Roads to art galleries are often among the ones less travelled. This is true especially in a country like Nigeria where passion for visual arts is largely low and where existential battles get compounded daily. To many, artworks are meant for the elite, those who have the intellectual luxury to appreciate them, and those who have the financial indulgence to buy the works. One of the ironic effects of this is, however, that a lot of folks miss the uncommon beauty that galleries do radiate – the type that lingers far more than what one experiences, say, in eateries.
It was thus not surprising that many people who trooped to the Tunde Odunlade Gallery, in Bodija, Ibadan, on Tuesday got a pleasant surprise. They were practically lured into the inspiring arena in the upscale area of the ancient city, by the First Technical University, Ibadan Reading Society which hosted the institution’s pioneer Vice Chancellor, Professor Ayobami Salami, whose tenure ends on May 8. Many of the guests marvelled at the subtle grandiose of the environment, with many art products beckoning at eyes and souls.
From the slightly cunning entrance to the balcony structured to tantalise the visitor with a palm wine kiosk, and an asun (richly roasted goat milk) playing games with even a fasting nose, the excursion had indeed surprisingly started. Then, welcome to the Tunde Odunlade Gallery, particularly to the ground floor where a circular opening had been prepared for the reading. The setting was also a garden of body art fabrics, assorted necklaces, books and music albums, including those of Beautiful Nubia.
With Professor Femi Adegbesan of the University of Ibadan being the chairman, the reading began after exchange of pleasantries. Of course, as parrotextra reports, in Salami’s entourage were his wife, Professor Abiodun Salami, who is also the Dean, Faculty of Applied and Natural Sciences; the incoming Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesola Ajayi; Registrar, Mrs Olayinka Balogun; and Bursar, Pastor Kehinde Olatokun.
Other dignitaries included a former Commissioner for Sports in Oyo State, Dr Bolaji Ojooba; former member House of Representatives, Hon. Kazeem Adedeji; and dr Wunmi Adisa.
Organising Secretary of the reading society, Dr Ayodeji Afolayan, told the gathering that it aimed at broadening the horizon of members through exposure to intellectual resources. The Director of Centre of Languages and General Studies, Professor Adebayo Mosobalaje, further noted that the society also created an avenue for a robust discussion on members’ research interests. According to him, it also explores socio-cultural issues as they affect the immediate society while facilitating an atmosphere for relaxation and camaraderie.
Membership is open to every staff member of the First Technical University. Interested person(s) will go through stipulated registration procedures for membership to be active.
Salami, who was roundly commended for the giant and effective steps he took at Tech-U, gave a detailed idea about the memoir. According to him, the chapters capture the genesis of Tech-U, his dramatic appointment as VC, how the staff were recruited, how the Oyo State Government relates to Tech-U, roles of principal stakeholders like the late Governor Isiaka Ajimobi, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Chancellor, Akogun Tunde J Afolabi and the Tertiary Education Fund. He added that the book also captured some aspects of his early life and adventures as a student, lecturer and administrator at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
He shared some of his experience:
“The governor (Makinde) gave me the free hand to operate because it is not about politics but about development. That is why the council is composed mainly of technocrats and not politicians. I also want to thank Governor Seyi Makinde because he didn’t tamper with the government structure when he came on board. That gave us stability.
“We spend on essentials at Tech-U. There is no single messenger or clerical officer at Tech-U. Our security, health centre and accommodation units were outsourced. It is a culture we started with; when you join Tech-U, you’ll key into it. The job that four people do in other places, one person does it at Tech-U. When I was in Ife, I had about 15 staff as the Head of Department. There was a time we had one functioning vehicle and three drivers. But as VC in Tech-U, I have only five staff working in my office. I type my own memos as VC. This is how we have been able to cut down on redundancy.
“If you think within the box, you would be living in the past. If you think outside the box, you would be able to deal with contemporary issues, but if you think without the box, one would be able to do about anything.
“I can’t afford not to think without the box. We pay our staff from the resources generated by the university. However, I want you to know that our welfare package is not comparable, if not better than what is obtainable in private and public organisations. We also pay our staff on the 24th of every month to motivate them.”
