Penpushing member Olusola Oyewole honoured as university names 1000-seater auditorium after him
A frontline member of Penpushing platform Prof. Olusola Oyewole has recorded another feat as the authorities Federal University of Agriculture, (FUNNAB), Abeokuta named 1000-Seater Auditorium after him.
Penpushing reports that the ceremony was held on Friday at the university permanent campus located at Budo Ayetoro Community of Alabata town, Odeda local government area of Ogun State, a colourful event which attracted number of personalities.
The honoured Professor was a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, (FUNNAB) Abeokuta for eight years and now the Secretary-General, Association of African Universities (AAU).
Penpushing further reports that the ceremony was conducted by the Governing Council led by the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi and Prof. Olusola Kehinde, Vice Chancellor of the institution.
The event was part of activities commemorating the 32nd Convocation Ceremony of the University in which a total of 3,997 graduands were produced for First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters and PhD categories.
Penpushing also reports that record has it that Oyewole, a Professor of Food Science and Technology has made significant contributions to research, education, and sustainable development initiatives across the continent.
The record added that the renowned scholar has played a pivotal role in advancing higher education and research excellence in Africa, while his visionary leadership and established advocacy have been instrumental in shaping the future of higher education and fostering collaboration among universities across the continent.
Penpushing reports that Oyewole in related academic feat has made notable contributions to international development efforts, serving as a Senior Expert at the African Union Commission and leading various research and development projects sponsored by international organizations such as the British Government and the World Bank.
The Professor in September 2024, attained a global relevance in the scientific spheres resulting in his induction into the International Academy of Food Science and Technology (IAFoST) which paved way for him in joining esteemed colleagues at the New Fellows Induction Ceremony during the 22nd World Congress of Food Science and Technology in Rimini, Italy.
Penpushing further reports that the excited Oyewole was accompanied at the occasion by his wife, Bolanle, as the duo received thunderous applause by staffers and other guests at the ceremony held at the 1,000-capacity seater auditorium.
The Chairman of the National Association Staff Union (NASU) Comrade Samson Edifri and former Branch Chairman, Comrade Ishaq Odunjo in their separate remarks pointed out that Oyewole lesf resounding legacy before leaving office.
Penpushing also reports that former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic of the university Prof. Oluyemisi Eronmosele described Oyewole as a hardworking and God-fearing man who believed in forthright and honesty
“The challenges were many during his period. But himself, his family, they believed that God will see them through, and God did see them through. I learned a lot working with him and I thank God that today, this University is honouring him. I am a witness of today’s event that God, in his infinite mercy, had kept him his lovely wife and all of us up to this moment’, Eronmosele said
Penpushing reports that former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin in his remarks explained that he graced the occasion because he was convinced that Oyewole deserved the honour
“Well, I am here because it is deserving. I am convinced because I have the privilege of working with Prof Oyewole, that he worked sincerely and contentiously, deploying every iota of integrity and excellence in doing the job of the Vice-Chancellor’, he added.
“And I am so glad that this is an opportunity to validate the fact that this man worked for the system with all integrity. It also tells us that nature has a way of paying back. What we saw is what the Bible said. Choose honesty. And I want us to take it. It’s hard to be truthful. It’s costly to be truthful. But beyond that is today’s glory. For us, we are happy that we are all witnesses to the faithfulness of God over his life.”
Penpushing further reports that Oyewole in response expressed appreciation to the university authorities for their continued strides to make the university great, however, used the opportunity to lament dwindling academic excellence in the country
“All I have been doing is just grace. God has favoured me. I am glad I am not retiring from service; I am only retiring from FUNAAB. It’s just for me to be able to continue my service for Africa as a whole. My work for Africa continues and this will enable me to go to universities in different countries in in Africa.
‘I was in Nairobi the other day and I saw how the Universities were contributing to the development of their country. I saw how the government was depending on universities to solve the problem of that nation. Unfortunately, it is not the same here in Nigeria’, he added.
“I have been to various countries visiting different universities in Africa. I was at the University of Nairobi; the Vice-Chancellor’s office was on the 21st floor. You can imagine such a university that can build such magnitude of a building housing the VC on 21st floor. The ground floor was more a less a commercial complex with many multinational companies. I pray God will take Nigerian Universities to such a level’, Oyewole said
“All that is required for us to do is let us be truthful and honest with whatever we do. My vision of university is that we are building the next generation. Let us give our children values of truth and honesty which is a rare-found in Nigeria today’
“I can tell you I did not collect a single kobo from contractors during my tenure as Vice-Chancellor. No ten percent anywhere. Even when contractors bring it, we tell them to take it back. Unfortunately, the system does not appreciate or understand this. Challenges are normal. Let us just pray that God should make us overcome all those challenges.”
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