Reactions have been pouring in over the appointment of Mr Ademola Bobola as the substantive Registrar and Secretary to Council of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), in Benin City, Edo State.
Some staff, students and alumni who spoke with CAMPUS GIST on Friday applauded the interview panel, consisting mainly of external persons and the University community for appointing a candidate based on merit, judging by Mr Bobola’s rich profile.
They said the appointment underscores the fact that the University of Benin is a federal Institution.
One of them, Oghenekevbe Christian, a student, said, “Who else do you think is fit for the job or more qualified than Mr. Bobola? A man with vast experience as a two time registrar in two different higher institutions.”
Another student, Mr. Omoruyi Uhurebor added his voice: “Experience is what matters when it comes to Registrar position. Bobola has what it takes to deliver on the job and move the great Uniben forward. We are talking about a former deputy Registrar at FUTA, pioneer Registrar of a private University and current Registrar at a Federal Poly.”
An alumnus, David Peter Eze, said he believes Mr. Bobola’s appointment is well deserved therefore, the University Governing Council deserves ‘all-round commendation.’
“Mr. Bobola brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. Personally, I must applaud the University for the choice of Mr. Bobola. In fact, Bobola’s appointment can be best described as a ’round peg in a round hole’,” he said.
Mr. Bobola, whose appointment takes effect from the 1st of April 2021, holds, among other qualifications, a Masters degree in Applied Linguistics from Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Mr Bobola is currently the Registrar, Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo state and is a member of several professional bodies.
The interview panel for the last exercise comprised, among others, of the Chairman of the University’s Governing Council and external members, the Vice Chancellor, the Federal Character Commissioner, a Registrar from another federal university, and representatives of the University’s Senate, as well as Congregation.
