By Dr. Kayode Ajulo

I have had the privilege and honour of marching on the streets in a protest against tyrannical rule of the military as an undergraduate of UNIJOS in the 90s and also working with and benefitting from the wealth of knowledge of Dr. Tunji Abayomi- a selfless, dedicated and gadfly advocate for human rights.

While finding my feet in my profession as a lawyer between 2003 and 2005, I served as Head of Chambers of the Tunji Abayomi Law firm, and in that capacity forged with my then principal a beneficiary relationship that has endured through the years.

Dr. Tunji Abayomi is a man of many sides, a lawyer and a man deeply and stubbornly sworn to his ideals for a better and even society.

His many critical statements and actions against the dictatorial military junta saw him behind the bars on more than a few occasions where he only further deepened his commitment to human rights and equality at pains to bones and limbs.

His publications on executive and legislative functions are go-to authorities, just as much if not more are his opinions expressed vociferously on the responsibility of a good government to its electorates.

It therefore comes with little surprise yet wholesomely welcomed to see the appointment of Dr. Tunji Abayomi as pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ondo State Premier University, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Okoko by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu , SAN of Ondo State.

It is an appointment well advised and made, and it surely reflects on the government of Arakunrin as one cognitive of merit, skill and ability over mediocrity.

The appointment of Dr. Tunji Abayomi in said capacity is one that going forward signals the dawn of a beautiful and eventful era for the university. His tenacity and passion for service are sure-fire indicators of a new level of leadership delivery much needed to reposition the school for greatness and improve its lot among other tertiary institutions in the country.

For Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, new vistas of possibilities and renewal is its new lot. For its staff and students, Dr. Tunji Abayomi ‘s accessibility and modesty presents an opportunity to explore areas of needs necessary to grow the university on a personal level.

Very articulate and effusive, yet studiously egregious critic, and due to his political experience, knows when to close his mouth and open his ears with genuineness of his selflessness unmistakable. Dr. Tunji Abayomi is a leader who sits within the same radius as those he leads, his fastidious attention to details means very little ever escapes his knowledge.

I say with all conviction that the staff and students of Adekunle Ajasin University whom I am privilege to work with as Adjunct Lecturer have a right to expect an immediate geometric progression in the fortunes of the school. His antecedents offers an anticipatory picture of a prosperous future for the system. He is not only directional in his thoughts and actions, his scope of creativity is almost limitless.

The considerable circumference of his experience as a successful lawyer, activist and no a politician of note, assures of new heights and new levels for the great university. Indeed, a new dawn is afoot in Ondo State.

Let me reiterate my genuine admiration of the thoughtfulness of Dr. Tunji Abayomi ‘s appointment by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN of Ondo State.  In a time and system where mediocrity beats merit in government circles,  Governor Akeredolu has made an emphatic statement of his willingness to appreciate talents,  skills and capacity over cronyism. It is an administrative policy that we hope to see repeated in his time in office.

Finally, may I extend my warmest regards to Dr. Tunji Abayomi, members of the constituted Governing Council and the staff and students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. I enjoin all within the school system to work together with and tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience of the university’s newly appointed pro-Chancellor. There is now before the school a new and solid opportunity to improve its standing amongst other tertiary institutions in the state and country as a whole.