The Great Ife Alumni Association has commended the appointment of Adejare Bello as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, describing the development as a move that could strengthen the institution’s leadership and global reputation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the association said Bello’s appointment reflects strong confidence in his extensive experience in law, politics, diplomacy and public administration.
The statement was jointly signed by the association’s Global President, Leye Bunmi Falode, and Global Publicity Secretary, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
According to the alumni body, the new Pro-Chancellor brings to the role a blend of legislative experience, diplomatic exposure and long-standing commitment to the advancement of education.
The association noted that Bello’s pedigree as an accomplished lawyer, former legislator and diplomat likely informed his appointment as chairman of the university’s governing council.
“As an alumnus of the university who obtained his law degree from the Faculty of Law, he possesses an enduring connection to the institution and a deep understanding of its heritage, ideals and aspirations,” the statement said.
The alumni body expressed optimism that Bello’s academic background and administrative experience would enable him to work effectively with council members, university management, staff unions, students, alumni and other stakeholders in advancing the mission of the institution.
It added that his leadership could help strengthen governance and reposition the university for greater academic excellence and institutional stability.
The association congratulated Bello on what it described as a well-deserved appointment and expressed hope that his tenure would further consolidate the reputation of Obafemi Awolowo University as one of Nigeria’s leading centres of higher learning.
The alumni body also recalled that the immediate past Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Siyan Oyeweso, died in December 2025 after a brief illness at the age of 64.
