ADEYEMI UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION ALUMNI ASSOCIATION END OF THE YEAR REPORT PUBLISHED ON SATURDAY 30TH DECEMBER, 2023

1.0 Introduction

Do you know that all Arbicans were specially blessed by God in year 2023?
As the glorious page of the year is closing in some days time, do you know we have causes to celebrate? To crown our blessings in the Association, do you know that at least two if our members celebrated their epochal Platinum Birthdays and four of us were elevated to the enviable Professorial Chairs in Federal University of Technology Akure (1), Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba (2), and Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife (1)?
What a great joy to celebrate the close of 2023 and to begin 2024?

Greatest Arbicans!
You are welcome to this report.
I hasten to introduce the report with a short story that is adopted and adapted as forward to the report. If you care for it, come along, please. The story resonates:

A Man was Asked to Paint a Boat.
Have you ever been asked in this Association to paint a Boat for the Association? Do you know it is a privilege of a life time?
Listen! Do you know a man like you was once asked to paint a boat?

He brought with him paint and brushes and began to paint the boat… a bright red, as the owner asked him.
Exquisite!

While painting, he noticed that there was a small hole in the hull, and quietly repaired it.
When finished painting, he received his money and left.

The next day, the owner of the boat came to the painter and presented him with a nice cheque, much higher than the payment for painting.

The painter was surprised and said: “You’ve already paid me for painting the boat, Sir!”

“But this is not for the paint job. It’s for having repaired the hole in the boat.”

“Ah! But it was such a small service… Certainly it’s not worth paying me such a high amount for something so insignificant.”

“My dear friend, you do not understand. Let me tell you what happened.

When I asked you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention about the hole. Your doing it was an a step in charity.

Do you know when the boat dried, my kids took the boat and went on a fishing trip?

They did not know that there was a hole.
I was not at home at that time.

When I returned and noticed they had taken the boat, I was low in spirit and desperate because I remembered that the boat had a hole, a huge disaster lurking in the shadow to happen.

Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning from fishing!

Then, I examined the boat and found that you had repaired the hole!
You see, now, what you did? You saved the lives of my children!
I do not take this for granted.
I do not have enough money to pay your ‘small’ good deed.”

Greatest Arbicans!
​So, no matter who, when or how,
just continue to help, sustain, wipe tears, listen attentively and carefully repair all the ‘leaks’ you find either within the Association or without it because you never know when someone is in need of us or when God holds a pleasant surprise for us to be helpful and important to someone​.

​You may have repaired numerous ‘boat holes’ along the way… of several people in your different callings without realizing how many lives you’ve saved.

You see!
Some will ignore the hole and the kids will die in the process.
Some repairers had the opportunity to fix the leaking hole but they ended enlarging the hole.
Greatest Arbicans!
Do you create more enlarge holes in your family life, workplace and all Associations you engage in? Do you take opportunities to fix the holes for posterity?
Greatest Arbicans!
In 2024……
✨So, Keep on doing Good Works …✨💐
Can you recall that our administration came on board on 11th February, 2023?
Do you know that some spiritual Maggi in our midst took time to render service to put our Constitution together, gave it traction by investing our team with the solemn injunction to lead our Association for two years from the front line?

On behalf of members of our team we appreciate Ambassador Godson Echigele, Oba Ayotunde Olabomi, High Chief Solomon Areyenka, Mr Siji Adewale Mr Bunmi Adun, Mr Goke Olayeni, Mr Layi Onipede Dr Olugbangbe, Dr Akintunde, Sir Dire Arimoro, Dr Azeez of Federal College of Education Technical, Mr Steve Awosika and Wale Adegbami, Mr Lawee and several others for repairing the ‘holes’ , painted the boat and put it on swift traction to sail as an object of beauty, pride and culture for posterity.

I want to thank Everyone who Repaired the boat of this Association in one way or the other.
Sister Nihinlola, Sister Aanu from Abuja, Sister Yetunde Odejayi, Sister Gureje, Sister Kudi Ahmed,
Thank you for being there for the Association in 2023.
Your LITTLE KINDNESS served as a BRIDGE at one point or another in the life of our enviable Association

Looking forward to a better relationship in 2024.
Greatest Arbicans !

2.0 Operational Environment.

2.1 Economy

The global economy is limping along, with growth divergences. . We are living witnesses to war-distrupted energy and food markets and unprecedented monetary tightening to combat decades-high inflation. In the entire world, economic activity has slowed but not stalled. Growth remains slow and uneven, with widening divergences. With the bombing of Sea frigates on the Red Sea in the Persian Gulf the world is sitting at the edge of economic disasters. The ferocity of the Hamas/Israel war will heighten further terrorist activities around the globe.
Right now, The global economy is limping along and definitely not sprinting.
The results are the miseries and poverty denominating our world.

2.2
A Security Knife Pointed to a Protruded Belly of West Africa

Hurray!
Are you aware that on Friday 29th December 2023, the NTA Network News announced that Russia opened its embassy in Burkina Faso after it closed it down 31 years ago , following the assassination of Thomas Sankara?
What is the implication to us in Nigeria and to our Association?

Hunnnn!

On 13th October, 2023, Gloria Aradi of the BBC News flashed a news that Russia is to build nuclear plant to meet Burkina Faso’s energy needs.

Energy needs indeed!

It must be recalled that
In July, 2023, Burkina Faso military ruler Capt Ibrahim Traore asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to help set up a nuclear power plant in Burkina Faso and the regime
In defiance to the rest of the world, signed a deal with Russia to build a nuclear power plant to “increase electricity supplies.”

It was the junta’s latest move to align itself with Russia after falling out with most of its Western partners, particularly France and other members of ECOWAS including Nigeria.

The junta has turned to Russia for economic and military support since it seized power last year in a military coup.

Burkina Faso is one of the least electrified countries globally, with only 21% of people connected to power.
Faso’s target to achieve 95% electricity access for urban areas and 50% for rural areas by 2030 is now gaining traction.

Burkina Faso gets most of its electricity from biofuels like charcoal and wood while oil products account for one-third of the total energy supply, according to the International Energy Agency.

The fear we must nurse is if the military junta in Burkina Faso enriches its uranium and changes its electricity supply from nuclear reactors to nuclear bomb to harass Nigeria in the years ahead.
This is the time for all lovers of Nigeria to encourage our country to come out openly and mobilise public opinion to develop Nuclear Energy for our ailing electricity supply and military technology.
We must continue to pray and have Plan B for all Nigerians in Burkina Faso, in case the military junta there tries to go gaga, unexpectedly.

Plato once said:
“We must decide what manner of men we shall be and what call of life we must follow.
This is the greatest problem of the 🌎 world.”

3.0 2023 :
A Momentous Year for Arbicans

3.1 In the Beginning….

Greatest Arbicans, 2023 proved to be a loving year, a year of much bonding among us, a year of greater achievements. To start with, the stakeholders put earlier mentioned inaugurated a new Constitution for the Association on 10th February 2024 and put together a new administration for the Alumni Association with the conduct of an election on 11th February 3023.

3.2 Registration of the Association

The new Administration applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the official registration of the Association in Nigeria.
The Association was officially registered as Adeyemi Federal University of Education Alumni Association with Headquarters in Ondo and chapters all over Nigeria and abroad.

3.3 Envangelical Mission to Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife

We paid a courtesy call on the Acting Provost of the College who kept us abreast of some teething problems our College was encountering with the processing of results of our students by the Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife.
The Association, in company of Mr Steve Awosika and Dr Olugbangbe paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor and Management Team of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife. The issue and the need for better promptitude in the signing and release of certificates to graduating students of our College were discussed.
The Vice-Chancellor appreciated our coming forth to discuss the issues amicably and promised to walk the talk.
We are glad to report back that things had improved on the matters and with the new status of our College, our El Dorado is nigh.

3.4
59TH FOUNDERS’ DAY ANNIVERSARY

Our team noticed a little storm in the cup on campus on what should be the credible status of our alma mater as at that time. Reasons and opinions divided our members on campus into two.
In order to make every Arbican on campus and outside it to have a common purpose, we rolled out a week-long programme of activities to mark the 59th Founders’Day of the College.
The activities included:
Inter-religious Jumat Service in the College Mosque
Inter-religious service in All Souls’ Chapel of Russerection on Campus,
Official Visitations and meetings of the Alumni Exco with all Unions on Campus,
Financial Assistance to the Students Union to assist in the inauguration of the new Exco,
Inter- Schools Football completions tagged “Godson Echigele Cup” Competition.
The School of Science won the cup with a cash gift of a hundred thousand Naira. The second position got seventy-five thousand Naira. The third position got sixty thousand Naira while the fourth position got fifty thousand Naira.

It must be recalled that the Lagos Group headed by our leader Ambassador Echigele led the triumphant procession of Arbicans in victorious convoy from Lagos through Ore to Ondo to witness and participate in all the programmes and re-union. The father of the day was His Imperial Majesty Oba Abdulrasheed Ayotunde Olabomi the Aragbiji of Iragbiji land.

As part of the ceremonies of the Founders’ Day, one of our Intellectual Property in Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, a first class Arbican who is also an international Professor was invited to present a Guest Lecture on Education and Development in Nigeria. The occasion was climaxed with the lecture presented by Late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, former Governor of Ondo State at the occasion on Education and the Future of Nigeria. That lecture happened to be the last lecture delivered by that patriot till he answered the call of his Maker this last week of December 2023.

During the programme of the lectures, ten brilliant students from various Departments were given scholarship awards of fifty thousand Naira each by the Alumni Association to encourage scholarship. Equally, four eminent personalities were given Awards of Excellency at the occasion. These personalities included: Late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu former Governor of Ondo State, Ambassador Godson Echigele, Honourable Abiola of the House of Representatives and the then Ondo State Adviser on Tertiary Education.

In the evening of that day , the Lagos Group headed by Ambassador Godson Echigele treated us to a lavishing but ravishing Dinner and Re-Union party with renowned Gbenga Falope from Osun State on the band-stand. It was a night to remember again and again and again.

The Founders Day was rounded off with the ceremonious commissioning of the Ultra Modern Dollar Denominated Alumni Hall proudly built by Dr Olugbamigbe and his team.

4.0
Unto Us a University is Born…

Greatest Arbicans!
Unto us a universal is born!
Unto us a University is given!

The Association swung into action for the actualisation of the University Mandate of our College. It was a mandate that had long been annulled by some generations of self-seeking cabals that dated to decades.
Our team decided to launch out and reach out for the actualization of the mandate.
We engaged the Federal Ministry of Education on the long-drawn struggle to convert our
alma mater to a full-fledged University. We reached out to plead with all forces hostile to tyranny and holding hostage our loving alma mater.
Greatest Arbicans!

We are happy to report that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has turned our forlorn dream to a joyous reality. He has restored back the mandate of our alma mater.
Today, we are proud to say that we are now a full University of Education in the World.
Hurrayyyyyyyyy!
Greatest Arbicans!
We have been to the mountain top. We have seen the Promised Land. We shall all get there together!

5.0
5.1 Appointment of the Vice Chancellor and Chairman and Members of the Governing Council

Greatest Arbicans!
We are happy to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Education and the Presidency are giving final touches to the appointments of the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman and members of the Governing Council by the Visitor to the University in person of our mentor and leader, PresidentBolaAhmedTinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Meanwhile the Federal Ministry of Education has commenced peripheral appointment of some members of the Management Team of the University. Dr Akintunde, the last Provost of the College has been appointed as the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor and another lady has been appointed as the Acting Bursar for the new University.

5.2 Change of Name of the University

Greatest Arbicans!
We are glad to report to you that all the plants, gates and infrastructure on campus are wearing new look as ADEYEMI FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION ONDO’ is etched on all of them with bold prints. We are glad to say that the name and the content are now irreversible.

5.2 A Boulevard is given

Greatest Arbicans! It is gratifying to report that the Federal Government has approved the construction of a well-befitting gate for the University and a new dual-carriage way located near the Alumni Hall of the University. The construction is on course. It is a thing of pride, beauty and culture.

6.0 Alumni Guest House

Greatest Arbicans!
Can you believe that despite the glorious ambience of our campus, there is no Guest House within it any longer?
To address this notorious anomaly, our team has begun the construction of a multi-dimensional Alumni Guest House at the rare end of the Alumni Hall to serve all us. The 21-ensuit rooms has restaurant, spa, sports room and swimming pool to match. Meanwhile, we are at foundation stage.

7.0 CONGRATULATIONS

7.1 Professorial Chairs

Greatest Arbicans!
We are infectiously happy to announce that 2023 is closing on a very good mode and mood for all of us as at least four of our members bagged the prestigious Professorial Chairs in their respective Universities.
We rejoice with Professor Babasola Adu of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Professor Taiwo Ajeigbe of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, Professor Adenike Eludoyin of the Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba and
Prof Victoria Kikelomo OLUGBEMI of Adekunle Ajasin University and she is the current Branch Chairman AFUED Alumni Association Akoko Branch, Ondo State.

7.2 Platinum Celebrations

Greatest Arbicans!
We are happy to announce that in the course of the year, at least two prominent members of our Association Mr Kenny Olokose and Prince Adeloye (Larry Bee) celebrated their Platinum Birthday Anniversaries. These milestones symbolise greater accomplishments in our ranks and greater height of camaraderie.

8.0 Re-Union Parties

8.1 Loud! Loud! Lagos!

Apart from the Re-Union Party sponsored in Ondo for the Alumni Association in May 2023, the Lagos Group headed by Ambassador Godson Echigele put together a worl-class Re-Union Party in Lagos to celebrate the Association. The party attracted Arbicans from home and abroad.

8.2 All Hail Birmingham!

Greatest Arbicans!
The Great Arbicans in Europe continued in 2023 to spring much surprises as they put together a Euro-denominated re-union Party together in July to celebrate the Association and to keep bonding on the highest mode.

Waoooh!
Are you aware that the group has picked another re-union day for 2024?
Do you know that the Alumni Association in Manchester will hold its re-union programmes on 7th July 2024 and you are invited if you care?

8.3 Home-Branch Springs a Huge Surprise

As part of the activities to show love and solidarity, the Home Branch of the Alumni Association swung to action by marking Alumni Day 2023 with Public Lecture and Get-together Party? Do you know the National Alumni Association was there to grace the occasion with strong camaraderie?

8.4
Oyo State Has Come with a Loud Bang!
Greatest Arbicans!
Come Saturday 6th January 2024, do you know that the Alaja Idayat Iyanda-led Executive Branch of Alumni Association in Oyo State will commence the new year with a loud re-union party? Do you know the day promises to be a Special Amala, Ewedu and Gbegiri Day? You are all expected.

9.0 Finances
UBA
As at this date and time
30/12, 14:49 UBA
Bal:NGN 9,594.72

30/12, 14:51 ACMFB
Bal:8,306.46
Avail:7,906.34

10.0 CONDOLENCES

Greatest Arbicans!
With total submission to the unchangeable will of God we regret to state that we lost at least four of our prominent members. We sympathise with the Lagos Group over the demise of Aunti Bose, the Ife Group over the death of Dr Ayo , the Ilesa Group over the death of Mr Femi and the Akure Group over the loss of one of us there. May their gentle souls rest in peace. Amen.

11.0

Conclusion

Greatest Arbicans!
May I crave your indulgence to adapt and adopt this yet another story to say au revoire to you in 2023 and to wish you Happy 2024?
Now listen!

In Japan, during the war, this boy below was
carrying his dead brother on his back to
bury him.
A soldier on guard noticed him and
asked him to throw this dead child so
that he would not get tired and stressed out.

The boy replied: “He’s not heavy, that’s my brother!”

The soldier understood and broke down
in tears.

Do you understand?

Since then, this image has become a
symbol of unity in Japan

Let this be our motto too in 2024:

“He’s not heavy.

He’s my brother…
She’s my sister!”

If he falls,
raise him.
If he gets tired, help him.
If he needs support,
stand with him,
If he makes a mistake,
forgive him!
And if the world abandons him, then carry him as the Lord carried us,
He surely is not heavy,
Because he is my brother!”
A Great Arbican!
😪😭😭😭