapel.
At a particular year under Professor Ipaye, the College gave land for religious
activities. This was given to the Muslims, the Catholics and Protestants. We began
to develop our portion and that is where we have the Christ Chapel today.
Q. Can you trace the evolution of the present Christ Chapel Board?
When I joined the Chapel, there was a Chapel Committee made up of
Anglican Methodists, C.A.C. etc. People were elected from the various
denominations to this Committee. Later more members of staff joined the Chapel
and the idea of having a Chapel Board made up of: Staff members, Student
Members and Non-staff and Non-student members. They are seven in number.
Three staff Members, two Student Members and two Non-student Non-staff
Members.
Q. Can you remember the roles of the Board and about what time the first
Board was set up?
I could not remember in actual terms when the Board was set up. He could
only recollect that each Board was to function for a period of two years before
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another election. I also remember that the Chapel was never a part of the College
administration. Prof. Ipaye worshipped with us and Mama Fayemi also worshipped
with us once in a while.
Q. Can you remember that names of the Members of the First Chapel
Board?
I could not be too sure, but Mr. (later Dr. ) Okogue E.C. of Physics
Department, Mr. Akinyosoye I.B., Mr. J.B. Bada, Mr. R.J.O Igbaro and myself.
There was no student President for the Chapel all through the time I was
there. They never called themselves Presidents like other fellowships. What we
had was Secretary of the Chapel Committee that was a student. Baba Faturoti was
the first Chairman of Chapel committee, I followed him and when I went for my
PhD. I stepped down and Mr. Onisile became the Chairman. When I came back, he
wanted to step down for me and I refused until he left the College and Chapel was
reorganized. It was under Mr. Onisile that Mr. Deji Okegbile came in as Secretary
of the Chapel Committee. Let me add that Mrs. Yinka Ogunlade was also part of
us.
Question: Were all these students Fellowships in existence at that time?
No. They were not in existence then; most of the students were worshipping
with us in the chapel, Anglican, Methodist, C.A.C. Only the Baptist students never
worshiped with us in the Chapel. The springing of fellowships on Campus came up
when most of the Ministries in town desired to have a centre on campus.
Q. Can you recollect some names of the people who passed through the
Chapel during that time?
Pastor Falade J.O. was our Choir leader, Dr. Olupayimo, Pastor Esrom and
many others.
Q. Can you assess the contributions of the Ondo community on Adeyemi
College of Education?
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Well, Ondo community gave the land for the College to be established. I am
also aware that High Chief Akingbule have an endowment in the College. The late
Osemawe was also beneficial to the College in his own right.
Q. Do you think the College is eligible for upgrading to a University and
why do you think so?
Yes, the College is far more eligible. There are facilities in the College to take
care of this and sufficient resources both human and material. I recall very vividly
in 1992 or so when Professor Ipaye was going to Bring Gen. Ibrahim Babangida to
this place, the Unions were vehemently against him, the event was shifted to
Akure. There was also another year when Professor Tunde Adeniran was Minister
of Education, and this was almost approved but to secure a legislation to back it
up. Again When Baba Akorede was Ag. Provost, he set up a Committee that
travelled around the country to actualize the dream by making recommendations
that will lead the College to appoint Professors of her own for the College. He served
on that Committee and the recommendation was sent to the Ministry of Education.
When late Allah Kayi was Chairman of Council, he gave the impression that the
recommendation was going to be approved.
It seems to me that it is only in term of politics that the College has not
measured up. I think the present Provost has done many good things which must
be applauded. This was made possible because of the peace that was already on
ground. He met the peace which some people strove to enthrone and had the
resources. He also brought to bear his exposure garnered from elsewhere. For
instance the type of building he is constructing really is modern and shows his
exposure.
Question: What is your advice for the College?
Response:
The issue of autonomy must be pursued vigorously this is because there is
brain-drain. People are not really ready to stay, they tend to get out as soon as
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they have their PhDs. The Management-Union relationship is also very good now
and I think this should be maintained.
There are also today a lot of international exposures for the staff of the College to
compete favourably with their colleagues elsewhere. This should also be
maintained. As someone in Education, I will want to say that the Centre for
Research on Schooling be brought back. They can link up with other institutions in
the world. The College can look at any area of research. Examination malpractices
for example is a problem. I noticed that our children are not blank. If you give
them any of the I-Techs.they will operate it, but give them a sum in mathematics,
they cannot solve it. This simply show that there is a gap somewhere in our
schooling system. WAEC and NECO seems to be examining something different
from what the students were taught.
End Notes
1. Oral Interview with Professor Philip Olurotimi Jegede, October 2013.
2. Oral Interview with Professor Adeyemi Aderoba (The Lotujama Of Ondo
Kingdom), October, 2013.
3 Oral Interview with Professor Jacob Taiwo Ogundari, 12th December, 2013
4. Oral Interview with Mr. Afolabi Ojuawo, 12th December, 2013
5. Oral Interview with Professor Michael Oluwole Ajisafe, 12th December, 2013
6 Oral Interview with Professor Joseph Adedoja Oyewusi, 11th December, 2013
7. Oral Interview with Dr. C.B. Oguntonade, 2nd December, 2014
8. Oral Interview with Professor Samuel Ibidapo Ogunrinde, 15th January,
2014.
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9. Oral Interview with Mr. Jerry Akin Akindojutimi, 22nd January, 2014.
10. Oral Interview with Mrs.Olufunke Iluyemi, 22nd January, 2014.
11. Oral Interview with Chief Isaac Olufemi Adesulu, 22nd January, 2014.
12. Oral Interview with Dr. Peter S. Orimoloye, 2nd January, 2014
13. Oral Interview with Mr. Olufemi Oladokun Adedeji, 28th January, 2014
14. Oral Interview with Dr. E.A. Abiodun, 13th December, 2013.
15. Oral Interview with Dr. Fola Akindehin, 27th January 2014
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The Future in Perspective
In discussing the future of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, we
need to recall the past, consider the present critically in order to project
properly what the future should be, especially in view of the yearnings of all
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the stakeholders to see the College upgraded to the status of a University of
Education.
There is no doubt that the College has come of age, having passed
through the mill in the last fifty years. Each of the controlling bodies has in
no small measure contributed immensely to the growth and development of
this citadel of learning. By this, we are referring to the founding fathers –
the Government of Western Region of Nigeria, the Obafemi Awolowo
University, the National Commission for Colleges of Education and the
National Universities Commission. The crucial role of the UNESCO in the
foundation years of the College cannot be played down at all. They all
nurtured the College to maturity. Then, the next question is, where does it
go from here, that is, from its present position or status as a College of
Education?
As far back as 1982, that is, about thirty-two years ago, the College
started running degree programmes in Humanities, Sciences and Applied
Sciences in Education. In that case, upgrading the College to a University
status should be seen as completing the circle of advancement to higher
callings which got started in 1982. The annual complaint by the Joint
Admissions and Matriculation Board with regard to the number of school
leavers (about two million) struggling to be admitted into the University with
less than four hundred place, should serve as a catalyst for the upgrading.
The College will not be starting on a new state like most new Universities.
All she is likely to require is programme expansion.
Staffing situation in the College is a blessing for such an upgrading.
Lecturers in the university are supposed to have a minimum of a Master
degree and work for their Ph.D early. It gladdens one’s heart to note that
currently the staffing situation of the College by qualification meets this
demand with these figures.
Lecturers with B.A/B.Sc - 9 (2.8%)
Lecturers with M.A. M.Sc, M.Ed, M.Tech - 271 (87%)
Lecturers with Ph.D - 50 (15%)
Total = 330
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On the administrative side, especially the Registry, the College is highly
blessed with a large number of highly qualified and professionally competent
Administrative and Technical Staff.
For almost three decades, the College was under tutelage with
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where it was an integral part of the
University. The academic administration and technical nurturing she
received under OAU should now go a long way to see her stand strongly on
her own as a University of Education.
Most often, institutions fail accreditation because of lack of relevant
facilities for the programme they run. Impressively, Adeyemi College cannot
be found wanton in the direction of state of the art facilities for a new or
young university of education. Here are some of these facilities listed.
Lecture Theatre: The college can boast of four or five 1000 seater
lecture theatres with modern electronic gadgets.
Classrooms: All the departments have specific classroom built for
them with adequate seating arrangements.
Laboratories: All the Science and Applied Science departments have
dedicated modern laboratories. More than that, the School of Languages
has well equipped modern digital language laboratories for English, French
and Yoruba.
Library: The former library of the College has given birth to new
library block where modern books and journals in relevant fields are
stocked. The College library which is now digital is also in the frontline of
virtual library organization.
Students Accommodation: There is no doubt that the envisaged
upgrading will bring about an explosion in students population and a high
demand for residential accommodation by students. Definitely, the present
number of halls will go a long way to ease the envisaged congestion. As part
of the master plan, the College is blessed with a large area of land yet to be
developed. Standard student’s hostels are springing up fast in the
Palmgrove and the college as well as in New town area for off campus
students.
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As of today, the College runs the degree of Obafemi Awolowo
Univeristy, Ile-Ife in ……….programmes in addition to the Postgraduate
Diploma in Education programme. What seems to be left out now is the
political will by the Federal Government, the present owner of the College to
grant the College the highly deserved new status of a University of
Education.
EXISTING FACILITIES IN PICTURES
OLUSEGUN OBASANJO
AUDITORIUM
BABATUNDE IPAYE
AUDITORIUM
LECTURE
THEATRE I
LECTURE
THEATRE II
LECTURE
THEATRE III
LIB
LIB
LIB
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COMPUTER LAB
PHYSICSLAB
CHEMISTRY LAB
BIOLOGY LAB
HOME ECONOMICS LAB
ENGLISH LAB
FRENCH LAB
NIGERIAN
LANGUAGES LAB
AGRIC.
LAB
PHE
PHYSIO. LAB
MEDICAL CENTRE