Distinguished members of ASUP FPA chapter and the general members of the Polytechnic community.
Today, we are not merely marking the end of an administrative tenure, but celebrating a man whose four years in office have left an indelible footprint in the history and administration of this great institution.
Indeed, how time flies!
Just four years ago, the distinguished members of the Academic Board entrusted Dr. M. O. Akinola with the responsibility of serving as Deputy Rector. Today, as that chapter comes to a close, we can look back with satisfaction and say that the confidence reposed in him was not misplaced.
His election was a decision made in good faith, and he reciprocated that confidence with competence, commitment, courage and character.
Dr. Akinola is not a stranger to institution-building.
Before his emergence as Deputy Rector, he had already demonstrated that he was a man with a vision for growth and development. As the pioneer Head of Department of Agricultural Technology, he did not merely occupy an office; he built a foundation.
Through hard work, perseverance, dedication and an uncommon commitment to institutional development, he contributed immensely to the growth of the Department into a School.
He subsequently became the pioneer Dean of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT), a position he held with distinction until his election as Deputy Rector, Administration.
These accomplishments tell a story.
They tell the story of a man who does not wait for structures to become perfect before making his contribution. They tell the story of a man who sees possibilities where others may see limitations. They tell the story of a builder, an administrator and, above all, a servant of the institution.
As Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr. Akinola brought to bear his wealth of experience, administrative maturity and deep understanding of the Polytechnic system.
He distinguished himself as an administrator par excellence.
But beyond the files, memos, meetings, policies and administrative responsibilities, there was something particularly remarkable about him: his humanity.
He understood that administration is ultimately about the people. We are not surprised anyways. A true unionist will always be a man of the people any day, any time.
He understood that behind every staff ID is a human being; behind every request is a family; behind every welfare matter is a legitimate concern; and behind every union demand are members whose interests deserve to be heard.
This is why the Union holds Dr. Akinola in such high regard. As a former Assistant General Secretary and former General Secretary of our great union in this chapter, we are super proud of you.
He demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare of workers. He listened. He engaged. He respected divergent opinions. And even when there were disagreements, he maintained the dignity and respect that should characterize relationships between Management and the Unions.
For us in the Union, this is particularly worthy of commendation.
Dr. Akinola has consistently demonstrated tremendous respect for organised labour and the legitimate role of Unions in institutional administration.
He understood that the Union is not necessarily an adversary of Management. Rather, when properly engaged, the Union can be a partner in building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous institution.
He therefore treated Union representatives with respect, civility and dignity.
And for this, we say thank you, Sir.
Sir, your tenure may be coming to an end, but your legacy will continue to speak.
You served with passion. You served with dedication.You served with selflessness. You served with sacrifice.
You served not simply because you occupied a position, but because you understood that leadership is a responsibility entrusted to an individual for the advancement of others.
Leadership, as they say, is not measured by the length of time one occupies an office, but by the positive difference one makes while occupying it.
By this measure, Dr. Akinola, you have written your name in the sands of time.
There may have been difficult moments. There may have been challenging decisions. There may have been divergent opinions and competing interests. But through it all, you remained committed to the progress of the institution.
And that is what true leadership demands.
Today, therefore, the Union is proud to celebrate you.
We are proud because you have been a true ambassador of our Union.
You have demonstrated that one can occupy a management position without losing touch with the people.
You have demonstrated that one can serve Management and still understand the concerns of workers.
You have demonstrated that authority does not have to destroy humility, and that leadership does not have to diminish humanity.
Sir, we salute you!
We salute your intellect.
We salute your administrative wisdom.
We salute your courage.
We salute your humility.
We salute your commitment to staff welfare.
We salute your respect for the Union.
We salute your contribution to the growth of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology in this institution.
And above all, we salute your service.
As you bow out of this particular administrative responsibility, we pray that the Almighty God will open greater doors for you.
May the experience gathered in these four years become a stepping stone to greater accomplishments.
May you continue to rise from strength to strength.
May your intellectual capacity remain undiminished.
May your health, family and career continue to flourish.
And may history remember you kindly as a man who came, served and made a difference.
We hope that people occupying offices of authority today can learn from you that very soon, the masquerade will become a man.
Let me conclude by saying this on behalf of the Union:
Dr. M. O. Akinola, your tenure may be ending, but your relationship with the Union is certainly not ending.
The Union is proud of you.
The Union appreciates you.
The Union celebrates you.
And, Sir, the Union will specially celebrate you at a later date in a manner befitting your service, commitment and contributions to the welfare of our members and the growth of this institution.
Today, therefore, we do not say goodbye.
Rather, we say:
Thank you for serving.
Thank you for listening.
Thank you for respecting the people.
Thank you for building.
Thank you for leading.
And thank you for leaving behind a legacy worthy of commendation.
Dr. M. O. Akinola, the Deputy Rector may be leaving office, but the man, the administrator, the builder and the friend of the workers remains with us.
On behalf of the Union, I salute you.
Congratulations, Sir, and God bless you abundantly.
Aluta Continua!
Victoria Ascerta!
A People United Can Never Be Defeated!
Engr. Caleb Adeosun
Chairman, ASUP FPA chapter
14th September 2026
