The Founders’ Week celebration commenced with an opening session marked by reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the vision of the university. The event brought together principal officers of the university, members of staff, students, invited guests, and key stakeholders in a solemn yet celebratory atmosphere.
The session began with an opening address by the Chaplain, who set a spiritual and reflective tone for the gathering. He revisited the university’s vision, mission, and core values, emphasizing their continued relevance as the guiding foundation of the institution. He reminded the university community that these principles are not merely statements but a lived framework that should guide conduct, decision-making, and service within the academic environment. He further encouraged all present to remain steadfast in upholding integrity, discipline, excellence, and purpose-driven service in their daily responsibilities.
Following this, the Vice-Chancellor delivered a comprehensive address that combined historical reflection, appreciation, and leadership insight. He began by giving a brief historical overview of the university, tracing its journey from inception to its current stage of growth and development. He highlighted key milestones achieved over the years, including academic expansion, infrastructural development, and the strengthening of institutional systems and partnerships.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed appreciation to shareholders and stakeholders whose contributions have continued to sustain the university’s progress. He acknowledged founding leaders, governing authorities, staff, partners, and friends of the institution, emphasizing that the university’s achievements are the result of collective effort, sacrifice, and shared vision.
A key highlight of his address was his reflection on leadership, where he drew a clear distinction between an influential leader and an exploiting leader. He explained that an influential leader is one who positively impacts lives, inspires transformation, communicates vision effectively, and builds systems that outlive personal presence. Such a leader leads with integrity, service, and intentional impact, creating value that extends beyond personal gain. In contrast, he described an exploiting leader as one who uses authority in a way that drains people, overburdens systems, and prioritizes personal advantage at the expense of collective growth and sustainability. He cautioned against leadership practices that fail to empower others, stressing the importance of fairness, responsibility, and structured delegation in institutional leadership.
The Vice-Chancellor further encouraged members of the university community to embrace leadership that is both impactful and sustainable, urging a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to continuous growth and the preservation of its founding ideals.
The session concluded on a reflective and unifying note, with participants expressing renewed pride in the institution’s heritage and a strengthened commitment to its future development. The opening ceremony successfully set the tone for the rest of the Founders’ Week celebration, fostering unity, institutional pride, and shared purpose among all attendees.