Dominican University Ibadan (DIU) on Monday inaugurated its first female Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jacinta Opara, which was held at the Tom & Carolyn Walker Hall of the institution.
In her inaugural speech, Opara, a professor of environmental health, ecology, and management, hailed her predecessor for setting a high standard, however, promised “to exceed the horizon of existing academic programmes, with ability to integrate knowledge, professional skills and intellectual competencies as well as resource management in a coordinated program.”
She promised to champion intellectual skills and build critical thinking while promising to make accountability and integrity her watchword.
While pledging to deploy her academic and administrative skills, the environmental health scholar said her 5-year reign will be guarded by a 5-point agenda to include:
- excellence in learning;
- excellence in teaching;
- excellence in research;
- excellence in innovation; and
- excellence in industrialization and commercialization.
Opara said she would work assiduously to partner with international and local investors, “As experienced scholar/consultant who had worked with other international agencies and organizations, we shall ensure DUI collaborate with these organizations in order to remodel the University to be a centre of excellence.“
On community engagement, she said, “Dominican University is an integral part of the Ibadan community, and our relationship with the local community is a vital aspect of our identity. We will strengthen our community engagement efforts, working closely with local organizations, schools, and businesses to create mutually beneficial partnerships.”
The researcher at Kampala International University, Uganda, also promised that students of the institution ”will be encouraged to participate in service learning opportunities, gaining valuable experience while making a positive difference in the community.”
She thanked the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the University, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), members of the Board, Chairman of the Governing Council, and all the members of the Council for appointing and welcoming her into the institution’s community.
Prof. Opara is a member of more than 15 academic and professional bodies including Organisation of Women in Science in Developing World (OWSD).
The onboarding activities, which began on Sunday, June 23 through July 1, 2024, was witnessed by eminent academics and captains of industries (You can access her 8-page inaugural speech here).
The institution is the first and only university of the Order of Preachers (Dominican Order) in Africa since its 800 years of existence. It was recognized by the National Universities Commission in 2016 with many of its courses with full accreditation.
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