Crowther varsity DVC may get Makinde’s nod for appointment

There are indications that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Olumuyiwa Popoola, may be appointed by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State as a cabinet member.

Makinde, who is starting his second term, had earlier appointed the Group Business Editor of the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publisher of Tribune titles, Mr Sulaiman Olanrewaju, who was named the new Chief Press Secretary to governor.

He had also reappointed Segun Ogunwuyi as his Chief of Staff, while Ololade Ajibola was appointed as the senior special assistant on special duties.

The governor also appointed Akeem Azeez as personal assistant 1, Samson Adejumo as personal assistant 2, and Isah Kabir as his principal secretary.

A source close to the state government said Popoola may be offered the Secretary to the State Government or a principal position at the state Basic Education Board.

The source said the governor would favour a person with high pedigree and not necessarily a politician for the two positions.

The source said, “His name (Popoopla) has come up among those to be offered a position a couple of times. Makinde has a fair mind in the choice of his appointment. He has the profile of every name that comes to his mind and one basic principle of the governor is to appoint people of excellent record and high pedigree. He realises the work ahead and he needs the best to work with.

“The present SUBEB boss, Nureni Adeniran, has done well in the last four years. He is highly revered by the governor and he may favour moving him to a bigger office where he needs good performer like Adeniran. The SSG position is also there to be filled.

“These are areas where Popoola could be considered by the governor. He is a scholar of high academic repute as it reflects in his profile. He graduated from University of Nigeria, Nsukka with first class in Mass Communication and was the best graduating student when he finished his Master’s degree at the University of Lagos. He was awarded Phd by the University of Ibadan before he joined Ajayi Crowther as a lecturer, rising to the position of DVC within a short time. He is one of the few young professors in the field today and many are of the opinion that he fits the profile of a person the governor may consider.”

When asked if the governor had contacted him, Popoola declined comment.