Ayorinde Olurinde Ogunruku: The Quintessential University Administrator at 70
In the Nigerian university system, the name Ayorinde Olurinde Ogunruku resonates deeply. His name immediately evokes recognition and respect, given his monumental contributions to the growth and advancement of higher education in Nigeria. A former Registrar of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Ogunruku has been a towering figure in university administration for over four decades, establishing himself as a key architect in shaping the landscape of tertiary education in the country.
Ogunruku is an embodiment of professional excellence, possessing an in-depth understanding of the complexities and subtleties of university governance. Through careful mentorship and the cultivation of successive generations of administrators, he has nurtured numerous professionals who now uphold his legacy in higher institutions across Nigeria and beyond.
Born on 21st October 1954 in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, into the family of Pa Michael Aina Ogunruku, a school headmaster, Ogunruku’s journey to greatness began with humble origins. He attended Omodewa Local Authority Primary School, Ido-Ekiti, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate in 1965. He then proceeded to the renowned Ekiti Parapo College, where he excelled in both his School Certificate and Higher School Certificate, completing them in 1971 and 1973, respectively.
Driven by a passion for excellence, Ogunruku earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English) from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1978, followed by a Master’s in Public Administration in 1990 from the same institution.
His teaching and administrative prowess became evident early on when he joined the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission, taking up a post at Imade College, Owo. Ogunruku’s dedication to both knowledge dissemination and student development quickly made him a valued educator.
In 1982, his talents led him to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), where he became the first appointed Administrative Officer. Ogunruku’s hallmark qualities of thoroughness, quality management, and productivity quickly propelled him up the ranks, and he became Deputy Registrar in 1998. His focus on fostering a culture of excellence elevated the administrative staff at FUTA, making them key players in the institution’s success.
Ogunruku’s commitment to excellence and innovation earned him the position of Acting Registrar at FUTA between February and December 2006, where his work was lauded by the University Governing Council. His alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University, took note of his exemplary performance and, in 2007, appointed him as Registrar following a competitive selection process.
At OAU, Ogunruku’s leadership and vision transformed the university’s Registry into a benchmark of service excellence. His tenure was marked by efficiency, pragmatism, and exceptional human relations, which earned him a one-year extension by the University Governing Council. His successes at OAU cemented his reputation far beyond Nigeria, earning him international recognition.
Following the completion of his term at OAU, Ogunruku returned to FUTA as Director of the Vice Chancellor’s Office, continuing to offer his expertise and leadership in the university system.
Ogunruku has received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Award of Excellent Performance in the Nigerian Public Service by the Chartered Institute of Public Administrators of Nigeria (2003), and FUTA’s Best Administrative Staff of the Year (2005). His contributions to his hometown of Ido-Ekiti were also recognised with an Award of Excellence as the Most Valuable Indigene in 2006.
Since his formal retirement, Ogunruku has remained active in shaping higher education, contributing to public service, professional bodies, and the Christian community. He holds memberships and fellowships in numerous esteemed professional organisations, including the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Personnel Management (IPM), and the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria.
As Ayorinde Olurinde Ogunruku reaches the milestone age of 70 on Monday, 21st October 2024, he stands as a beacon of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the development of Nigeria’s university system. A distinguished administrator, prolific writer, orator, mentor, and a man of deep humility and faith, Ogunruku’s legacy is firmly etched in the annals of higher education in Nigeria.
He remains an invaluable asset to the nation and a guiding light for future generations of educators and administrators.
