Ogbomoso, Nigeria – The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) community gathered on Thursday, October 31, 2024, to honor Professor Michael Olufisayon Ologunde, the former Vice Chancellor, as he officially retired from university service.
The retirement thanksgiving service, held at the university’s interdenominational chapel, saw an outpouring of support from family, friends, clergy, academics, and students, all eager to celebrate Prof. Ologunde’s impactful contributions to the institution.
Rev. David Olawuyi, the university chaplain, delivered a sermon titled “Rewrite and Rewrite More,” drawing inspiration from Ecclesiastes 7:8. In his address, Rev. Olawuyi noted that not everyone who begins a journey ends well, yet he praised God for enabling Prof. Ologunde to complete his tenure with grace and success.
The clergy also led attendees in prayers for the former Vice Chancellor, asking for continued health and blessings in the years ahead.
In a virtual goodwill message delivered on behalf of the family, the son, Dr. Abidemi Ologunde expressed gratitude to all those who attended the thanksgiving event, extending the family’s heartfelt appreciation for their support.
Reflecting on his beloved father’s life, Dr. Ologunde described him as a remarkable mentor who instilled values of hard work and humility in his children, shaping their paths with wisdom and guidance.
Prof. Ologunde, in his own remarks, conveyed his sincere thanks to friends and supporters for their moral and financial contributions, which he said were instrumental in ensuring a successful event.
He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for expanding educational opportunities in the region by establishing satellite campuses for the university in towns like Iseyin.
Prof. Ologunde started his university career in August 1990 and rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming the LAUTECH’s first indigenous Vice Chancellor, a position he held from February 14, 2019, to April 21, 2021.
Under Prof. Ologunde’s leadership, LAUTECH was elevated as a respected state university and a center of academic excellence. The Thursday service underscored the deep appreciation within the LAUTECH community for his leadership and lasting impact.
In an interview with newsmen after the event Prof. Ologunde reflects on his Legacy and unfulfilled aspirations, expressing a mixture of pride and regret.
He expressed his happiness on the large turnout of members of university community, including the students and academics at the Thanksgiving service, which according to him, was a sign of ongoing support and solidarity.
“Today’s event was a remarkable success. The support I still enjoy within LAUTECH is evident, and perhaps some came out to show their understanding that I was not always treated fairly,” Ologunde stated.
Ologunde also spoke candidly about some of his unrealized ambitions, particularly his plan to collaborate with an international university and corporate partners on a satellite launch project. He revealed that the initiative, which involved a Ghanaian university and backing from a Japanese firm, could have positioned LAUTECH as a hub of innovation in Nigeria, attracting funding from organizations such as the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure.
“This would have marked a significant milestone for LAUTECH,” he said, expressing disappointment that the project could not be completed due to his sudden departure from office.
Reflecting on his achievements, Ologunde cited the promotion of numerous staff members and the advancement of technical staff to academic roles as key accomplishments during his tenure.
Although he refrained from detailing further contributions, citing ongoing court matters, he conveyed pride in the progress made under his leadership.
As for his hopes for the institution, Prof. Ologunde expressed a heartfelt wish for LAUTECH’s continued growth and success.
“I pray that LAUTECH continues to grow from strength to strength, building on the foundation laid over the years,” he said.
