7 hours Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Sir: He is a bosom friend of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. He is also one of the confidants of University of Ibadan (UI) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale.
He is Pro-Chancellor, Chairman of Council, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. In fact, he is the only academic staff at UI who is also a Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of another University. Prof.
Ayodeji Oludare Omole rose from a humble beginning, by a sheer force of will, determination, and steadfastness to principles to become one of the most influential figures, not only within UI, where he is a professor of Forest Engineering, but across the state. In addition to his current status as Head of Department, Forest Production and Products, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, this one-time Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UI branch, who is also the current Chairman of Senior Staff Housing Committee, has a finger in every pie, with incredible success stories! He performs daring and difficult duties almost effortlessly. His capacity is consuming as he is bold and blunt, yet, simple and sincere.
Prof. Omole is an audacious fellow imbued with other sterling qualities such as hard work, relentlessness and integrity. For Omole who is 55 years old, as long as there are injustices to be exposed, and truths to be defended, he is there, steadfast, and unswerving.
As the chairman of Senior Staff Housing Committee, has fought some staff members even up to the court of law in his determination to safeguard the integrity of the university. Privileged information indicates that he is gathering intelligence on those who are renting out the boy’s quarters of their buildings to students at exorbitant fee. It is a big offence to rent out university property.
He is out to fight the menace! It can be said with sufficient justification that he is a man of steely resolve and profound patriotism. His unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen and leadership prowess has enabled him to navigate complex challenges and achieve remarkable success. Some of his students say he creates learning environment where curiosity is encouraged and critical thinking is nurtured.
Clearly, he has nurtured dreams, ignited passions, and empowered potential. Omole’s engaging lectures and hands-on teaching approach have evidently inspired many of the students to pursue careers in forestry. According to one of his former students, Segun Oladele, “ Prof.
Omole guided us through academic challenges with his astuteness, thoughtfulness and gentleness, making tough concepts uncoil. He went above and beyond, not only imparting knowledge, but also instilling a true love for learning. Though some of us perceived his thoroughness as rigidity, it is only in hindsight that many realised the values of his focus.
” Consequently, Omole is deeply revered as he has transcended the role of a mere lecturer to becoming mentor, counsellor, and unwavering supporters of many of his students. Periscoping his life, one might observe that though his birth might not have been heralded by the appearance of many stars, he has clearly risen to be a bright and shining star among the galaxy of academic stars in UI. It hardly needs to be said that he is a shining example of what could be accomplished through hard work and relentless pursuit of excellence.
From his unwavering integrity, to his boundless compassion, Omole exemplifies what it means to lead with honour and grace. The question remains: where does he get energy to function in many capacities without signs of fatigue? The Dean of his faculty, Prof. Adejoke Akinyele provides an insight.
“Prof. Omole is a man of many parts and I have wondered and even asked him severally how he’s able to combine his many responsibilities successfully. All these positions he is occupying are very demanding, yet he has combined them with many other responsibilities admirably”, Prof.
Akinyele says, adding that “ Omole is very passionate about the progress of staff and students and he goes all out to ensure that he gives his support without restrain, either physically, morally, financially or in any form whenever it is needed. He is an asset to UI. Therefore, it is not out of place to celebrate the nobility of his service.
His journey has been a tapestry of achievements woven with dedication and wisdom. It is against this backdrop that I join many of his family members, friends and well wishers to raise a cup of toast to many more years of quality service to humanity. A happy birthday, Prof.
In this momentous milestone, I wish you the greatest goodness of God’s grace in the coming years. • Sunday Saanu is with the University of Ibadan. Email: sundaysaanu@gmail.
com.
