PanNigerianNews 
The Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, has commended the performances of media/public relations expert, Mr Sunday Saanu at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo during his one year sabbatical.
Prof. Adebowale also urged Saanu to keep up the good work.
The don, while receiving Saanu in his office, said, “We are very proud of you for what you have been able to do in Oyo”, maintaining that the report from there was that he had added values to the university through professional dedication and enthusiasm.
“I will simply urge you to keep up the good work. UI community is proud of you. You should not relent. Ensure you display the same level of enthusiasm in your work now that you have returned to UI”, the VC added.
Prof. Adebowale thanked the Management of Ajayi Crowther University, particularly the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Abiodun Adebayo, for inviting Saanu and providing conducive atmosphere with adequate support.
Saanu had earlier thanked Prof. Adebowale and the Registrar, Mr. Gani Saliu, for approving his sabbatical last year.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba, has equally welcomed back Saanu to UI, saying “Thank you for representing UI well there. We are happy with the reports we got about your exploits there.”
Ajayi Crowther University, at a colourful farewell ceremony in honour of Saanu whose sabbatical lapsed 31 August, 2024, said, “Saanu has added values to the university with his professional competence, dedication, discipline and passion.”
Prof. Adebayo, who led other management team in paying tribute to the media expert, recalled how he made spirited efforts to bring Saanu to ACU on account of his impressive performance in UI as Media Assistant to the VC, saying “Saanu has not disappointed him; rather, he has contributed immensely to the development of ACU.
According to Prof. Adebayo, “When I noticed Saanu’s writing in various media, I spoke with the former UI VC, Prof. Idowu Olayinka about my desire to bring him to ACU on sabbatical. I spoke with Chief Wole Olanipekun and they all supported the idea. He came in 2021. But after spending two months, bureaucracy recalled him to UI. I promised that anytime they released him, I would still take. Good enough, UI released him in 2023 for a year sabbatical and he reported here immediately.”
“In the last twelve months, everyone has felt his impact. My friends all over the world have been asking me, where did you see that man? Saanu writes well with good command of English language. I have learned a number of English words from his various write-ups. There was a day I queried the use of a particular word or phrase in his article and I called my Deputy who is a professor of communication, Prof. Popoola didn’t want to tell me that I was wrong while Saanu was right, and he had to be diplomatic about it”, the VC said.
According to Prof Adebayo, “During the crisis in ACU, Saanu played a major role. He was the one who suggested to me that I must urgently meet both the students and staff of the university. I discussed the idea with my Deputy, but I didn’t say it was coming from Saanu. The idea worked perfectly and Saanu complemented my efforts until we put the crisis behind us.”
The VC noted that the only problem with Saanu was that “You don’t regularly see him in the office. When I investigated why he wasn’t always sitting in the office, I discovered that he was always hiding in one corner to do his work in order to avoid distractions. And, when you read his work, you will be mesmerized by the quality of research that had gone into his work, dazzling his readers with amazing expressions and depth of knowledge.
“Saanu uses Facebook as his major medium of expression. Today, you see him in a complete agbada, looking gorgeously like an elder, tomorrow you see him in a smart suit, looking radiant and vivacious. He is a lively guy with humble dispositions. As you are going back to UI, don’t forget ACU. Keep writing about us. I know you yourself enjoy ACU because we pay salaries regularly,” Adebowale stated.
