Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Friday, 12th December, honoured one of its distinguished alumni, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Federal Republic of Nigeria, with an Award of Excellence in Public Service. The ceremony held at the iconic Oduduwa Hall was attended by members of the university community, dignitaries, principal officers of the university, and paramilitary officials from across the South-West region.
Although the program was scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m., it did not commence until later in the evening due to some delays. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, clarified that ongoing convocation activities and other pressing institutional responsibilities caused the delay.
The programme formally began with the rendition of the National Anthem and the Great Ife Anthem, following the arrival of the minister and his entourage, along with senior paramilitary officials. The University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, formally acknowledged the presence of the Minister, the Vice Chancellor, the royal father present—the Oloyan of Oyan Kingdom—principal officers of the university, dignitaries, and the Great Ife students present.
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In his opening remarks, Professor Bamire expressed sincere appreciation to Dr Tunji-Ojo for honouring the university’s invitation despite his demanding national responsibilities. He then apologised to the audience for the late start, stressing that it was caused by unavoidable administrative engagements.
The Vice Chancellor added that he had earlier communicated the university’s ongoing projects and developments with the Minister, who expressed his willingness to support and also help the university to become the hub of research and innovation.
Taking the podium, Dr Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the royal father seated, while apologising for breaking protocols, as he insisted that he always breaks protocols to honour the custodian of cultures. Before proceeding with his speech, he emotionally appreciated Professor Michael Faborode, the former Vice Chancellor of the university, describing him as a pivotal figure who had helped him to realise his life’s dream and ambition. He recalled how, when he was seeking admission, Professor Faborode personally helped him to gain admission into the university, even though he was 2 points short of the cut-off mark for Electrical Engineering that year. He fondly recounted how the former VC warmly welcomed him and his mother into his office and guaranteed that he would be admitted—a promise he fulfilled.
Addressing the students, the Minister urged them to remain steadfast, resilient, and passionate in all their pursuits. He then charged them to uphold the tradition of excellence that defines Great Ife, encouraging them to internalise the ‘culture of struggle’ embodied in the university anthem, a culture, he said, built on perseverance and passion, which sets Great Ife students apart wherever they go.
The program concluded with the formal presentation of the Award of Excellence in Public Service to Dr Tunji-Ojo by the Vice Chancellor and other principal officers of the university.