FUTA CELEBRATES FORMER ACTING VC PROF. EMMANUEL FASAKIN AT RETIREMENT CEREMONY

FUTA CELEBRATES FORMER ACTING VC PROF. EMMANUEL FASAKIN AT RETIREMENT CEREMONY

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has honoured former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Adedayo Fasakin, with a colourful retirement ceremony in recognition of his decades of distinguished service to the institution and the academic community.

Professor Fasakin, a renowned Professor of Fish Nutrition and Utilization, was celebrated by colleagues, students, alumni, and members of the university management during a send-forth event organised by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology (FAT), where he served throughout his academic career until his retirement at the age of 70.

Speakers at the event described him as a committed scholar, disciplined administrator, mentor, and visionary leader whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the university.

The ceremony attracted members of the university’s management team, staff, students, friends, and former members of the Governing Council, all of whom gathered to celebrate what they described as an impactful career defined by dedication to teaching, research, and institutional development.

Over the course of his career at FUTA, Professor Fasakin held several key leadership positions, including Dean of Student Affairs, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and Acting Vice-Chancellor. He also served as the Pioneer Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, a role that further demonstrated his leadership capacity and commitment to advancing higher education in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, praised Professor Fasakin’s resilience, courage, and dedication to the growth of the university. She described him as a dependable administrator whose guidance and counsel have been invaluable to the institution.

According to her, Professor Fasakin’s firm and straightforward leadership style contributed significantly to maintaining stability and strengthening institutional governance during critical periods in the university’s development.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Timothy Amos, commended the retiring scholar for his integrity, commitment to academic excellence, and selfless service to the university community.

Former members of the university’s Governing Council also paid tribute to him, highlighting his contributions to institutional development and noting that his leadership roles were characterised by innovation, stability, and purposeful direction.

In her welcome remarks, the Head of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Professor Olamide Olawusi-Peters, described Professor Fasakin as a father-figure and role model whose mentorship and administrative experience significantly strengthened the department.

She noted that his commitment to excellence and support for younger academics helped build a strong academic culture within the department.

A highlight of the ceremony was a short playlet presented by FAT 501 students, which focused on the importance of safe fishing waters and healthy fish production. The presentation reflected Professor Fasakin’s lifelong interest in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development.

Goodwill messages from colleagues and former students further described him as humble, hardworking, approachable, and committed to the development of both students and staff.

Several speakers also recalled his role in initiating the Students’ Union Executive Diaspora Retreat, an initiative designed to expose student leaders to international best practices and encourage the adoption of innovative ideas that could contribute to institutional progress.

In his response, Professor Fasakin expressed appreciation to the university management, colleagues, students, and friends for the honour bestowed on him.

He said he was surprised by the scale of the celebration, noting that he had not anticipated such an elaborate send-off.

Professor Fasakin, who currently serves as Chairman of the Governing Council of Ekiti State Polytechnic, thanked the university community for the opportunity to serve and for the support he received throughout his career.

He also acknowledged the role of FUTA and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology in shaping his professional and administrative journey.

According to him, the experiences and collaborations he encountered within the university helped prepare him for leadership responsibilities both within and beyond the institution.

The ceremony concluded with tributes and reflections celebrating Professor Fasakin’s legacy of service, mentorship, and leadership, which many participants said would continue to inspire the university community for years to come.