Professor Jacinta Opara, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Dominican University, Ibadan, South-West Nigeria, has promised to promote quality education in line with the mission and objectives of the institution.

Okpara made the promise at her inauguration as the first female vice chancellor of the institution.

She stated that there was the need to form the generation of leaders that would take care of, and serve, Nigeria and the global community.

According to her, this will be done by providing a conducive learning and teaching environment.

Okpara stressed the need for internal motivation for lecturers to foster growth that would create opportunities, enhance talents and boost spiritual growth.

She added: “I am emphasising on internal growth because this is where we get people to do the right service even when you are not there.

“And moreover, this institution grew from the Dominican institute which has been known to have a culture of discipline, integrity and godliness.

“All these things combined together will improve the value and tradition of the institution.”

Okpara said that her administration would leverage international partnerships, faculty-student exchange programmes, joint research projects and other global learning opportunities.

In his address, Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ibadan, Bishop Gabriel Abegunrin, said that having a female at the helm of affairs would encourage work.

She urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the new varsity chief so that she would succeed.

“She is coming with all her vigour; she is going to put everything into it for us to succeed,” Abegunrin said.

Also, the chancellor of the institution, Very Rev’d Modestus Ngwu, and the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Anthony Idigbe, expressed the support of the institution to the new vice chancellor while challenging her to raise the bar of leadership.

Prof. Idowu Olayinka, Guest Lecturer and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, emphasised the need for concerted efforts to achieve greatness.

He spoke on the topic: “The Burden of Leadership in Driving University Vision and Mission”.

“The Vice Chancellor is not expected to be a ‘magician’ who will always make things happen, but with the cooperation of all, a lot can be achieved,” Olayinka said. READ ALSO:

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In his goodwill message, Prof Shobana Nelasco, an economist and a dependable collaborator of more than 20. years has this to say about Prof. Opara:

“Honorable former Vice Chancellor, distinguished new Vice Chancellor Prof. Jacinta Opara, the star of the day, esteemed Professors, Senate members, guests and Students, it gives me immense pleasure to share a few words about Prof Opara, my academic partner of nearly two decades. Our collaboration began in 2007 when I invited her to contribute research papers for an edited volume on “Issues of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Education.” This partnership continued with the publication of more books and two digital volumes.

Together, we have collaborated on seven international conferences where I have also served as an advisory board member. We have presented five papers at various congresses and published nine papers as co-authors. We have also served on the editorial board for several journals together.

Based on our extensive academic collaborations, I can attest to Prof. Jacinta Opara’s dedication and hard work. I am confident that she will support and fulfill all the academic aspirations of all students and staff at the university, propelling the university to new heights. I am always astonished by all her academic accomplishments, publications, awards and fellowships. 

I wish her success in making the university excel in all areas. Beyond her academic achievements, she is also a wonderful family friend, a devoted mother, and a kind and god-fearing person.

Recently, I published a volume authored by 100 contributors on Gandhi. On this momentous occasion of her taking charge as Vice Chancellor, I am virtually presenting a copy of this book to my best friend, which will be sent by post soon. I look forward to continued academic collaborations with Prof. Opara in the future for the benefit of all.”