– Pro-Chancellor, VC, CBN Deputy Governor Pay Glowing Tributes
(LEFT) Council Member, Dr Solomon Oladiti, presenting a Plaque of Honour to the former Librarian, Mr Abayomi Agboola. (MIDDLE) The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun and the Pro-Chancellor, Chief Lawrence Ayinde Olakunle Osayemi presenting same to both the former Bursar, Revd. Olorunsogo Ajayi and the former Registrar, Pastor Ademola Oyerinde, resepectively.
The University on Friday treated its former Principal Officers to a befitting Send-Off Dinner, amid pomp and pageantry, at the Sweet Sensation Hall, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Rest was indeed sweet after labour, as members of the University Community, associates, relations and friends of the celebrants from all walks of life converged in honour of the retirees.
The retirees include the former Registrar, Pastor Ademola Oyerinde, former Bursar, Revd. Elijah Olorunsogo Ajayi and former University Librarian, Mr. Abayomi Agboola.
Honouring them with their esteemed presence, among others, were the University Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Chief Lawrence Ayinde Olakunle Osayemi, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Chryss Onwuka, his Development counterpart, Professor Segun Lagoke, the Acting Registrar, the Acting Bursar and the Acting Librarian.
Others are Deans, Directors and the Dr Siji Sowande-led Executive of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNAAB branch, who came in large member.
The Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in charge of Operations, Mr. Tunde Lemo, the Registrar of Bells University, Mrs. Toyin Gbadebo and several other prominent personalities were in attendance at the event.
Breathtaking giant gifts were presented to the former Principal Officers in appreciation of their commitment and contributions to the growth of the University.
Besides, they were honoured with avalanche of tributes, extolling their sterling qualities, which generally was described as exceptional, exemplary and honourable.
Drama sketches and cultural dance were performed in honour of the retirees and in reminiscent of their dedication to work.
Speaking at the occasion, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Chief Osayemi said “retirement is not a curse. Having retired myself since 2005, six years ago, I am still going around standing on my feet “.
Chief Osayemi noted that “the first thing that impressed me, when we came in was that virtually all the Principal Officers were Reverends and Pastors’’. He noted that the attribute has been adding good flavor to job commitment and dedication.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Balogun, recalled that he assumed office during a turbulent period that almost forced two of the Principal Officers to resign, but he expressed gratitude to God that they listened to his counsel not to leave.
Extolling the virtues of the former Principal Officers, the Vice-Chancellor declared, “We are here today to honour our former Principal Officers. They served us with the highest level of commitment and with extreme sincerity.
“Their degree of perseverance is unparalleled in my three decades of service in Universities. Those who understand perfectly my demand, my complexity and my expectation to service”, he added.