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Bolu-Olu Esho
A former Minister of State, Transport, Prince Ademola Adegoroye has described Professor William Olusola Olu-Aderounmu as a colossus of studying and management.
He additional described the erudite professor as a “masterclass In Service.”
Adegoroye acknowledged this in his tribute to the lecturer in commemoration of his eightieth birthday celebration.
In his tribute entitled: “A Tribute To A Colossus Of Studying And Management: Celebrating Professor (Chief) William Olusola Olu-Aderounmu At 80,” Adegoroye mentioned Prof. Olu-Aderounmu has sharpened generations of minds.
The tribute reads in components: “In the present day, we pause to honour a person whose life has been a masterclass in service, scholarship, and quiet energy – Professor William Olusola Olu-Aderounmu, as he marks eighty exceptional years on earth.
“From the school rooms of Texas Southern College, the place he sharpened his mind in Instructional Administration and Management Research, to the corridors of Nigerian academia the place he would go on to form generations of minds – Prof. Olu-Aderounmu’s journey has been one in every of relentless objective.
“He rose by way of the ranks with distinction: Dean at Lagos State Faculty of Schooling, Ijanikin; Senior Lecturer and Head of Division at Lagos State College; and by 1992, a full Professor of Instructional Administration.
“However his legacy didn’t cease on the lectern. As Provost of Ondo State Faculty of Schooling, Ikere – a submit he held throughout three phrases – he proved that management, when rooted in integrity, earns its personal re-election.
“He would later turn into the Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Novena College, Vice-Chancellor of Oduduwa College in 2009, and Vice-Chancellor of Wesley College in 2015 , a uncommon feat of constructing and rebuilding establishments of upper studying, not as soon as, however 3 times over.
“Prof. Olu-Aderounmu additionally demonstrated an unusual dedication to equity, excellence, and the development of his individuals whereas serving as Provost of the Faculty of Schooling, Ikere-Ekiti, within the previous Ondo State.
“He confirmed exceptional love for Akure and its little kids, creating alternatives for a lot of certified Akure indigenes by way of appointments and contracts.
“His inclusive management and confidence in advantage attracted many proficient professionals from Akure into the establishment, a lot in order that it turned a topic of concern amongst some indigenes of Ikere, who feared that Akure little kids have been turning into too distinguished inside the school group.
“Past appointments, his administrative brilliance reworked the establishment right into a nationwide mannequin of excellence. Underneath his stewardship, the Ondo State Faculty of Schooling, Ikere-Ekiti, received the distinguished award because the ‘Finest Faculty of Schooling in Nigeria’ on a number of events, a testomony to his visionary management, self-discipline, and unwavering pursuit of educational excellence.
“His distinctive efficiency earned him a rare stage of confidence from the federal government of the day. When his second tenure which was statutorily anticipated to be his last time period as Provost got here to an finish, the then Governor of the previous Ondo State, Ambassador Bamidele Isola Olumilua, himself an indigene of Ikere-Ekiti and a person famend for his dedication to good governance, was unwilling to let him go.
“Recognising that the establishment was flourishing underneath Prof. Olu-Aderounmu’s management, the Governor invited the then Lawyer-Common of the State, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, additionally an illustrious son of Ikere-Ekiti, and directed him to discover the authorized risk of amending the statute establishing the establishment to allow Prof. William Olu-Aderounmu serve an unprecedented third time period as Provost.
“Historical past, nonetheless, had different plans. Earlier than the proposed modification may very well be concluded, the navy intervention of 17 November 1993 abruptly ended the democratic administration, bringing the initiative to an surprising halt.
“That singular episode speaks volumes in regards to the confidence reposed in Prof. Olu-Aderounmu’s capability, integrity, and transformational management. It stays one of many clearest demonstrations of the respect he commanded throughout ethnic, political, and institutional boundaries.
“His counsel has been sought far past the college gates – as a guide to UNICEF, UBE, NIEPA/World Financial institution, and the NDDC carrying his experience into the service of countries and kids who won’t ever know his title however will stay higher lives due to his work.
“At 80, Prof. Olu-Aderounmu stands as dwelling proof that training isn’t merely a profession however a calling, one which builds individuals, builds establishments, and builds a future price inheriting.
“His life reminds us that true greatness isn’t measured by titles alone, however by the establishments strengthened, the lives reworked, and the enduring values imparted to generations.
“His story is one in every of unusual excellence, visionary management, and selfless service, a legacy that may proceed to encourage students, directors, and public servants for a few years to return.
“To the scholars he taught, the schools he led, and the nation he served in quiet, unglamorous, important methods: this can be a debt of gratitude {that a} single tribute can not repay, however immediately, we strive.
“Glad eightieth Birthday, Professor Olu-Aderounmu. Ẹ ku ọjọ́ ìbí, Baba wa. Could your gray hairs proceed to crown a life well-lived, and will your legacy proceed to light up the trail of generations but unborn.”
