“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold. Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men"
(Proverbs 22: 1, 9)
“If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude”
Late Colin Luther Powell
65th United States Secretary of State
2001 to 2005
Honourable Chancellor, Sir
It is my honour to present to you a man who radiates excellence in all his undertakings. He is a stickler for rules and does not care whose ox is gored. He applies the rules in all cases and let the chips fall where they may. I speak of none other than Mr. Ayorinde Olurinde Ogunruku, more casually known as Ayo Ogunruku.
Ayorinde Olurinde Ogunruku was born on 21st October 1954 into the family of Pa Michael Aina Ogunruku, a Headmaster in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He attended Omodewa Local Authority Primary School, Ido-Ekiti and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1965. He had his secondary education at the famous Ekiti Parapo College, Ido-Ekiti where he had his School Certificate and Higher School Certificate in flying colours in 1971 and 1973 respectively. By dint of passion for excellence, he successfully graduated from the popular University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife where he bagged his Bachelor of Arts (Education) in English in 1978 and Master in Public Administration from the same University in 1990.
Ogunruku’s ability to deliver and impact knowledge, and administrative competence became apparent early when he joined the services of the then Ondo State Teaching Service Commission and was posted to the famous Imade College, Owo. At the College, his impact was felt by all. He was very hardworking and passionate for knowledge dissemination with a willing heart to develop the students at the College. A stickler for excellence, he was searched to become the first Administrative Officer when The Federal University of Technology, Akure was established in 1981.
Career in University Administration
He started his career in university administration at The Federal University of Technology, Akure as Administrative Officer 1 in January 1982. He became Assistant Registrar I October 1984, Senior Assistant Registrar II in October 1987, Senior Assistant Registrar I in 1991, Principal Assistant Registrar in 1994, and Deputy Registrar in 1998. He served in several positions of responsibility including Secretary to several Ad-hoc Committees of Council: University Law Drafting Committee; Committee on Committees of Council and Task Force of Council. He served the FUTA community in several positions, including the following:
Member, Board of the Centre for Research and Development 2003 to 2007,
Member, Board of the Centre for Continuing Education from 2002 to 2007,
Member, FUTA-AKURE Community Forum from 2004 to 2007
University Orator at the 2002 and 2004 Combined Convocation Ceremonies
Member, Computer Resource Centre Management Board from 2005 to 2007
Chairman, Management and Operations Committee of the Computer Resource Centre from 2005 to 2007
He served briefly as Deputy Registrar/Acting Registrar from December 4, 2006 to May 31, 2007.
Then from June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2013, he returned to his alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University to serve as Registrar. OAU, Ile-Ife. He returned to FUTA, arguably his first love and served as Director Vice-Chancellor's Office from June 1, 2013 to May 2016. Today, he is the Managing Partner, Haven Lift Global Consults Ltd, a higher education administration and human resources management outfit. He serves as a Consultant to leading universities and other HEIs on management and human resources matters, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, University of Lagos, Akoka and The Federal University of Technology, Akure.
His legacy in the FUTA Registry is seen in the testimonies of other sterling officers like Mr. Adeyinka Arifalo, who says about him “There is a man God sent to me as my guardian angel, who has been a waymaker, a father, a mentor, a teacher, a trainer, a coach, a lover of God and godliness, a university administrator par excellent, a lover and lifter of men and women, a firm and disciplined leader, a fearless carrier of the truth, a strong voice for uprightness.” His achievements at FUTA include Organization of a Training Workshop for Administrative Officers and Assistant Registrars of Institutions of Higher Education in Ondo and Ekiti States in March and August 2004 under the auspices of ANUPA-FUTA. He also received commendation for outstanding performance when he acted for the Registrar of the Federal University of Technology, Akure during the period of her absence from March 7 to April 22, 2005. The Annual Registry Lecture was one of FUTA’s traditions that he exported to OAU.
While at OAU, he instituted the Annual Registry Lecture series to build the Administrative Officers capacity and relevance in the university vision and mission. It also led to the exposure of the Administrative Officers to best practices in university administration through a process of participation in international conferences and workshops. He also introduced a formal mentoring scheme for the Administrative Officers to ensure proper understanding of the expectations for good practices required of them.
He has attended several conferences both locally and internationally:
Summit on Examination Malpractice in Nigeria organized by the House of Representative Committee on Education, National Assembly, held at the Shehu Yar’adua Centre Abuja, from August 15 to 16, 2006.
Retreat on Education Reforms organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Presidency held at Villa, Abuja on November 4, 2006.
Conference of Rectors, Vice-Chancellors and Presidents of African Universities organized by the Association of African Universities in Stellenbosch, South Africa, on Strengthening the Space of Higher Education in Africa May 30 to June 3, 2011
International Training for Registrars of Universities Held in Baltimore, USA in February 2012.
International Workshop for Registrars and Directors of Academic Planning on the Management of Data and Records in Higher Educational Institutions, February, 2013
International Workshop on the Management of Higher Education organized by Galilee College, Israel in collaboration with UNESCO and Harvard University, USA held in Afula, Israel from June 18 to 30, 2013
Association of Commonwealth Universities Centenary Conference, Held in the Senate House, University of London, London, October 16-18, 2013.
Awards and Recognitions
Honourable Chancellor, Sir, a goldfish has no hiding place. Mr. Ayo Ogunruku’s contributions to the nation, either in the secular and spiritual sphere have not gone unnoticed. He has received the following recognitions and awards.
Distinguished Award for Excellent Performance in the Nigerian Public Service awarded by the Chartered Institute of Public Administrators of Nigeria (2003)
Honorary Appointment into the Research Board of Advisors of the American Biographical Institute (2003)
FUTA Annual Productivity and Excellence Award as the University’s Best Administrative Staff of the Year (2005)
FUTA Annual Productivity and Excellence Award as the University’s Best Head of Unit of the Year 2005
Excellent Service Award presented by Masterpiece Consult, a student group in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), in recognition of unequalled contributions to the development of OAU, Ile-Ife 2011
MDG’s Responsible Special Recognition Award as an Icon of Excellence presented by Rhealyze Naija, a group of Christian Youths in Ondo State 2011
Exemplary Role Model Award in recognition of Admirable Christian Lifestyle awarded by the Assemblies of God Church Model Parish, Ile-Ife 2012
Honorary Fellow of the National Association of Professional Secretarial Staff of Nigeria (NAPSSON) 2012
Award for Excellent Service by the Committee of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (CORNU) 2013
Ido-Ekiti Youth Vanguard Award for Meritorious Services towards Human and Community Development 2014 -
Ambassador Award for Priceless Contributions to the Development of the Educational Sector in Nigeria by the Home Branch of the Great Ife Alumni Association 2014
Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities 2016 Meritorious Service Award for Outstanding Contributions to ARNU/CORNU as the Chairman from 2011 to 2013
Award of Honour as a Philanthropist by St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Ido Ekiti - 2016
FUTA Registry 2016 Special Award of Excellence for Meritorious Services in FUTA as a Frontline Administrator
Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU) Award as Speaker at the ARNU 60th Annual Business Meeting 2019
2023 Recognition for Meritorious Service Award as Registrar by Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife
Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International Nigeria 2024 Exceptional Service Award on the Occasion of the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Fellowship in Nigeria (1994 – 2024)
In the course of his illustrious career, Ogunruku has written the following books:
Ogunruku Ayorinde O (2012). University Administration in the 21st Century: A New Direction OAU Press
Ogunruku, Ayorinde O. (2014) Encounters: A book of 24 Testimonies of Encounters with God, Akure
Ogunruku Ayorinde O. (2017) Trends in University Administration: A Compendium of Lectures Lagos,
Ogunruku Ayorinde O. (2024) Life as Ordained – A Story of God’s Amazing Grace (An Autobiography), Lagos
Though not an academic, his research and publications are intimidating. He has presented 28 papers as listed in his CV and several others not listed. He is in top demand as a speaker in conferences, trainings and events. His published presentations include “Funding Research in Nigeria: Past Present and Future (CERAD Research Fund Launching Lecture)” Federal University of Technology, Akure.
On the national stage, he served as Member, Representing Nigerian Universities on the International Council of WAEC from 2011 to 2013. He also served on several Visitation Panels including the ones to Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti in 2018, Redeemer’s University, Ede in 2019 Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji, Lagos State University, Ojo 2022 and Redeemer’s University, Ede 2024. He also served as Consultant to the Special Visitation Panel to LASU, 2021
His professional accomplishments are just an aspect of what makes Mr. Ayo Ogunruku tick. He is also a correct child of God, nay, a man of God. At Chapel of Faith, FUTA, he has served as Member, Chapel Committee (1988 – 1990), Secretary, Chapel Council (1991 – 1996), Chairman, Welfare Committee/ Member, Chapel Council (1997 – 1998), Bible Study Co-Coordinator and Member, Chapel Council (1998 –2007). He now serves as Chairman, Chapel Council. In Gideons International Akure Camp, he was Secretary between 1987 and 1989, President between 1990 and 1993 and Treasurer between 1997 and 1999. He then served as Area Coordinator for Ondo State (1999 – 2003) and was President, Akure Camp (2003 – 2006). In Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, he served as Chairman, Membership Committee, Akure Chapter 1989 – 1990; Secretary, Akure Chapter 1991 – 1994, Vice-President, Akure Chapter 1994 –1995 and Chapter President, Akure 1995 – 1996. He became Field Representative, Akure South Zone 1997 and has been serving as National Director/Coordinator, Capacity Building for South West Region of Nigeria since 2008. He has been the Chairman of the Ondo State Council of the Missions Supporters League since 2018 and Chaplain, Youth for Christ, (YFC) Nigeria since 2021.
Honourable Chancellor, Sir. Before us today stands a man who started life as a secondary school teacher at Notre Dame College, Usi Ekiti. He then went up to University of Ife and served in Plateau State at Federal Advanced Teachers College (Now College of Education) Pankshin. He then taught at Imade College, Owo. He then came to The Federal University of Technology, Akure and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.
Honourable Chancellor, Sir, FUTA Registry bears the imprint of this man. He trained many who have gone ahead to serve as registrars in other universities. The God of heaven has prospered him and blessed him with long life. He has served his community in more ways than one. His life has been a blessing to his hometown, his state, his nation and the Church of God. I humbly request you, Honourable Chancellor Sir, in the name of the Council and by the authority of the Senate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, to confer degree of Doctor of Management, Honoris Causa of the Federal University of Technology, Akure on Mr. Ayorinde Olurinde Ogunruku.
Professor Fúnmilayo Omolabake Olubode-Sawe, MNAL
University Orator
November 30,2024
Comments
Post a Comment