By Sunday Saanu
A name is not just a linguistic tag, used to single out an individual from a group, but a utilitarian tool employed to providing practical label for identification, communication, and social navigation, minimizing confusion and maximizing efficiency in human interaction, rather than holding intrinsic moral or metaphysical value.
A person's name represents a person's presence, history, and place in the world. Often given by parents to pass down heritage, honor ancestors, or express hopes and dreams, a name has an ability to shape identity, grant authority, and evoke deep emotional or spiritual connection.
Elated was I when, in the course of my duties as Director, Public Affairs and Communication of Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), a beautiful woman introduced herself as Mrs. Idowu Olayinka. I was dazed. She noticed my amazement. I couldn't hide my shock as I challenged her to tell me more!
"That is my name, Sir". She insisted, adding, "I am a Counsellor in FUOYE".
"But, Madam, do you know that is the name of my boss and benefactor at the University of Ibadan (UI)?", I queried curiously. “Yes, many people have told me that I share a name with one-time Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka. I wish to meet him. It is a thing of pride to share a name with such an important person. Prof. Olayinka came here during the inauguration ceremony of our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, but I couldn’t see him. I wasn’t around then” Mrs, Idowu Olayinka stressed.
The name, Idowu Olayinka holds historical and emotional significance in my journey. Prof. Olayinka is the 12th Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan (2015-2020). He succeeded Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole. I worked with both of them as a Media Assistant. Prof. Olayinka is an Afenifere person, roughly translated as a “well-wisher”. He is someone who desires goodness and prosperity for others. He sees his own success in the success of his students and all known to him.
His role in my appointment at FUOYE is legendary. The moment I told him that I saw a job vacancy at FUOYE, he took it upon himself to ensure that I got the appointment. He wrote a reference letter for me. His telephone call to me on Thursday, January 29, 2026, a day before the interview on Friday, January 30, 2026 was not only encouraging, but emotional. I was looking for where to eat pounded yam when his call came. “SS, where are you now?”, he asked.
“I am already at Oye-Ekiti, sir”, I replied.
“Okay, just calm down. Display all the works you have done in UI. I don’t think there will be problems, given your profile and your Ph.D. Just answer all the questions calmly. Don’t rush. I wish you all the best “, he counselled.
Prof. Olayinka never told me that he knew who was who in FUOYE. It was after my appointment that I got to know that he is close to those in positions of authority. That is his character. He is a laconic leader. When I was in UI, each time I ran into trouble waters with some interests and you called him to intervene, he may first appear unconcerned, yet he would be silently working to protect you without telling you. It is those people that would be telling you that Prof. Olayinka has intervened and pleaded on your behalf. He has been my solicitor general over the years.
I have benefited immeasurably on account of the fact that I worked with him. He is a good leader. His younger brother, Mr. Niran Olayinka remains one of his confidants. I didn’t know that Prof. Olayinka had told his younger brother that “Saanu is one of the most loyal and hard working aides working with him”. However, when I was looking for a bank loan to change my car, and his brother, Mr. Niran Olayinka heard, he gave me 50 percent of the money, disclosing that “my brother had told me how loyal you have been. I will give you half of the money. It would be easier to pay back the remaining half to your bank”
Ever since then, Mr. Niran has been so generous to me. During my Ph.D programme, he assisted me in no small measure. Generally, Olayinka family has been so nice to me. How can I hear Olayinka’s name without wanting to know more. I will always celebrate and appreciate a leader on whose shoulders many have risen to success. Their elder sister, Mrs. Foluke Ajidahun has equally been marvelous to me. She will pray for me to no end. She is very passionate about my progress. Indeed, Olayinka’s family has been so good to me. It is against this backdrop that I cherish Mrs. Idowu Olayinka of Federal University Oye-Ekiti. How can she be bearing my benefactor’s name?
Mrs. Idowu Olayinka of FUOYE is innately responsible and respectful. But unlike my boss who doesn’t joke with social media, this Mrs. Idowu Olayinka of FUOYE is not a fan of social media. Apart from her WhatsApp account, this Counsellor is not on Facebook, neither is she on Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, X, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Telegram among others. But she’s hard working and dedicated to her duties.
Indeed, names can carry deep cultural, emotional or historic meaning. Names are important because they shape personal identity, connect us to family and culture, and influence how others perceive and treat us.
Saanu is the Director, Public Affairs and Communication, Federal University Oye-Ekiti
