“I am very good at stepping on toes”: Popoola reveals how he saved UNIOSUN

Former Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Labode Popoola, has revealed how he confronted powerful interests and made difficult decisions to keep the institution from collapsing during his five-year tenure.

The revelation was made on Saturday during the public presentation of his book, Navigating Stormy Waters: My Voyage Through UNIOSUN, at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE CONFRONTATION

Popoola said his administration initially pursued dialogue and persuasion to get stakeholders to change their conduct in the interest of the university and Osun State, but had to adopt a tougher approach when those efforts failed.

“When all of that failed, it became imminent for me to step on toes. And I’m very good at that,” he said.He explained that although he did not deliberately seek confrontations, he was unwilling to retreat when faced with challenges that threatened the university’s survival.

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THE REJECTION OF BRIBERY

Popoola used the occasion to reject allegations of bribery against him, insisting that he had never given or received a bribe throughout his life.

“I have never ever in my life taken bribe or given it in any form. I have never,” he said.

He further condemned the reluctance of some members of the Nigerian academic community to speak against wrongdoing, attributing it to their desire to maintain relationships with influential people and secure personal benefits.

“We see evil, we do not talk about it. We know this is not good. We will not talk about it because we do not want to offend some people because we are also expecting benefits from the rubbish,” he said.

THE LEGACY

Reflecting on his time in office, Popoola said his administration inherited an institution at risk of collapse but implemented reforms that strengthened its governance, accountability and financial position.

“We saved UNIOSUN from totally collapsing. Those who know the truth know it. We rebuilt that university,” he said.

He linked the institution’s reported recognition as Nigeria’s best state university to the reforms and long-term planning undertaken during his administration.

THE TRIBUTES

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Wale Babalakin, praised Popoola’s intellectual capacity, dedication to scholarship and integrity, describing the decision to document his experiences as an important contribution to knowledge.

“What is the purpose of life if you die with your knowledge? You must reduce your knowledge to writing for other people coming after you to benefit from it, to learn from it,” Babalakin said.

Distinguished Professor Peter Okebukola, who recounted his role in the establishment of UNIOSUN, described Popoola as a disciplined and purposeful administrator who helped consolidate the university’s foundation.

WHY IT MATTERS

University administration in Nigeria is often a delicate balancing act between powerful interests, political pressure and academic integrity.

Popoola’s account is a rare insider’s view of what it takes to navigate those waters. He admits to stepping on toes. He admits to making enemies.

But he also insists that the alternative, allowing the university to collapse under the weight of its own contradictions—was not an option.

His book will be read by those who want to understand how Nigerian universities work, and why so many of them fail.

For Popoola, the stormy waters have been navigated. The university has been saved. And the story has been told. ValidViewNetwork reports.