On October 30th, 2024, Chrisland University honored its outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, during its 6th convocation ceremony, celebrating her extraordinary seven-year stewardship.
The event was marked by heartfelt tributes from the Chancellor, Dr. Winifred Adefolahan Awosika, who lauded Prof. Babalola's leadership for propelling the university to new heights.
Dr. Awosika commended Prof. Babalola for her remarkable contributions, stating, "She has led with wisdom, grace, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. Her visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on this institution, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders. Prof. Babalola has dedicated herself to this university with utmost passion and integrity."
According to Dr. Awosika, Prof. Babalola consistently went above and beyond the call of duty, treating her position not merely as a job but as a mission. She successfully navigated the complexities of leadership while maintaining peace and harmony at all levels of the university. Her tenure was marked by numerous accomplishments that will forever be remembered.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Chrisland family, I extend my deepest appreciation to Prof. Babalola. Your tenure has been a gift to this institution, and while we must now release you to new responsibilities, you will always remain a part of the Chrisland family. We are eternally grateful for your contributions, and I pray that God will continue to bless and guide you in all your future endeavors," Dr. Awosika added.
Similarly, the Governing Council, led by Pro-Chancellor Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, acknowledged with deep gratitude to Prof. Babalola's uncommon passion, dedication, and the immeasurable physical, intellectual, and material sacrifices she made in her role as Vice Chancellor, Head of Management, and Chair of Senate.
"We wish her well in her future endeavors, and we are confident that she will continue to be a matchless Goodwill Ambassador for Chrisland University, ensuring that her impactful legacy endures. In that sense, she will leave now, but her legacy will live on," Prof. Olukoju stated.
Shortly after the convocation, on December 30, 2024, Chrisland School also held a moving send-forth ceremony to honor Prof. Babalola at the School Hall in Lekki. The event was graced by dignitaries, fellow vice chancellors, students, family, and friends, all gathered to celebrate her profound impact during her tenure.
The gathering was filled with heartfelt tributes as attendees reflected on her influence and dedication. One well-wisher highlighted her exceptional qualities that contributed to her success, stating, "She is gifted, very detailed, and diligent. Her unwavering commitment to her work has undoubtedly brought her to where she is today."
This sentiment was echoed by her husband, who praised her relentless work ethic and ability to balance family and professional commitments: "She doesn't recognize that there's a time when one can't engage in administrative work; she holds the members of our family in very high esteem."
During her heartfelt speech, Prof. Babalola expressed gratitude for the kind words shared about her, acknowledging the role that hard work and dedication played in her journey. She attributed her success to God and thanked everyone for the results of her efforts. "Everything everyone has said here today is true, but I thank God that all the activities have yielded results," she remarked, with humility and appreciation resonating deeply with the audience.
It was clear that Prof. Peace Chinedum Babalola’s legacy at Chrisland University would be remembered not only for her remarkable skills and achievements but also for the profound impact she had on her colleagues and students. As the evening concluded, she was showered with gifts and well-wishes, marking the end of a chapter in her illustrious career.
The send-forth ceremony served as a fitting tribute to a woman who has left an indelible mark on the academic community and inspired all those around her.
As Chrisland University and Chrisland School bid farewell to Prof. Babalola, her legacy of academic excellence, infrastructural development, and community engagement will undoubtedly resonate within the institutions for years to come. Her contributions have set a high standard, inspiring both students and staff alike to pursue excellence in their respective fields.