7th June, 2021
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), founded as University of Ife in 1961 will hit the diamond age on 8 June.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Eyitope Ogunbode urged the university community to give thanks to God for His mercy since the inception of the institution.
Ogunbodede, gave the charge at the Interdenominational Service at the institution’s All Souls’Chapel on Sunday.
The service flagged off the other ceremonies lined up to celebrate the anniversary.
He said that there was cause for the community to rejoice and give thanks to God for the privilege to witness the Diamond Jubilee of the institution inaugurated on June 8, 1961.
The institution had its name changed into Obafemi Awolowo Univerity to honour the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of Western Region, who died May 9, 1987.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that though, the beginning was small, but he thanked God that the latter end is greatly increased.
He expressed happiness for the university’s achievements, stressing “in everything, we need to give thanks to God, for He’s good and this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning the school”.
According to him, the university has faced diverse challenges, numerous ups and downs, but among them all, there is chance for them to appreciate God.
Ogunbodede thanked God for restoring peaceful coexistence and ensuring academic excellence among other things in the university.
He told NAN that after the anniversary people should expect rapid advancement, and more commitment of alumni, staff and students of the university.
“After the event, the university will rise higher among other universities both nationally and internationally, while the school’s authorities will galvanise all the resources better than ever before.” he said.
Rev Samuel Adeniyi, the Chaplain of All Souls’ Chapel, OAU, in his sermon, said that the university had produced many scholars, philanthropist, political leaders, ministers of God, among others.
Adeniyi urged all and sundry not to lose hope, but to put all their trust in God for prosperity, no matter the challenges of life.
“Don’t allow your current position to limit what you’ll achieve in life, trust God and you’ll do greater things in life.” he said.
During the Thanksgiving Service, Prof. Owelle Udoji, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of OAU took the first Bible reading from Zachariah 4: 4-10.