Former Dean, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Professor Hassan Salihu has said he is interested in succeeding Professor Is-haq Oloyede as the next Vice-Chancellor of the university in order to consolidate on his achievements and "break new grounds".

Oloyede's tenure would lapse in Unilorin October 16, while the university has earnestly commenced the process of appointing a successor having advertised vacancy on May 14, 2012. Salihu, who contested for the position with Oloyede in 2007, has indicated interest in vying for the coveted post, though he said he is still making consultations given the enormity of responsibilities the position places on its occupier. Salihu, a Professor of Political Science, spoke on the achievements of Oloyede, saying he was interested in succeeding him to consolidate on his achievements in the last four and half years and build on them to further strengthen the reputation of the institution.

He said, "... The Vice-Chancellor has achieved quite a lot in terms of infrastructure development, in terms of exchange programmes, in terms of other things, he has achieved.

"So my own job, why I want to succeed him is because I want to consolidate on those things he has achieved and expand the frontiers of achievements so that we could have more achievements in the university".

He added, "My aspiration is to preside over a foremost university in all ramifications, in terms of research, in terms of teaching, in terms of community service and in terms of provision of welfare services to members of staff and students".

The don, however, cautioned all aspirants for the position to play the game with decorum and avoid engaging in unwholesome conducts bearing in mind that God is the ultimate decider of the next Vice-Chancellor.

He added, "It is only God that makes one a leader. All of us who are interested will definitely struggle but we should know the boundary of the struggle we engage in. Ultimately the university must have to continue and whoever God wants is the one He will make the Vice-Chancellor.

"Let's struggle, let's fight for it but within the context of civilised behaviour, within the context of that if we face our God, we will be able to defend our actions, not in terms of doing things that are out rightly negative and whoever God chooses, we should all rally round and move the university forward but I love to be the next Vice-Chancellor and by the grace of God, I will be the Chancellor".

By Abdullateef Aliyu (National pilot)