by Bamidele Eleniola
The Amalgamated African Youth Forum has honoured the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, with the Nelson Mandela Meritorious Award, in recognition of his contributions to education, youth development, staff welfare and nation-building.
The Forum also presented the Vice-Chancellor with a Certificate of Corporate Mandate Delivery during a special visit and award presentation at the University.
Speaking during the presentation, the President of the Amalgamated African Youth Forum, Nkwanko Henry Nkem, said the award was presented to Professor Ogunwole in appreciation of his immense contributions to the educational sector, not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
Nwanko described the Vice-Chancellor as a Pan-Africanist who believes strongly in the common good, knowledge transfer, the development of the next generation and the motivation of workers to achieve their full potential.
According to him, Professor Ogunwole’s commitment to staff welfare was particularly noteworthy, citing his efforts towards clearing outstanding salary arrears upon assuming office as Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE.
He also commended the Vice-Chancellor’s performance in the just-concluded election in Osun State, where he served as a Returning Officer, describing his zeal and commitment to building a society founded on collective dreams and shared aspirations as remarkable.
The President further highlighted Professor Ogunwole’s understanding of contemporary challenges confronting the Nigerian education system, particularly the need to continually update academic curricula to equip young people with relevant knowledge and skills for productivity.
“We are particularly impressed by the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to an educational system that prepares graduating students not merely to obtain certificates but to become productive contributors to society” The President said
President AAYF, noted that Professor Ogunwole’s record of excellence was not limited to his tenure at FUOYE, stressing that his accomplishments could be traced to his years at Bowen University, where he also distinguished himself academically and administratively.
He described the Vice-Chancellor’s three decades in academia as a career characterised by integrity, honesty, hard work and result-oriented leadership, adding that the award was intended not only to celebrate his achievements but also to encourage him to do more.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor , Professor Ogunwole expressed profound appreciation to the Forum for the recognition, describing the honour as an encouragement to continue contributing to the development of Africa and its people.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed his passion for the African cause and emphasised the importance of investing in the future of young people.
He said the future of global youth remained very important to him, stressing that Africa has a blessed and capable race with enormous potential to influence the world positively.
Professor Ogunwole advocated for Africans to take ownership of their narrative and tell their stories from their own perspective.
Drawing from the popular African proverb, “Until the lion tells his own story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter,” the Vice-Chancellor stressed that Africans must develop the capacity to tell their own stories and project the continent’s achievements, values and aspirations to the world.
“I am a champion of the African cause. We have a blessed race,” Professor Ogunwole declared.
He further emphasised the need to get the values, mindset and orientation of the younger generation right, noting that young Africans represent a critical force in shaping the future of the continent and the world.
Present at the august event were; The Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academic), Professor Joshua Babatunde Omotosho, Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, Deputy Vice -Chancellor (SPRIL), Professor Babatunde Afolabi; University Librarian, Dr Olabode Olajide, Senior Technical Officer to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Adebola Adewunmi Aderibigbe, Dean of Students, Professor Temitope Babalola, Deputy Dean of Students, Dr Stephen Opele; Director ICT, Mr Samson Durojaiye, SUG President Comrade Olusegun Samuel Ajayi, among others
On the entourage of the President is the General Secretary, Mathew Paul, Financial Secretary, Paul Kwabena and Vice President Western, Austine Kuussi
Photo credit: Nifesimi Ogungbe
