It was commendation galore for former Rector of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) Abeokuta, Architect Olatokunbo Fowode who retired from service of Ogun State Government owned tertiary institution at the age of 65, after 40years of meritorious service as an academic and administrator
Rector of the institution, Dr.Adeoye Odedeji ,his deputy Dr(Mrs) Yetunde Lanre-Iyanda , his predecessor, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri , Chairman of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, Comrade Tunde Abiodun, past and present both leadership of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and Non-Academic Staff Union of MAPOLY as well as associates and others in their separate remarks lauded the exemplary leadership style of then Chief Lecturer in the Department of Architectural Technology during a valedictory programme/ public lecture organized by the management of the polytechnic on Friday inside OGD Auditorium on its Ojere campus, to appreciate his immeasurable contributions to the growth of the citadel of learning
The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu who was a junior to the celebrant in their days as students of the Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, appreciated Fowode tirelessness effort at laying solid foundation for the future growth of MAPOLY through various legacy projects constructed during his tenure , saying he has left indelible marks in the history of the institution
Similarly the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Professor Kayode Oyesiku in his valedictory's public lecture titled ' Ensuring Sustainable Leadership In Administration of Tertiary Institutions In Nigeria', commended Fowode for providing leadership worthy of emulation both as a lecturer and administrator while service
The guest speaker said Fowode had exhibited qualities leadership which includes giving priority to the welfare of staff, identifying potentials of workers and creating conducive environment for them to grow and be useful for development of the institution
Sustainable leadership in tertiary institutions according to the Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, is about is about being innovative, transparent, accountable to the people to earn the trust and confident of followers which Fowode demonstrated while in office as Rector between 2006 and 2014 and previous administrative positions in the school
Rector of MAPOLY, Dr. Odedeji in his opening remarks said the celebrant was able to accomplish his mission of making meaningful impact in the lives of younger generations before his retirement from the service of the Institution
Recalled how Fowode led several teams that designed so many structures on the campus, including the edifice , the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Auditorium where the valedictory's public lecture was held
"Let me place it on record that Arch.Fowode was among the young generation of leaders in the Polytechnic, who revolutionized the Institution, apart from the TETFUND projects, this man's tenure witnessed the largest donors to the Polytechnic, among whom is Chief Kessington Adebunkonla Adebutu who donated a Laboratory, Dr.Wale Babalakin who gave the Institution a lecture hall and so many others", he stated
"Arch Olatokunbo Ayodele Fowode came, saw and conquered. He passed through Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and allow the systems to pass through him. He would remain indelible for his glorious contributions, as we shall continue to draw from his wealth of experience ", Odedeji added
Deputy Rector of the polytechnic, Dr.(Mrs) Lanre-Iyanda who doubled as the chairman of planning committee for the event, described him as a visionary leader who has tirelessly dedicated years to the advancement of education and betterment of the academic community
"Under his guidance, the Institution witnessed remarkable growth, not only in academic excellence but also in fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. I dare say that those in position of leadership and anyone aspiring to become a leader have some sterling lessons to learn from the leadership style of Arc.Tokunbo Fowode
The Royal Father of the day, the Gbegande of Ososa,Ijebu, Oba (Dr) Toye Alatishe described him as philanthropist per excellence, recalling the celebrant personally designed and supervised the construction of his house without collecting dime from him, likewise other housing projects elsewhere
Also Prof. Toyin Ashiru, a Senior to the celebrant in their secondary days described him as somebody who is highly dedicated , emotional and friendly person with passion for excellence
He enjoined him to enjoy his retirement days to fullest by avoiding unnecessary stress and busy schedule that would affect his lifestyle and health status
Equally the union leaders including ASUP Chairman, ESV. Tomisi Adegunle, SSANIP Chairman, Comrade Tunde Abiodun, NASU Chairman, Mr.Tajudeen Adeleye, Director, Academic Planning, Mr.Segun Aninkan and Dr. Sina Aina Chief Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication all narrated their personal experiences under the leadership which they described as most accommodating, caring and loving leader who is always ready to accept responsibility at any given time
The valedictorian was full of appreciation for staff, his former and present students for their commitment to work and making his four decades of career in public service which started in 1983 till final day in service, most rewarding and memorable experiences for him
High point of the event included presentation of awards to the former Rector by both SSANIP and management of the Polytechnic as well as official disrobing of the valedictorian's academic gown and cutting of 65th birthday cake
Dignitaries included royal fathers, high chiefs from Ijebuland , heads of tertiary institutions, family members and associates of the valedictorian
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