Sunday Saanu
Mr. Ibrahim Mufutau is the Registrar of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) who is generally respected by all and sundry, not because of the virtues of the office, but on account of the virtues he brings to the office.
This agile, good-looking man of amazing self-restraint behaves in all circumstances, with a reputation to protect. Reporting regularly and promptly at his office with remarkable sterling strides, Mr Mufutau leaves no one in doubt that he is full of strength and steam with his open personable mien, always acting in a fashion of a gentleman.
Dazed by his athletic and highly vitalized gait, this writer called him aside and asked, “Oga mi, from where do you draw your physical strength?” He grinned and replied, “E o moo age mi now! (You don’t know my age). I think it is just the grace of God. If you see some of my school mates, you will agree with me that it is just the grace of God. Some of my classmates are looking far older than I am. I think one should just be giving glory to God”
Respect can only be commanded by self respect as they say. Mr. Mufutau, whose background is in Accounting is known for respect for self and others. Like him or loathe him, he remains respectful and restrained in all his dealings. His humility is both amazing and edifying, with his sense of modesty, compelling and challenging. Interestingly, he runs away from anything that can besmirch his image for he believes he is too pristine for a stain. At FUOYE where he is superintending the Registry with regal easy, Mr. Mufutau combines incredible technical brilliance with exceptional strategic savvy, handling every emerging challenge with innovative bureaucratic brilliance.
When I saw the advert for this job in the dailies with his contact number, I never believed the number could be his until I needed to clarify some issues. I dialed the number and the Registrar picked it. He addressed the issue and later referred me to the Director of Information and Communication Technologies who confirmed that the Registrar had spoken with him. What does that mean? Humility. A whole Registrar picking a call of a job applicant! And, amazingly, since I have resumed as Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Mr. Mufutau has been treating me with sufficient regards.
For example, I wrote to request a redeployment of a certain staff into the Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC), he obliged me without unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks. Mr. Mufutau has since been a bastion of solid support for me. He is a man of refreshing effervescent candour. In him, we can see the parameters of friendship and relationships, as well as fidelity to friendship. His is a meritorious service of dedication, commitment and loyalty.
A stickler for punctuality, this amazing Registrar wastes no time when it comes to official duties. On the 21st May, 2026, we were on our way to Kogi state to pay homage to the university Chancellor, The Ata Igala of the Igala Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ata Agabaidu, Dr. Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, the Registrar who was coordinating the movement told me to get ready by 5 am. Gripped by the fear of bandits and kidnappers, I humbly pleaded that we should wait till 6 am, he smiled and allayed my fears, saying “Kogi is far and we are returning the same day”. A few minutes after 5 in the morning on that day, Mr. Mufutau was at my residence. While I was busy reciting Psalm 91, he himself was praying in his Islamic way.
Interestingly, it was when we were about to get to Lokoja that the Senior Technical Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebola Adewunmi Aderibigbe reminded us that, that day was the Registrar’s birthday. We stopped and sang for him to wish him many more years in good health. Upon getting to Lokoja, where we waited to connect with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole who was coming from Abuja, Mr. Mufutau entertained us with drinks and snacks in commemoration of his birth anniversary. He remains dutiful and dedicated. He is a man of zeal and zest with his multi-tasking abilities. You could always take his goodwill for granted, yet, he never let you down. By and large, Mr. Mufutau epitomizes excellence and embodies the values of dedication, compassion and innovation.
Saanu, Ph.D in Cultural and Media Studies is the Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)
