The management of Obafemi Awolowo University has congratulated its former vice-chancellor, Roger Makanjuola.

Mr Makanjuola clocked 80 years on Saturday.

The OAU in a LinkedIn post on Sunday described the erstwhile vice-chancellor as “a true titan of academic leadership, a refined scholar, a compassionate healer and a quintessential gentleman”.

“Today, the Obafemi Awolowo University community celebrates a true titan of academic leadership, Professor Roger Makanjuola, on his 80th birthday,” the school stated.

Recalling his tenure, the institution extolled Mr Makanjuola’s integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“He led during a pivotal era, restoring stability and upholding the highest standards of learning and culture. Beyond his administrative brilliance, his contributions to the field of Psychiatry have mentored generations and transformed mental health care in Nigeria,” it stated.

The university thanked Mr Makanjuola for exercising visionary governance, setting the highest standards of transparency and merit, and creating a legacy that has continued to inspire students and staff of the institution.

A professor at the university and pioneer vice-chancellor of the Osun State University, Sola Akinrinade, said Mr Makanjuola “rendered selfless service and demonstrated that it is possible to serve without compromising one’s values”.

“The part about his legacy being defined by integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to excellence really hit different. Celebrating 80 years of a life well-lived is truly special,” a LinkedIn user, Ajibola Oladoke, stated.

An alumnus of the institution, Abimbola Olowookere, said the former university administrator directly undertook initiatives and actively engaged or mobilised other members of the university community.

“I remember sending him a mail during one of the closures and his swift response. I also remember seeing him around on campus very vividly in faculty areas, student hotels, etc. He led from the front and had his hands on deck,” Mr Olowookere stated.

Another alumnus, Lateef Wahab, appraised Mr Makanjuola’s simplicity.

“Unlike many vice-chancellors you only see during major ceremonies like convocation, you see him around the campus in a simple dress like any other person. He listened to students,” Mr Wahab said.