Nigerian becomes first black VC in American varsity

Professor Ilesanmi Adesida

Professor Ilesanmi Adesida has been appointed the Provost / Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, United States of America. He becomes the first black man to hold such position in American University. His appointment, took effect from August 15 this year.

Born in 1949 at Ifon, a town in Ondo State, Adesida, a professor of Electronic Engineering was until his appointment the Dean, College of Engineering of the institution. Chancellor, Dr. Phyllis Wise who is the Vice-President and Chancellor of the university disclosed that Adesida succeeds Linda P.B. Katehi-Tseregounis who held the position on a permanent basis.

 

Adesida in his new position will oversee the institution’s academic programmes, policies and priorities. He is expected to work closely with the Chancellor, other vice-chancellors, the deans of academic colleges and other units, academic staff, the Faculty Senate, and various committees in setting overall academic priorities for the university.

Adesida, graduated with a Bachelors of Science, Master’s and PhD in electrical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1974, 1975 and 1979 respectively. He was the Head of Department, Electrical Engineering, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State, between 1985 and 1987.

According  to the Vice-President and the Chancellor, Dr. Phyllis Wise, Professor Adesida will earn $430,000 per annum, about N67.51m. Meaning that Adesida’s annual salary is $30,000 higher than President Barrack Obama’s $400,000 per annum.

Professor Adesida expressed his gratitude to the university. He said I’m honoured and humbled to be selected as vice-chancellor/provost of this great campus (university). This is something I take very seriously. I know how to work very hard and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get the job done.”

Congratulation.