The umbrella body of the Yoruba people of Kogi State, Okun Development Association (ODA) has expressed its profound gratitude to the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu over the appointment of Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi as the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja.
The Association in a letter dated 9th December 2020 and addressed to the Honourable Minister of Education and signed by it’s National President, Barr. Femi Mokikan described the appointment of Prof. Akinwumi as heartwarming and a step in the right direction.
It said the joy that greeted the news is an indication that the appointment is long overdue.
The letter reads “The Okun Development Association which is the umbrella body of the Yoruba people of Kogi state home and abroad, wishes to acknowledge, appreciate and thank you for the the appointment of our son Prof Yemi Akinwumi as the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Lokoja. Going through all the processes of the selection by the University Council, it clearly shows that academic and scholarship was brought to bear on their decision.”
The ODA further states that “Everyone knows that education is the industry of Okun Nation as this is evident in our having over seven hundred Professors and considering our population, it clearly shows that we are second to none amongst sub ethnic nationalities in this country. Despite the above all our previous aspirations to become Vice Chancellor of Federal University has never seen the light of the day because of “Nigeria factor”where minority factor played a negative role for us.”
The Association maintained that the approval of the recommendation of the FUL Governing Council has brought joy to the entire Okun Nation both at home and in Diaspora.
“It is in the light of the above that we are happy that you approve the recommendation of the University Council of the Federal University of Lokoja. We pray the Almighty God to guide, protect and bless you in the onerous task of repositioning the educational sector of the country.”
The ODA expressed optimism in the capacity of the appointee in bringing his wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of his new assignment and urged Okun sons and daughters to sustain their prayers for the Vice Chancellor.