Sharafadeen Celebrates Akinola’s Legacy as Deputy Rector Tenure Ends
Dr. Owolabi Sharafadeen has congratulated Dr. (Comrade) M. O. Akinola on the successful completion of his four-year tenure as Deputy Rector, Administration, describing him as an institution builder whose footprints will remain visible long after leaving office.
Sharafadeen said Akinola’s years of service represented more than the completion of an administrative assignment, noting that his journey through different leadership positions demonstrated consistency, dedication and commitment to the development of the Polytechnic.
In a congratulatory message, Sharafadeen said Akinola had established himself as a builder even before his emergence as Deputy Rector, Administration.
He recalled that Akinola served as the pioneer Head of Department of Agricultural Technology, where he contributed to laying the foundation for the growth and development of the department.
The department subsequently developed into the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, SAAT, with Akinola becoming its pioneer Dean before his election as Deputy Rector, Administration.
According to Sharafadeen, the progression from pioneer Head of Department to pioneer Dean and eventually Deputy Rector illustrates Akinola’s longstanding involvement in institution-building.
He said Akinola did not merely occupy positions but contributed to developing structures that would continue serving generations of staff and students.
“Dr. Akinola’s story is one of service, sacrifice and institution-building. Long before becoming Deputy Rector, he had demonstrated his capacity to nurture ideas, build structures and work for the advancement of the institution,” Sharafadeen said.
He added that Akinola justified the confidence reposed in him when members of the Academic Board elected him Deputy Rector four years ago.
Sharafadeen particularly praised the outgoing Deputy Rector for combining administrative responsibility with concern for staff welfare.
According to him, one of the strongest lessons from Akinola’s tenure was his ability to occupy a senior management position without becoming disconnected from the workers.
Akinola’s background in organised labour, having served as Assistant General Secretary and later General Secretary of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, FPA Chapter, provided him with an understanding of the concerns and expectations of workers.
Sharafadeen said this experience was reflected in his relationship with organised labour during his tenure in management.
He described Akinola as an administrator who understood that effective leadership requires dialogue, consultation and mutual respect, particularly when management and workers hold different positions on institutional matters.
“Leadership is not only about exercising authority. It is also about understanding people, listening to them and recognising that every decision ultimately affects human beings and their families,” Sharafadeen stated.
He commended Akinola for demonstrating that a leader could rise into management without abandoning the values of fairness, accessibility and respect for workers.
Sharafadeen further described the outgoing Deputy Rector’s four-year tenure as another chapter in a much longer record of service to the Polytechnic.
He said leadership positions were temporary, but the structures established, people empowered and positive changes made while occupying such positions could endure.
According to him, Akinola’s contributions to Agricultural Technology, the establishment and development of SAAT, staff welfare and the overall administration of the institution would remain important components of his legacy.
Sharafadeen also urged those currently occupying positions of responsibility to draw lessons from Akinola’s journey.
He stressed that every public or institutional office has an expiry date and that leaders should therefore concentrate on leaving positive footprints rather than becoming consumed by the privileges associated with their positions.
“Every tenure eventually comes to an end. What remains after the office is the record of what you did with the opportunity entrusted to you and how you treated people along the journey,” he said.
Sharafadeen maintained that the completion of Akinola’s tenure should not be regarded as the end of his contribution to education and institutional development.
Rather, he said the experience accumulated from years of academic, union and administrative leadership could become a foundation for greater responsibilities.
He congratulated Akinola for what he described as four years of dedicated service and prayed that the next chapter of his career would bring greater opportunities and accomplishments.
“On this important occasion, I heartily congratulate Dr. M. O. Akinola on the successful completion of his tenure as Deputy Rector, Administration.
“From pioneer Head of Department to pioneer Dean and Deputy Rector, your journey has demonstrated that genuine leadership is about building institutions and positively impacting people.
“As you bow out of this particular responsibility, I pray that Almighty God rewards your years of sacrifice and opens greater doors before you.
“May you continue to enjoy sound health, wisdom and fulfilment, and may the experience gathered over the years propel you towards even greater accomplishments.
“Congratulations, Dr. Akinola. The tenure has ended, but the legacy remains.”
