As the year 2025 draws to a close and we prepare to welcome 2026, I extend my warm compliments and best wishes to the entire University community — members of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff, students, alumni, and our valued partners.
The outgoing year has been one of steady progress, purposeful engagement, and institutional resilience. In a challenging national and global higher education environment, the University has continued to make commendable strides in the pursuit of its mandate of teaching, research, innovation, and service to society.
I wish to specially commend the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their leadership, commitment, and sense of responsibility throughout the year. I also acknowledge the collective guidance, oversight, and support provided by the Governing Council, whose deliberations and decisions have helped to strengthen institutional governance, stability, and strategic direction.
Under this shared leadership, the University recorded notable achievements, including progress in academic programme delivery, research activities, infrastructural improvements, improved internal systems, strengthened partnerships, and enhanced institutional visibility, among others. These accomplishments reflect the collective dedication and hard work of both academic and non-teaching staff, whose contributions I sincerely acknowledge and appreciate.
I further recognise the constructive role played by students, staff unions, alumni, and external stakeholders in sustaining the University through dialogue, engagement, and shared responsibility. The progress recorded in 2025 is a testament to what can be achieved when all stakeholders work together with a common purpose.
As we look ahead to 2026, I urge all members of the University community to embrace the new year with renewed hope, unity, and a commitment to mutual respect. Where issues remain or differences arise, I appeal that they be addressed through constructive dialogue, patience, understanding, and peaceful engagement, always placing the overall interest of the University above all else.
Universities flourish best in an atmosphere of peace, stability, trust, and cooperation, and I remain confident that together we can consolidate the gains already made and position the University for even greater accomplishments in the coming year.
On behalf of the Governing Council, I thank you all for your dedication and support throughout 2025, and I wish every member of the University community a peaceful, rewarding, and successful New Year 2026, filled with good health, academic excellence, and institutional progress.
Happy New Year and best wishes for 2026.
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Professor Oluwatoyin Ashiru, OON, FNSE, FAEng
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council
Olabisi Onabanjo University
Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State
31st December 2025