BUTTERWORTH- Walter Sisulu University(WSU) hosted its 7th inaugural lecture on 31st October 2024, featuring esteemed Professor Sunday Samson Babalola. The inaugural lecturer was marked by an inspiring address from WSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rushiella Nolundi Songca.
The esteemed inaugural lecturer was held at Ibika Campus in Butterworth and it drew top university officials, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Rushiella Nolundi Songca, Acting of Research and Innovation Thobeka Ncanywa and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Internationalisation Professor Sanjay Balkaran.Additionally, Professor Songca warmly welcomed distinguished guests, highlighting the significance of academic pursuit in driving societal transformation. She underscored the importance of higher education in fostering a culture of excellence and belonging.
“The inauguration as a professor is not merely about adding another title to our academic roster. It’s about strengthening our capacity to understand ourselves and build our institution and others through research that truly serves our society,” Professor Songca emphasized.
Professor Babalola received a trophy presented by WSU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Nolundi Songca and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Internationalisation, Professor Elphinah Cishe.Professor Sanjay Balkaran praised Professor Babalola’s contributions, highlighting the importance of empowerment, continuous learning and collaboration in building a resilient workforce.
“This milestone lecture underscores the significance of fostering a culture of excellence and belonging within the university,” Professor Balkaran said.
In addition Professor Songca advocated for inclusivity, suggesting that honors, master’s and doctoral students attend inaugural lectures to draw motivation and strive for excellence.
Professor Babalola’s lecture explored his research on resilience and adaptability in challenging environments, using the bamboo plant as a metaphor for organizational strength and versatility.
The event not only celebrated academic achievement but also ignited a passion for innovation and collaboration among students and faculty alike, reminding everyone present that the journey of learning is one of resilience, much like the bamboo bending with the winds of change but never breaking.
Nontando Mbonwa & Zintle Elam Tsita 04 November 2024
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