100 Days: Jimoh Ibrahim, a reformist per excellence

By Ayantunde Ayangbayi

Life isn’t a matter of milestones but of moments, says Rose Kennedy.

Over time, the idea of 100 days in office has been used to measure the success or failure of governments. How right or wrong is this?

One hundred is a number, it is a factor not a whole. 100 days in office is a tradition, a ritual that officeholders are wont to mark without any consideration for its significance or purpose. It says little or nothing about the landmark reached and it is not enough to determine efficiency or otherwise.

Success is a process, nay, a journey, not a destination. Sometimes during that journey, there are stones thrown at you which you would have to convert to milestones. Nelson Mandela, symbol of African struggle for independence was of the belief that one must celebrate, not any particular day(s) but those milestones as one journeys through the road.

Milestone is a stone by the side of a road that shows the distance in miles to a specified place or an action or event marking a significant change or stage in development.

The first 100 days of any administration serve as a defining period, setting the tone for governance and providing an early glimpse into the leader’s vision, priorities, and capacity to effect change.

Mall. Jimoh Ibrahim’s first 100 days in office have been marked by decisive actions, impactful policies, and a clear commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges facing the prestigious Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa.

From security and infrastructure to education, and holistic revitalization, his administration has taken bold steps to reposition the College for growth and development. These early achievements reflect a deep understanding of leadership proactive decision-making, and a leadership style rooted in responsiveness to the needs of the society. Measured against both expectations and precedent, the Acting Provost, Mall. Jimoh Ibrahim has exceeded expectations, proving that leadership is not about rhetoric but results.

In just over three months, he has demonstrated an uncanny ability to navigate challenges, assembly and rally his team, and deliver tangible benefits to the college.

Like Franklin D. Roosevelt, who transformed America’s economic landscape within his first 100 days in office, Ibrahim has hit the ground running, implementing bold reforms that address the institution’s most pressing needs.

The Acting Provost of Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, Mall. Jimoh Ibrahim, a reservoir of knowledge and resplendent example of academic craftsmanship has over the years contributed immensely to the growth of the Health Education Sector in Nigeria.

Just in a shortwhile, this erudite Nigerian continues to access the labyrinth of tertiary education and offering undiluted academic service to the nation and mankind.

100 days ago, the mantle of leadership fell on him when the Provost and the Deputy Provost (Admin) of the College bow out of Service almost together, Mall. Jimoh Ibrahim who was the then Deputy Provost (Academics), automatically scaled up to take the responsibilities of piloting the College’s affairs in Acting capacity.

Agreed, it was familiar terrain, he did not see it coming so soon. However, with support of his constituency in the College (the HODs) he picked up courage and determination to surprise all the doubting Thomas. To God be the glory, today, its 100days of hardwork, resilience and positivity in the College under the able leadership of a consummate academic scholar.

In settling down at the College, Ibrahim held a meeting with its Management, Staff, Students, Stakeholders and the entire College’s community to infuse his leadership style anchored on the tripod of hardwork, discipline,and determination, alongside duopoly of communication channels that encourages feedback and accountability.

He ensured that his open door policy and free flow of information is germane to the success of his regime. At every point in time he keeps reminding the students to present their problem(s) for prompt attention. Advising the Director of Students Affairs (DSA) Mallam Surajudeen Abdulazeez Oladipo to come forward at anytime to discuss issues affecting the students for quick and decisive action.

With all these steps taken, general administration of the college became smooth, noiseless and positive action(s) were taken to move the College forward in the right direction.A visit to the College will reveal to any regular visitor that there is a noticeable development of peaceful co-existence, students pursuing their programmes in a most conducive atmosphere, not loitering around, no lateness to work or indolence, absenteeism is forbidden, students and staff are identified with their identification card on and knowledge impactors/lecturers are willing to give extra lecture hours, even on weekend(s).

Mall. Jimoh Ibrahim is not glued to his swivel chair, he goes round to see that lecture hours are not wasted, inspects the environmental sanitation of the College premises, visit the mini-market where students take their meals and cold drinks, College clinic and ICT center is not spared in the daily inspection.

No doubt no broom sweeps better that the old one.Mallam Soliudeen Babatunde is the Registrar/Secretary to the Governing Council of the College, has this to say about him:

“Mall. Jimoh Ibrahim is a quiet College administrator, patient and listening. His work experience and exposure is glossy and overwhelming. He can move the College to a greater level if given the opportunity”.

Mrs. Christianah Bamidele, HOD Community Health, known for her hardwork & discipline said on behalf of the Committee of HODs in the College thus:

“The Acting Provost – Mall Jimoh Ibrahim has brought to bear his vast experience in administration and lecturing of over 20 years this last 100 days that he has been piloting the affairs of the College.

“He his one of our own, we are proud of him and given the required support he will turn this citadel of learning into an Eldorado. He has our support 100 percent”.

Mallam Abdulazeez Surajudeen Oladipupo, the Director of Students Affairs (DSA) of the College also has this to say about him.

“Much more than historical conjunctures than designs, Mallam Jimoh Ibrahim is very sound, a viable human asset and a divine gift of Almighty Allah to his generation. This 100 days, he’s being there for us academically and otherwise”.

In the same vein, President of Students Union of the College, Zakariyau Mumini Olawale commended the Acting Provost of stamping out indent dressing and other social vices in the College in a short while.

“Our problems are attended to with topmost priority. The students are happy with the Acting Provost, Mall Jimoh Ibrahim”.

He is a first class on his own, gifted, very energetic and so humble. He is an academician of International repute, he is humility personified and a special gift to the College and all that come across him.

With over 20 years of lecturing/research/facilitations in the College system, Mallam Jimoh Ibrahim (Ph.D.-in-view) has published several articles that are germane to his field of study.

He has held public lectures covering vital issues like “our education where we are and going from here”. Examination in the Nigerian System, Management, Conduct, Challenges and others. This rare gem College administrator is energetic, a star at its peak of brightness, his numerous accomplishments and positive contributions to the growth of health education, practicals and technology educational development of the society at large is recognized by many & afar.

Acting Provost, Mallam Jimoh Ibrahim, worthy in character, an effervescent Scholar with a wholesome experience that parades a glittering credentials with cheerful disposition who has trained over hundreds of graduates and many more needs the support of all and sundry in taking the College to a commendable level.

A general consensus in the College community is that Mallam Jimoh Ibrahim is fit to continue to pilot the affairs of the College, he needs the support of all and sundry.

Well-done Sir.

Ayangbayi, is a Journalist/Media Consultant, writes from Ilorin, Kwara State.