—A Journey of Intellectual Brilliance and Societal Impact

In an era where academic distinction and societal impact are the gold standards of true leadership, the appointment of Professor Paul Olomolaiye as Pro-Chancellor of the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, stands as a luminous milestone.

This honor, coupled with the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree at the majestic Bristol Cathedral, is a resounding celebration of a career that spans four decades of transformative contributions to education, research, and community service.

For his alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)—fondly known as Great Ife—this moment is a clarion call, echoing across continents, that its legacy of nurturing intellectual titans continues to reshape the global landscape. Professor Olomolaiye’s ascent is not just a personal triumph; it is a powerful statement on OAU’s stature as a powerhouse in the comity of world varsities, a force to be reckoned with.

From the verdant hills of Ile-Ife to the vibrant academic corridors of Bristol, Professor Olomolaiye’s journey is a narrative woven with threads of resilience, ingenuity, and an exemplary commitment to progress. His story is a living embodiment of OAU’s motto—”For Learning and Culture”—where academic rigor meets a profound sense of duty to humanity.

As the world turns its gaze to this illustrious son of Great Ife, it beholds not only a man of extraordinary intellect but also the institution that forged him—a University whose influence now reverberates in the leadership echelons of one of the United Kingdom’s most forward-thinking academic institutions.

Professor Olomolaiye’s career is a symphony of leadership and innovation, each note resonating with purpose and precision. During his tenure as Dean of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of Wolverhampton (2001-2009), he orchestrated a renaissance, securing over £20 million in funding from private, governmental, and European Union sources.

This financial catalyst propelled applied research that empowered over 3,000 engineering firms in Northern Birmingham, establishing Wolverhampton as a paragon of academia-industry synergy. His visionary approach has left an indelible mark, a blueprint for institutions striving to bridge theory and practice.

At UWE Bristol, his influence has been nothing short of revolutionary. As Pro Vice-Chancellor for Equalities and Civic Engagement, Professor Olomolaiye has woven diversity and inclusivity into the fabric of a University serving 30,000 students and 3,000 staff.

Beyond the campus, his role as Chair of the Cabot Learning Federation places him at the helm of 35 schools, shaping the futures of countless young learners. His appointment as a Non-Executive Director of Avon and Wiltshire NHS Mental Health Trust further amplifies his reach, merging education with healthcare to build stronger, more resilient communities.

A scholar of international repute, his 200+ publications and seminal works on Construction Productivity and Stakeholder Management have guided governments, charities, and industries worldwide, reflecting the global resonance of his OAU-honed intellect.

The Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, greeted Professor Olomolaiye’s appointment with a profundity that showcases the University’s intellectual heritage.

“This is not merely a moment of pride for Great Ife; it is a validation of our relentless pursuit of excellence and our role as architects of global change,” he remarked. “Prof. Olomolaiye’s rise to the pinnacle of UWE Bristol exemplifies the caliber of minds we cultivate—individuals who transcend boundaries to redefine leadership.

His journey reflects the ethos of OAU, where learning is not an end but a means to transform societies. We see in him the fruits of our unique ecosystem: a rigorous academic framework, an insistence on critical inquiry, and a deep-seated commitment to the greater good.”

Professor Bamire’s words illuminate OAU’s unique selling propositions with cerebral clarity. “Great Ife is a crucible where innovation meets purpose,” he continued. “Our interdisciplinary approach, coupled with a culture of resilience and creativity, equips our graduates to excel in a complex world.

“Professor Olomolaiye’s contributions to diversity, civic engagement, and scholarly discourse mirror the values we instill—values that position OAU as a beacon among world Universities. His success is an evidence of our investment in research-driven education and our unalloyed belief that knowledge must serve humanity.

“As he assumes this prestigious role, he carries forward the torch of Great Ife, illuminating our place as a force majeure in the global academic community,” the Great Ife helmsman asserted.

Professor Olomolaiye’s appointment transcends individual achievement; it is a lodestar for OAU’s students and alumni, a vivid illustration of what is possible when intellect meets opportunity. His voice, resonant with gratitude, echoes this sentiment: “The foundations laid at OAU—where I learned to question, to build, and to serve—have guided every step of my journey.”

As he steps into the role of Pro-Chancellor, he does so with the gravitas of a leader shaped by Great Ife’s hallowed halls, a leader whose impact will ripple through UWE Bristol and beyond.

The ceremony at Bristol Cathedral, graced by luminaries such as Marvin Rees OBE, Mayor of Bristol, was a tableau of celebration—not just of a man, but of the institutions that molded him.

For OAU, it is a moment to reaffirm its mission: to produce leaders who dare to dream and deliver. Professor Olomolaiye’s story is a bridge between Ile-Ife and Bristol, a narrative that binds two continents in a shared pursuit of excellence.

In Professor Paul Olomolaiye’s elevation to Pro-Chancellor of UWE Bristol, the world witnesses the flowering of OAU’s vision—a vision that knows no borders and spares no effort in its quest for impact.

His journey from Great Ife to global prominence is a clarion call to the academic community: Obafemi Awolowo University is not merely an institution; it is a dynamo of intellectual and societal transformation.

As the applause fades from Bristol Cathedral, the echo of OAU’s greatness resounds, projecting to its rightful place as a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with in the pantheon of world varsities.