FROM his unwavering integrity to his boundless compassion, he exemplifies what it means to lead with honour, self-respect, and grace. His approach integrates transformational and digital strategies, driving impactful outcomes through a commitment to hard work, innovation, and excellence. Indeed, his unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership prowess has enabled him to navigate complex challenges of managing a private institution like Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) with remarkable success. Prof. Timothy Abiodun Adebayo, the fourth Vice-Chancellor of ACU, has clearly transcended the role of a mere academic leader to becoming a friendly father figure of all the students, thus making the learning environment rich and rewarding. In loco parentis, his love for the students and their parents is amazing: nurturing the students with wit, wisdom and warmth while instilling in them, values of integrity, kindness and hard work. Almost all the students and their parents have his mobile number. It remains a mystery how he manages the stress of answering ceaseless phone calls on a daily basis from both students and their parents!
I spent a year in Oyo on sabbatical with Prof. Adebayo. I was in his office as his media assistant. I saw and studied him in moments of peace and peril. This exceptional leader with an excellent spirit was always on his five Ps: prayer, priorities, peace, positivity, and patience. For life, he remains my mentor whose wisdom and kindness have shaped my journey in ways words can scarcely capture. His approach to challenges is particularly impactful. His most admired attributes are his simplicity, openness and friendliness. Even when I faced unwarranted disdain and disrespect from one or two uncouth staff members and I reported to him, his response was as ennobling as it was philosophical as he laughed teasingly. Hear him, “Saanu, if you were the VC of this place, how many people could you afford to fight? For your information, I have shaken hands with one of the people writing petition against me this morning. Forget about anyone making snide remarks about you and face your job. Such is life.” Certainly, I can’t be any less grateful for many lessons I gleaned from Prof. Adebayo whose birthday is today. My bond with him is such that time and distance can’t erase. He has supported my writerly career in ways too numerous to detail.
It is in the nature of spoken and written word as well as engagement that reactions are engendered. However, in the rising and ebbing current of reaction and responses, what matters most is the refinement of language of discourse employed. In this regard, Prof. Adebayo is a study in refined language usage. He clearly demonstrates that he is a cosmopolitan scholar. His language is elegant and elevated. He never insults nor curses his opponent. You will never see him shouting like street urchins and louts even while expressing his anger. His temperament is mature, just as his disposition. This, however, demonstrates his ethical values and inspirational leadership. From his style, one can see that leading a university requires wisdom and maturity. It calls for an ethical standard. A Vice Chancellor of a university must be above board like Caesar’s wife. Prof. Adebayo is a shining example of an archetypical academic leader who is honest, helpful and humble. Since his appointment as VC of the faith-based university, he has been striving to create a reputable and resilient institution that will set a benchmark for excellence. There hasn’t been a whiff of scandal around his persona.
It hardly needs to be said that in many years of teaching, this amiable scholar of the finest hue has nurtured dreams, ignited passions and empowered potential. His impact stretches far beyond the academia. Just as he saw my potential in newspaper before inviting me for a sabbatical, Prof. Adebayo has ensured that a first-class graduate who served in the university this year is retained by ACU in order to add value to the institution. The young graduate will start a teaching career next month in ACU courtesy of the VC’s foresight. He is dedicated to fostering growth in others. The VC’s ability to juggle the demands of his duties while maintaining a nurturing and supportive family environment speaks volumes of his character and priorities. Baba Adebayo is indeed a motivator who brings out the best in others. One of the ways he shocked me when I was with him was the way he granted my request that I should have someone who was interested in sabbatical appointment in ACU. Can you imagine someone on sabbatical, securing a sabbatical appointment for someone else? That is Prof. Adebayo for you. He cares for people without expecting a payback.
However, how much of sweetness of beauty would be savoured without a bile of ugliness? Or who would enjoy the sun if it never rained? Prof. Adebayo on that seat as ACU VC has tasted both sweetness and bitterness. For instance, when a student was killed by his colleagues on campus, the VC, like Jesus, wept. It was one sad development he won’t forget as a University administrator. The good news is that the chapters of sweet stories are far more than the episodic moment of trial.
To all intents and purposes, Prof. Adebayo deserves applause and celebrations for the quality leadership he enacts at ACU where he is superintending with regal ease. He is a leader who deserves emulation for the immoral ideals and noble values he represents. He has done so much for ACU with his boundless energy and passion, thus turning the university into a place of light, liberty and learning
Prof. Adebayo is a year older and wiser today, sharing birthday with his saviour, Jesus Christ. Sir, this tribute is a token of my appreciation. You have touched my life in a spectacular way. The lessons I have learned from you are eternal. The encomium you showered on me during the sent forth you organized in my honour would forever be treasured. A happy birthday, sir. May God continue to protect you for the benefit of humanity. I appreciate and celebrate you, sir.
Saanu (08034073427) is with the University of Ibadan.
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