…..institutes award for the best graduating student in Agricultural Science.
…..Award in recognition of contribution to service, trailblazers in own field – HOD.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Engr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, PHD, was honoured with the prestigious Pacesetter Award by the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Federal University Technology, Akure, Ondo State.
The award was in recognition of his pacesetting contributions as the first alumnus of the department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering to be appointed as a Federal Permanent Secretary as well as his outstanding contributions to the growth of the Federal Civil Service and humanity at large.
Dr. Ogunbiyi was one of the students in the second set of students admitted in the Federal University of Technology (FUTA) in 1983 and he graduated in 1988 from the university.
Ogunbiyi said in his remarks ” Today is great day in the history of my life because being recognised and honoured by your own people is indeed a great thing to happen to you and I am very appreciative for this.”
He noted that the award was a recognition of qualities, attainments, characters, adding that it is call for him to manifest more of positive qualities and achievements.
To his co -awardees, he said, “…I see this recognition as a challenge to us today from all works and more representation from the department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering and most especially more service to our university”.
Similarly, Ogunbiyi advised the Students of FUTA to imbibe the culture of hard work and take advantage of the quality education being taught in the university, as well as the good advises given by their dedicated lecturers, saying that those would take them to places and make them attain important status in life.
He urged the students to respect the institution of learning by obeying instructions and also shun cultism.
While emphasizing on the impact of the advise and education he received from FUTA, he said he would not have expected to pass his examination for permanent secretary as an engineer because he was not armed with information like the officers in administration department who are naturally armed with the knowledge of several reforms needed when writing such examination.
He explained that, with the values of hard work, dedication and commitment to one’s vision inculcated in him by the revered, selfless and dedicated lecturers in the department, he emerged first out of the 24 candidates from his states who sat for the examination.
“If I, Marcus Ogunbiyi can become a Permanent Secretary, all you students sitting here looking at me, if I can make it you are going to make it.” he stated.
Giving back to the school that has given him a solid foundation to attain so much in life, Ogunbiyi has announced institution of Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi Award for the Best Graduating Student in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering with a price of five hundred thousand naira every year starting from the next convocation of the university.
The Permanent Secretary who had only visited the university just twice since he graduated 36 years ago while expressing elation at the award and homecoming said, ” the reunion was very important. I crave the indulgence of both the alumni association and the department, and indeed the university to please organize such reunion or at least get some programe that will bring us to our alma mater,” pledging to mend his way by making sure he is regularly in touch with the university.
Earlier in his address, Head of Department, Agricultural and Environmental department, Prof. Ayo Ajayi, explained that pacesetter award recognises the alumni that have been trailblazers in their fields, setting new standards of excellence and innovations. He added that the awardees for the prestigious pacesetters have not only excelled in their careers but have also made significant contributions in their societal growth demonstrating the truth leadership at service.
In her remark, the first female Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof Adenike Temitope Oladiji noted that the department of agricultural and environmental engineering has contributed massively to the growth and development of the university as many of the alumni of the departments have held several leadership positions in the university ranging from deputy vice chancellor and Dean of schools.
Oladiji appealed to the alumni of FUTA to consider giving scholarship to all types of students in the university, saying that they could be indigent students, best performing students depending on which category the alumni decide to chose.
She added, “we will also be looking up to you for funding of your universities,” noting that most of the student hostels have become dilapidated and would need urgent renovation.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of award to15 Awardees in the categories of Pacesetters and remarkable achievement awards.
In attendance at the event were; the Imperial Ruler and Deji of Akure, Oba Dr Adetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and Professor Emeritus, Ougbenga Ademosun, whom the the awardees referred to as their mentors who moulded them for greatness.
Badamasi Salisu Haiba
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