Former Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Labode Popoola, has revealed how he confronted powerful interests and made difficult decisions to keep the institution from collapsing during his five-year tenure.
He said his administration initially pursued dialogue and persuasion to get stakeholders to change their conduct in the interest of the university and Osun State but had to adopt a tougher approach when those efforts failed.
Popoola disclosed this on Saturday during the public presentation of his book, ‘Navigating Stormy Waters: My Voyage Through UNIOSUN’, at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement issued by Israel Scroll Media, the former VC said he was willing to take unpopular steps, including offending influential individuals, to protect the institution.
“When all of that failed, it became imminent for me to step on toes. And I’m very good at that,” he said.
He explained that although he did not deliberately seek confrontations, he was unwilling to retreat when faced with challenges that threatened the university’s survival.
Popoola said the book was written to preserve his experiences in office and allow future generations to examine the decisions he made while leading the institution.
He also used the occasion to reject allegations of bribery against him, insisting that he had never given or received a bribe throughout his life.
“I have never ever in my life taken bribe or given it in any form. I have never,” he said.
The former VC further condemned the reluctance of some members of the Nigerian academic community to speak against wrongdoing, attributing it to their desire to maintain relationships with influential people and secure personal benefits.
“We see evil, we do not talk about it. We know this is not good. We will not talk about it because we do not want to offend some people because we are also expecting benefits from the rubbish,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in office, Popoola said his administration inherited an institution at risk of collapse but implemented reforms that strengthened its governance, accountability and financial position.
He insisted that the university’s subsequent achievements were the product of deliberate efforts rather than chance.
“We saved UNIOSUN from totally collapsing. Those who know the truth know it. We rebuilt that university,” he said.
Popoola also linked the institution’s reported recognition as Nigeria’s best state university to the reforms and long-term planning undertaken during his administration.
He disclosed that the book launch was originally fixed for September 28, 2025, his birthday, but was moved following a request from philanthropist Apostle Folorunso Alakija, who wanted it held after the public presentation of the teaching hospital she supported.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter Olapegba, said the publication offered valuable lessons on the complexities of university administration.
Olapegba noted that leading a university required the ability to balance competing interests while maintaining a clear sense of direction.
He identified vision, courage, wisdom, resilience and strategic thinking as necessary qualities for navigating the challenges associated with institutional leadership.
“As one who appreciates the demands and responsibilities of university administration, I recognise the courage it takes to lead an institution and the willingness required to reflect honestly on that experience and share insights with others,” he said.
In his keynote address, former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Lanre Fagboun, said university heads were expected to meet institutional targets regardless of funding challenges, labour disputes and pressure from stakeholders.
“When you become a Vice-Chancellor, you are expected to deliver results regardless of the circumstances. Whether you are a lawyer, engineer, doctor or academic, you are expected to perform,” he said.
Fagboun urged university administrators to uphold integrity, empathy, courage, inclusiveness and a clear vision, adding that appointments should be determined by competence and character rather than ethnic, religious or personal affiliations.
“Leadership should not make you lose your sense of humility and personal responsibility,” he said.
Also addressing the gathering, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Wale Babalakin, praised Popoola’s intellectual capacity, dedication to scholarship and integrity.
Babalakin recalled collaborating with the former VC for over five years on efforts to build a sustainable education system, describing the decision to document his experiences as an important contribution to knowledge.
“What is the purpose of life if you die with your knowledge? You must reduce your knowledge to writing for other people coming after you to benefit from it, to learn from it,” he said.
He advised Popoola to remain committed to his values, noting that public reputation and personal character were not necessarily the same.
Meanwhile, Distinguished Professor Peter Okebukola, who recounted his role in the establishment of UNIOSUN, described Popoola as a disciplined and purposeful administrator who helped consolidate the university’s foundation.
He stressed the importance of divine guidance in leadership, saying, “No matter how brilliant you are, no matter how skilled you are in management, in governance, in anything, if God is not by your side, na zero you get.”
Reviewing the publication, the Vice-Chancellor of Edo State University, Iyamho, Prof. Victor Adetimirin, described it as a useful record of the realities of university governance and administration.
Adetimirin said the experiences documented in the book would provide valuable guidance for those who would take up leadership positions in universities, while also commending Popoola’s dedication to mentoring others.
