Col. Saka celebrates education icon, Prof. Olu-Aderounmu @80, hails enduring legacy. By Kemi Aina
Col. Saka celebrates education icon, Prof. Olu-Aderounmu @80, hails enduring legacy.
By Kemi Aina
Retired military officer, Col. F.S. Saka, has paid glowing tribute to renowned educationist and administrator, Professor William Olusola Olu-Aderounmu, describing him as a visionary leader whose lifelong commitment to education, institution-building and public service has left an enduring legacy in Nigeria.
In a goodwill message to mark the professor’s 80th birthday, Saka said Olu-Aderounmu’s remarkable career reflected unwavering dedication to academic excellence, leadership and nation-building.
According to him, the octogenarian’s academic journey began with advanced studies in Educational Management and Leadership at Texas Southern University in the United States before he returned to Nigeria to build an illustrious career in academia.
He noted that Prof. Olu-Aderounmu served with distinction as Dean at the Lagos State College of Education, Ijanikin, Senior Lecturer and Head of Department at Lagos State University, and rose to become a Professor of Educational Management in 1992.
Saka further highlighted the professor’s outstanding administrative achievements, particularly during his three-term tenure as Provost of the Ondo State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, where he said integrity, visionary leadership and commitment to excellence earned him repeated reappointments.
He added that Olu-Aderounmu later broke new ground as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Novena University before serving as Vice-Chancellor of Oduduwa University in 2009 and Wesley University in 2015, describing the feat as a rare demonstration of exceptional institutional leadership.
The retired army officer also commended the celebrant’s inclusive leadership style, recalling that while serving as Provost in the old Ondo State, he created opportunities for many qualified Akure indigenes through appointments and contracts based on merit.
According to him, the professor’s confidence in competence attracted many professionals from Akure to the institution, while his administration transformed the college into one of Nigeria’s leading colleges of education, winning the Best College of Education award on several occasions.
Beyond university administration, Saka said Prof. Olu-Aderounmu contributed significantly to educational development through consultancy services for organisations such as UNICEF, the Universal Basic Education programme, the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration/World Bank, and the Niger Delta Development Commission.
He described the education icon as a man whose influence extended beyond the classroom, noting that his work had positively impacted countless lives and strengthened educational institutions across the country.
“At 80, Professor Olu-Aderounmu stands as living proof that education is not merely a career but a calling that builds people, institutions and the future,” Saka said.
He added that the professor’s life exemplified uncommon excellence, visionary leadership and selfless service, stressing that his legacy would continue to inspire scholars, administrators and future generations.
Saka congratulated the elder statesman on attaining the milestone and wished him many more years in good health, wisdom and fulfilment.
