The Senate of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye has recognized 17 retired professors for their exceptional contributions and dedicated service to the university’s development. This acknowledgment occurred during a Special Senate meeting convened in the Senate Chamber at the university, located in Ogun State.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the distinguished retirees include Professors Emmanuel George, Olufemi Adeyemi, Olatunji Odedeyi, Sheriffdeen Tella, Olukayode Oyesiku, Durotoye Olanrewaju, and Jacob Akinyemi. The list also features Professors Olugbenga Adebawo, Oluseyi Eniolorunda, Oluranti Familoni, Rasaki Odunaike, Olusoji Daniel, Opoola Oyedeji, John Aihonsu, Adebiyi Abosede, Abimbola Amoo, and Kayode Olurin.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, who led the session alongside other key university officials, commended the retirees for their unwavering commitment to educating numerous students. He emphasized their role in advancing academic knowledge through research and their leadership in various disciplines.
Agboola acknowledged the retirees for their selfless service and mentorship, which have significantly contributed to the university’s mission and goals. He highlighted that many of the honorees have been with the institution since its establishment, leaving a lasting impact on its development.
Expressing gratitude for the legacy they have created, Agboola referred to the Special Senate Session as a unique event and mentioned that other retired members of the university community would also be recognized in the future. He praised the retirees for their vital contributions to enhancing the university’s global standing and establishing it as a center of academic excellence, hoping their legacy will motivate future generations.
He encouraged the retired professors to remain engaged with the university’s endeavors post-retirement, stating, “I want to thank you because all these laudable things that we are doing today, you laid the foundation. I know that many of you started this university even when there was no hope that it would survive.”
During the meeting, various Senate members shared heartfelt tributes to the retirees, honoring their individual and collective achievements. On behalf of the retirees, Prof. Kayode Olurin, a former Provost of the College of Agricultural Sciences at the Aiyetoro Campus, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. “Today is a memorable day for all of us. Many of us have served for over four decades through challenging times. We appreciate this honor and commit to supporting the university in every possible way,” Olurin stated. He also took the opportunity to call for reforms in pension administration to ensure retirees have timely access to their benefits.
