By Ayo Arowojolu
Tuesday September 30, 2025 was a day the Lord has made for a one-time Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta(FUNAAB), Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole as he took a bow in retirement from the Institution after about four decades of meritorious service.
Significantly, the day turned out to be a multi celebration of sort which also signposted his septuagenarian status at age 70. To cap it up, although now retired as a public servant from government payroll, this particular season also marks a re-firing signalling commencement of a second-term of his eight-year tenure at the Association of African Universities(AAU) headquartered in Accra, Ghana, in his capacity as Secretary-General.
The day characterized by fun, fanfare, fiesta, awards, accolades and plenty to chop, wine and dine started early morning at the magnificent Kémta Housing Estate residence of the Oyewoles where his wife, Bolanle, children and grandchildren surprised him with a cake amid the usual birthday song.
Moments later, Prof Oyewole, accompanied by his wife, beaming with smiles, proceeded to the Alabata Road campus of FUNAAB where his own College, College of Food Science and Human Ecology(COLFHEC) treated him to honour led by the Dean of the College, Prof Adebukunola Omemu who lavished showers of accolades on the new retiree, describing him as a father and leader, while other colleagues extolled his humility, mentorship, and global academic impact.
At that ceremony, one of his academic mentees, former Dean of the College and erstwhile Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof Lateef Sanni who is now Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute(NSPRI) also spoke glowingly in honour of Prof Oyewole.
Next was a Special Senate Session at the institution’s Red Chamber where the FUNAAB Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde presented him with gifts on behalf of the University.
Responding, Prof. Oyewole expressed gratitude to God, his family, and the FUNAAB Community, urging colleagues to “live with your values and never give up.”
The final moments shifted to the party grounds, DLK Events Centre on Abiola Way where there was plenty to eat and drink amid dancing and praises to God Almighty, even as a prominent Man of God, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, Senior Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church, presided over the launch of three books written by the celebrant.
The books were reviewed by Prof Oyewole’s Successor, Prof Ololade Enikuomehin who was Acting Vice-Chancellor at FUNAAB in 2017.
The highpoint of the occasion was when
Adeyinka Alaseyori, a gospel minister, singer, and songwriter took the stage and lighted up the whole auditorium while the Oyewoles danced till dusk.
It was indeed an event whose memory would continue to linger on.
