It was a gathering of the crème de la crème of the Nigerian academic community at the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA on Monday October 21 2024 when the drum was rolled out to celebrate the great accomplishments of Mr. Ayorinde Olurinde Ogunruku, the first university administrator of the institution and a former registrar of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, who joined the platinum Club as a septuagenarian on that day.
Friends, family members and associates joined members of the university community to grace the thanksgiving service, book launch and lecture at the Chapel of Faith FUTA and Adebayo Afen Babatunde multipurpose Hall respectively organized to celebrate one of Nigeria’s foremost administrators and a key player in the Nigerian higher education system.
In his homily at the Chapel of Faith, FUTA the National Vice President, Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International Nigeria, Arc. Adebowale Ademo said “God has given man the freewill to choose to serve him. Every breath we take is a gift of God that must not be taken for granted. As believers we must live our lives to the glory of God and the service of humanity. There is great gain in living an upright life and immense benefits of being a blessing to others.”
Ademo lauded Mr. Ogunruku’s sterling virtues describing him as God fearing and a willing servant in God’s vineyard. He said his stewardship is a pattern that coming generations will remember him for. He urged all present to rededicate their lives to God that by doing so the Church and the country as a whole will be transformed for the better.
At the book lecture and book launch following the thanksgiving service, the Vice Chancellor, FUTA Professor Adenike Oladiji, said “we celebrate this milestone today because the active part of those seventy years was spent in the service of the Federal University of Technology Akure and remarkably so. it is more remarkable that you have never ceased to take interest in the progress of FUTA; you are always available when we request, to guide the administrative officers, in order to uphold the high standard that you bequeathed to your junior colleagues.”
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that he has continued to play a pivotal role in the administration of many universities in Nigeria through participation in conferences, as resource person in workshops, delivery of lectures and seminar papers. She described him as an epitome as commitment and diligence and prayed for him to continue to enjoy the grace and mercy of God to continue to serve humanity for more years to come.
Delivering the lecture, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale represented by the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Saliu said Ogunruku’s track record of pragmatism, service delivery and administrative prowess is highly commendable and worth celebrating. He said Higher Education Institutions are a complex organization and need highly adept administrative officers to run them effectively.
The Vice Chancellor said the activities of tertiary institutions require a high level of management and this Ogunruku has displayed in all the positions he has occupied. He described the foremost administrator as innovative, competent with an unwavering dedication to duty.
Adebowale said Ogunruku’s track record of immense contribution to the university system is laudable and worthy of emulation adding that he has replicated himself through effective mentorship of generations of administrators who are also holding the helm of affairs in different institutions within and outside the country.
Earlier one of the organizers of the event and former Registrar, FUTA, Mr. Richard Arifalo described Ogunruku as a man who has an unparalleled commitment to excellence. He said the ceremony was a befitting one for a man whom he described as a lover and lifter of men and women, a firm and disciplined leader, a fearless defender of the truth and a strong voice for uprightness.
Arifalo said many of his proteges all across Nigeria have reached the very top of their professions as Registrars through his prodding, encouragement, and tutelage. He said “It is time to reap all you have sown into our lives. You have taught us so many things even beyond university administration. God bless your good heart.”
In his welcome address the Registrar, Mr. Charles Adeleye described the celebrant’s dedication and remarkable contributions to the administration of Nigerian Universities through quality and impactful leadership, vision, and commitment as inspiring. He said “as the first administrative officer to be employed at the take-off of FUTA, he played a vital role in ensuring that the Registry of the Federal University of Technology Akure is today, a reference point of excellence. The structure has produced ten Registrars for Nigerian Universities and other higher institutions in the last twenty-three years, his services to humanity, outstanding leadership qualities and developmental strides recorded in the university administration leaves everyone in awe.”
The Registrar acknowledged all guests who graced the occasion and wished Mr. Ogunruku many more fruitful years of service to God and humanity.
Highpoint of the occasion was the review of books authored by Mr. Ayo Ogunruku titled, “Life as Ordained” and “Encounters.” The books were reviewed by Professor Taiwo Akinyele and Professor Bamitale Omole.
In his response, the celebrant, Mr. Ayo Ogunruku expressed gratitude to God for keeping him alive and healthy for the past seven decades. He appreciated family, friends, associates and the entire FUTA community for deeming it fit to celebrate him. He said his success as an administrative officer was made possible because he had supportive staff and willing mentees.
There were goodwill messages from the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde IIori-Faboro and other dignitaries at the event.
