Education: Look forward to the future with optimism – FUL VC urges Nigerians

***extols transformative power of education

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, has commended the education advancement of the country and urged Nigerians to look forward to the future with optimism and a renewed commitment to excellence in education.

Akinwumi disclosed this at the unveiling of a book: “Intergroup Relations, Strategic and Security Studies: The Future of Higher Education in Africa” a Festschrift in Honour of Olayemi Akinwumi”, on Saturday in Lokoja.

The Unveiling of the book edited by Prof. M.S. Audu, Prof. Harrison Adeniyi, Prof. Gbenga Ibileye and Dr Tosin Olagunju, was part of activities to mark the 60th birthday anniversary of the Vice Chancellor.

Her extolled the transformative power of education, individuals and the society said that the philosophy of Education in Nigeria was being fine tuned with emphasis on addressing social, cultural and economic development of the country.

Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi expressed his gratitude to the organizing committee of the Birthday bash and unveiling of the book saying, “I am truly touched by the effort that has gone into making this day so memorable.

“I am humbled by the collaboration and support of the incredible individuals who have contributed to this book. I extend my gratitude to every author, contributor and well-wisher who has played a part in bringing this book to life.

“As I reflect on the great pages of this book, filled with memories, stories and tributes, I am reminded of the transformative power of education and the impact it has on individuals and society.

“As we celebrate this milestone, let us also look forward to the future with optimism and a renewed commitment to excellence in education.

Akinwumi noted that all the achievements were not through individual or solo efforts but a joint and collaborative efforts as he commended the principal officers, management and other members of the university community.

“Together we can continue to build a legacy that transcends individual achievements and contribute to the betterment of our academic community”, he said.

Chairman of the occasion, Associate Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman described Prof. Akinwumi as a humble enigma, unassuming, simple and a silent achiever who promised to make his Projects in FUL more than that of TETFund at the end of his tenure.

Dr Ogbo also described Akinwumi as a peace and conflicts resolution practitioner who eased the tension in the Federal University Lokoja and brought unity, peace and tranquility to the institution.

He particularly commended the Celebrator for demystifying leadership and achieving so much at 60 saying that in administration, scholarship, peace making, family and renowned internationally.

In his goodwill message, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, Secretary-General, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) commended the Celebrator, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi for his numerous projects and achievements in the institution.

“And I’m sure, I’m positive, as clear as night and day, that when he finishes his assignment in Federal University of Lokoja, the nation will still come calling and say, we are not done with you yet. What you did in Lokoja, you will come and do it at another level”, he said.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Mohammed Suleiman Audu said the FUL was lucky to have an internationally renowned scholar like Prof. Akinwumi who had navigated and changed the narratives of the university for good.

Highlights of the occasion were the Unveiling of the Book by the chairman of the occasion, Dr Ogbo Usman and cutting of the birthday cake supervised by the the pioneer Registrar of the institution, Hajia Habiba Anavoza Adeiza. (Ends)