The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FUT Minna Branch, has organised a valedictory congress in honour of five retiring professors at the university’s Main Campus in Gidan Kwano.
In his address at the colourful event, held at the union’s secretariat, the Vice Chairman of the branch, Professor Ismail Olarinloye, described the valedictory congress as not just a farewell ceremony but an institutional statement recognising the dedication, sacrifices, and invaluable contributions of retiring academic staff.
He identified the five distinguished professors honoured at the congress as:
- Professor Olufunmilayo Akanya of the Department of Biochemistry;
- Professor Stella Nonyelum Zubairu of the Department of Architecture;
- Professor Musa Matthew Kolo of the Department of Crop Production;
- Professor Folorunsho Aberuagba of the Department of Chemical Engineering; and
- Professor Sulyman Olanrewaju of the Department of Town and Regional Planning.
According to him, the decision to honour the retiring professors reflects the union’s commitment to appreciating members whose contributions have shaped the growth and development of the university.
Speaking further, Professor Olarinloye explained that the organising committee envisioned a recognition programme that would be public, dignified, timely, and institutionalised. He stressed that public recognition strengthens institutional culture, while timely recognition ensures that professors are celebrated while the university community can still witness and appreciate their achievements.
He added that the committee hopes the valedictory congress will become a lasting tradition at FUT Minna. He also called on ASUU members to embrace and sustain the initiative, emphasising that every academic staff member deserves to be celebrated after years of dedicated service upon retirement.
Also addressing the gathering, the Chairperson of ASUU, FUT Minna Branch, Professor Lukman Kunle Oyewobi, described the occasion as a moment of gratitude, reflection, and celebration.
He said the event provided an opportunity to reflect on decades of sacrifice, scholarship, service, and unwavering commitment to nation-building and the ideals of academia.
Professor Oyewobi also remembered colleagues whose lives were cut short before witnessing such a moment and expressed appreciation to the retiring professors for their remarkable contributions to the university and the union.
Search FM News spoke with one of the retiring professors, Professor Helmina Olufunmilayo Akanya, who shared what the recognition meant to her and reflected on her enduring passion for academia.
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Our team of reporters also asked the Chairperson of ASUU, FUT Minna Branch, Professor Lukman Oyewobi, about the significance of the valedictory congress.
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Professor Oyewobi’s views were echoed by the Vice Chairman of the union, Professor Ismail Olarinloye, who further underscored the importance of honouring retiring professors for their outstanding service to the university and the nation.
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The Vice-Chancellor of FUT Minna, who attended the event alongside principal officers of the university, commended the retiring professors for their immense contributions to the growth and development of the institution and society at large.
He also told Search FM News how FUT Minna is leveraging the wealth of knowledge and experience of its professors to address societal challenges.
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Highlights of the congress included the presentation of citations in honour of the five retiring professors.