LAUTECH Names Prof. Rom Kalilu First Ogbomoso-born VC: 15 Things to Know About Him

In a historic move, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has appointed Prof. Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu as its new substantive Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Kalilu, the first Ogbomoso-born individual to hold this prestigious position, brings with him a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in academia and administration.

1. Historical Appointment: Prof. Kalilu’s appointment as the first Ogbomoso-born Vice-Chancellor marks a significant milestone for LAUTECH and the local community.

2. Educational Background: He is an alumnus of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and the University of Ibadan, where he earned his Ph.D.

3. Long-standing Service: Prof. Kalilu has been a part of LAUTECH since September 1, 1992, and was promoted to professor on October 1, 1999, in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts.

4. Art and Art History Expert: He specializes in Form and Material Technology and is an expert in Painting, Digital, and Electronic Art.

5. Pioneering Achievements: In 1992, he pioneered Nigeria’s first Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree program in Fine and Applied Arts and developed the country’s first postgraduate curricula in studio arts.

6. Innovative Educator: Prof. Kalilu introduced Digital Art into Nigeria’s tertiary education curriculum and originated Form and Material Technology in Fine Art.

7. Trailblazing Mentor: He trained Nigeria’s first hearing-impaired Art Historian in 2004 and produced the country’s first M.Tech degrees in Drawing and Communication Design.

8. Groundbreaking PhDs: He supervised Nigeria’s first PhDs in Environmental and Industrial Sculpture and Ceramics and Glass, and the world’s first PhD in Form and Material Technology in Fine Art.

9. Administrative Leadership: Throughout his tenure at LAUTECH, Prof. Kalilu has held various administrative roles, including Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

10. Academic Contributions: He authored influential books that inspired anti-cultism activities among Nigerian students and developed transformative approaches in art practice and scholarship.

11. Awards and Recognitions: Prof. Kalilu’s accolades include the Gold Medal in the All-Africa Painting Contest, the National Arts Wizard Award, and the Outstanding People of the 20th Century Outstanding Achievement Medal.

12. International Engagement: He is consistently invited to participate in QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education University Rankings, underscoring his global academic influence.

13. Community Service: His involvement in Federal Road Safety Corps activities and service on the Oyo State Scholarship Board highlight his commitment to public safety and education.

14. Personal Life: Prof. Kalilu is married to a Christian lady, and their marriage is blessed with children. He is known for his dedication to truth and his unifying, non-biased approach.

15. Vision for LAUTECH: Under his leadership, LAUTECH aims to maintain an uninterrupted academic calendar, support diverse research and scholarship, and expand its faculties to include social sciences, arts, and humanities.

Prof. Kalilu’s appointment is poised to bring a new era of growth and excellence to LAUTECH, reinforcing the university’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading state institution.