The outgoing rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Arc Olusegun Aluko has disclosed that he twice rejected letter of appointment as the rector of the institution, but was later persuaded by the former rector, Dr Olateru-Olagbegi, confessing that he had no regret thereafter.
Penpushing reports that, Aluko made the revelation on Saturday during a special get together ceremony organized for him by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Ilaro Chapter, to honour him, as he completes his tenure on Monday, September 26, 2022.
The outgoing rector recalled that he came across the former Rector of the Polytechnic, Olateru-Olagbegi whom he had known at Nasarawa Polytechnic in Nasarawa State, and encouraged him to come down having been told that he was a lecturer in the Department of Architecture at Nasarawa.
Penpushing further reports that, Aluko pointed out that, though, he agreed to come down, but, he never returned until his friends persuaded him, adding that he had no regret at the end of the day, having agreed to his friends call.
‘I came to Ilaro for the first time through my friends after visiting Obalende in Lagos state. I’ve never been there, I just came with one of them after our usual fun in Lagos. I was seated in my car and my friend who came to see the rector just introduced me to him as a lecturer from Nasarawa. Though, I knew him then but we were never in close relationship of any sort”.
‘When my friends asked me what I was doing in this bush and that there was life in Ilaro for the second time, that was when I picked my bag and followed them back. Since then, I came here to establish Architecture Department and I never regretted working at Ilaro”.
Penpushing also reports that the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Comrade Akeem Taiwo, earlier in his speech admonished the qualities of Aluko that stood him out among his contemporaries.
The union boss while expressing his gratitude to the Rector for a job well done, also emphasized the fact that, he (Aluko) is the first former Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Chairman to ever get to the position of Rector at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and performed creditably well.
Penpushing reports that, Taiwo affirmed further that, regular promotions, local and international trainings, capacity buildings, seminars and conferences were all given timely attention during the rector’s administration.
The Zonal Coordinator of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Zone C, Comrade Yekini Nureni Asafe in his own remarks admonished the rector for his good work in office in the last eight years, pointing out that he was a vibrant and articulate union leader who has contributed immensely into the struggle within the Union.
Penpushing further reports that, he, enjoined the outgoing rector to continue to be part of the congress now that he has completed his tenure in order to guide the leadership of the union through his wealth of experience.
The event attended by Principal Officers, Deans of School, Directors, and Head of Departments among others also gave opportunities for notable speakers which include; Barrister Ademola Emmanuel Messrs. Oduwobi and Philip Musa.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
