In his speech, Popoola saw his emergence as the will of God and expressed readiness to rebuild the institution for sustainability and to take it to an enviable position.
According to him, UNIOSUN can be the best university in Nigeria.

“We can build a model university. I don’t believe there is a difference between federal, state and private universities. Currently, Osun State University is No. 42 on the ranking, but there are some federal institutions that are below it and there are some private universities that are above some federal institutions.

“We can be the best university in Nigeria. I come from the University of Ibadan which is No. 1 and my dream is to make Osun State University to take over that position to become the best tertiary institution before the end of my tenure.

“I am a team player and we must work as a team, jointly pursuing our mission and vision with professionalism, transparency and accountability,’’ he said.

In his earlier speech, the former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oguntola Jelil Alamu congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of Council, Senate, Management, Principal Officers, Staff and Students and wished him success. Principal Officers at the meeting include Mr. Gafar Shittu, Acting Registrar; Mr. Samson Adegbite; Acting Bursar and Mr. Ajibola Oyinloye, University Librarian.

Professor Labode Popoola is a Professor of Forest Economics. He graduated with Bachelor of Science (Honours) in 1984 from the University of Ibadan, had his Master of Science in Forest Economics and Management in 1987 and Doctor of Philosophy in Forest Economics in 1990, both at the prestigious University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

He is a member of many learned and professional associations. He has many scholastic publications in local and international Journals with over one hundred and fifty (150) publications. He has supervised several Theses/Dissertations. He has also been given professional appointments in various organizations and attended various local and international Fellowships, International Scientific Courses, Conferences and Workshops.

He is happily married and blessed with children.