The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife has congratulated its former vice-chancellor, Professor Roger Makanjuola who clocked 80years on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Professor Makanjuola, was the Vice Chancellor of the OAU between 1999 and 2006.
In a statement shared on the social media, the OAU management on Sunday April 4, 2026 acknowledged the former vice-chancellor as “a true titan of academic leadership, a refined scholar, a compassionate healer and a quintessential gentleman.”
According to the statement, “the Obafemi Awolowo University community celebrates a true titan of academic leadership, Professor Roger Makanjuola, on his 80th birthday,”
“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.”
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.
Makanjuola was appointed the Vice Chancellor of the OAU on July 18, 1999 barely one week after a horrendous attack on the University by a band of armed members of the Black Axe Confraternity which left five students dead, including the Secretary-General of the Students Union, George Iwilade aka “Afika.”
Prof. Makanjuola after he took over the realms of leadership of the “Great Ife” not only restored security in the school, but also both students and parents’ confidence in the university. He initially served as VC on Acting capacity before he assumed substantive position as the VC.
Makanjuola, a professor of Psychiatry was educated at the Kings College Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, London.
He was elected a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians in 1981. He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London.
He was appointed professor of Psychiatry in 1984. He is reputed as the “most accessible” Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University’s in recent history.