...an account of stewardship and what distinguished her amidst Nigeria Tertiary Institution's Leaders
Year in year out virtually all media platforms in Nigeria are celebrating 'Man of the yearvaward'. An award that is dedicated to honour one single person out of over 200 million people in Nigeria. The award may require academic achievement, or on any parameters to select, nevertheless, whatever measure put in place, out of many qualified personality, one identity must be honoured.
Contrary to the general trend of celebrating 'Man of the Year', The Brain Magazine dim it fit to celebrate 'Woman of the Year Award' by selecting a woman of outstanding performance of the decade, in person of Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunke Olanike Akinkurolere FNSE.
The spirit of Excellence in this extraordinary woman is acclimatize to Daniel's attributes in the bible according to Daniel 6:3. Hmm! There is something special about this woman fashioned with diverse creative attribute, Lion hearted, that distinguished her out on a list of over 100 potential awardees after a thorough and rigorous selection exercise that went through a long process.
The entire board of editors of The Brain Magazine beamed their searchlight for an identity with excellence spirit, they were struck by her wizardry and ingenuity in building what has become the 'OGITECH brand' that produces only Product not Problem to become Nigeria's fastest growing Tertiary Institution driven by technology to sustain national dignity in the continent of Africa and on the global stage.
Akinkurolere has not only lifted the glory of the school from the secondary school look, it was before, but make it a sought-after Tertiary Institute with values and probity. Apart from the infrastructural and intellectual building, she is also a lover of sports which really shows in the school sporting activities through her commitment to the yearly 'RECTORS FOOTBALL CUP' and Gym center setup in the campus.
She is one of the Millions of educationalist and patriotic servant in the public domain who are making differences in their areas of specialisation, recording monumental successes, contributing to economic growth, creating thousands of jobs and adding value to the lives of many, but yet unsung. In recent time, women are taking over leadership roles in all sectors of the economy due to their distinctive performance over time, like the banking sector for example over seven (8) Banks are led by women in Nigeria and they are making differences.
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The Brain Magazines research team painstakingly search and discover this silent achiever who would ordinarily wish to be left alone to mind her capacity building business, which is to contribute silently to the growth of the Nigerian economy and betterment of the society in her own little way. According to Proverbs 22:29 'seeth thou a man diligent in his work, he shall stand before Kings, he shall not stand before mean men'. It took Nebucchanazzar's wife to unveil Daniel to the prince after the demise of his father as the man with 'excellence spirit' so she is.
Accolades from Public Icons
Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor, Ogun State: She made Ogun state proud as the daughter of the land, excel in the land via her area of expertise.
Ibikunle Amosun, FCA, former Governor, Ogun State referenced her as a symbol of emulation to other tertiary institution leaders waiting for government allocation for survival. 'You need to learn from Funke's administrative strategy of running institutions for stability, he said.
HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewa land declares her as a vibrant and exemplary woman of Ilaro, Yewa land, who has brought dignities to the land. She is a goal-getter, highly focused, energetic and an amazon in the pool of women in her generation in Yewa Land. She proved herself commendable and can be recommended for greater task in the public domain.
Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, Honourable Commissioner for Education, Information and Technology, Ogun state proclaimed her as a rector that stands out amidst peers. Her disciplinary approaches won her the best Jamb most compliance award in 2019, which says more on her personality. I am really impressed with her performance of turning around OGITECH stories for good.
Pastor Akinbamijo: She is a woman of difference endowed with many features of leadership; ruggedness, forthrightness, integrity and boldness. I salute your ingenuity in raising godly children in this corrupt generation. Weldon!
Chief Akinogun Musiliu Akinyemi , The Okanlomo of IGBESA, Land confessed that her tenure has recorded tremendous development in terms of physical and intellectual development. I remember when she was appointment to pilot the school affair in 2014, we were worried about the continuity of the laid down foundation by her predecessor but today, I want to declare that, she as fulfilled an aphorism that says 'what a man can do, a woman can do better'. She has really proved that the leadership cap fits her.
Mrs Olaseni A. Oguneley, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of education, Ogun State: Akinkurolere is a woman of repute, hardworking, integrity and virtuous woman always ready for action. She has brought honour, glory to Ogun state, particularly Ogun state institute of technology, IGBESA.
Prof. Is'haq Oloyede, JAMB DG described her as a very dedicated rector and passionate administrator of excellence, who has tremendously contributed to the development of our Nation, Nigeria through her fruitful works in OGITECH.
Alhaji Muhammad Olagbaye, former Lagos state commissioner of finance: She is the first to organize convocation ceremony for students of Ogun state institute of technology, a day that will remain in the memory of Nigerians, 'Ogun people' and most especially IGBESA because the environment was painted blue.
Irewole Alade, OGITECH Alumni declared her as a true mother that care about her children at all times. We can boast of her capacity if given a chance in the political setting to serve our dear country, Nigeria.
The identity of the performing woman
Who is Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunke Olanike Akinkurolere FNSE?
On 6th of August, 1973 a beautiful and genius baby girl now mother to many, Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Olanike Olufunke Akinkurolere (Nee Olatunji) was born into the family of Pa Emmanuel Olusesan Olatunji and Mrs. Comfort Adunni Olatunji of Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government of Ogun State, Nigeria.
It is only people with excellence DNA that can stand tall amidst challenges in life' She is a symbol of excellence as an Engineer, Educationist, and Administrator with probity.
Her Spiritual Life
It takes only a personality driven by the scripture to build a sustainable structure. Any structure without scripture will surely sustain an injury tagged Fracture. Akinkurolere knowledge of the scripture made her see life as vanity. She is an ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ogun Province 4, where she is proclaiming and protesting for Christ.
2 Chronicle 7:14 says If my people who are called by name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, heal their land and forever be their God.' As it is known that 'Prayer is the Masters key', she imbibe the prayer strategy through the monthly Campus fellowship for all staff and student of 'OGITECH' to win the aged battles of 'neglect' at Igbesa.
Academic Journey & Honours
There is a saying that Education is the best legacy', in order to live a life with many legacies Olufunke Akinkurolere began her academic pursuit from Egbado South Local Government (E.S.L.G) Primary School, Ilaro, Ogun State between 1979 to 1985. She progressed to Egbado College Ilaro for her Secondary Education between 1985 and 1991. Her pursuit in search for information to activate her vision and revelation of rebuilding Nigeria's education sector for global acceptability moved her to progress to Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti in 1991 where she studied Civil Engineering and graduated with Second Class (Hons) Upper Division in 1997.
Due to her intentional living, envisaged to make a significant difference in life, she accelerated into action to acquire more knowledge to become a master in her area of specialization by joining the moving train at the University of Ibadan for her Master's Degree. There was a saying that 'it is good to be a master, great to be a doctor and honorable to be a professor in a specified line of interest to make significant change'. According the above statement, Dr. Mrs Akinkurolere directed her dossier towards studying Doctoral Degree of Philosophy in her chosen area of specialization in Structural Engineering from Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China and graduated in 2008.
Every calling has a mandate to be fulfilled before joining the professional bodies to make more and significant differences. She met all requirements to join the registered Engineer and corporate member of relevant societies. Here are few of bodies: Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers; member, Council of Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); Member, National Association Mrs. Women Academics; Member, Nigerian Environmental Society, and Organization for Women in Science for Developing World (OWSDW).
Honours and distinctions to her credit
An excellence personality are decorated with many honours and distinction award for becoming intentional in adding values to humanity. John Maxwell said 'If you want to be significant and live a life that matters, you must add values to others'. Her values earned her many honours such as; Student with the highest CGPA, Civil Engineering Department, UNAD 1997 set; Federal Government of Nigeria Scholarship: 2004 — 2008; Chinese Government Scholarship: 2004 — 2008; Recognition and Commendation for Outstanding performance in 2012 by the Faculty of Engineering, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti; Recognition Award for selfless and immense contributions to public service and Education within Ogun state and Nigeria by Egbado College (Now Yew College) Old Students Association (ECOSA, 1985/91 Set); She also bagged an Award of Excellence as Icon of humanity by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), September, 2015; Junior Chamber International (JCI) Award of Excellence in recognition of her contributions to Human Capacity Development, October, 2015;
Other distinguished accolades are: Yewa Royal Recognition Award of Excellence in Academic for her outstanding and distinguished Academic service to Yewa people, Ogun State and Nigeria by the Yewa Traditional Council December, 2015; 'Leadership Award as the Best Female Educational Administrator for the year 2016' by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Chapter; '50 Foremost Nigerian Engineering Role Models Award' by Black Heritage International Magazine, 2016 Edition; 'Award of Honour as an Icon of Technological Advancement in SOUTH West, Nigeria' by National Association of Nigerian Students — Zone D, 2017 student's week; Gateway News Update 'Recognition Award of Excellence as the most Outstanding Rector in Ogun State for 2017'; OGITECH 2017 Comradeship Award of Excellence for Infrastructural Development and African Education Monitor 2021 Nigeria's Polytechnic Rector of the year Award. As an engineer of great value, an apostle of peace with keen interest in the success of Students' Academic quests, she was awarded 'Students Friendly Rector of the Year.'
She has also been nominated for the Fellowship Award of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES).
As computer scientist believe in their slogan 'Talking is sweet, show your code' so, it is in the Academics that you either publish or perish. Hence, Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunke Olanike Akinkurolere, FNSE keyed into Publish pattern against perish to complement her significance building purpose. Today, she has published more than forty (40) publications and technical reports in local and international journals.
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Her Service Capacity
She is an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at the Ekiti State University where she began her professional and lecturing career.
As a Structural Engineer and administrator per excellence in the University system, she has acted as Head of Civil Engineering and Computer Engineering Departments, and as Chairperson/Member of various Committees and important programmes within the system.
Currently, she is the South West Coordinator of the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology.
As a woman with creative attributes and probity, fashioned with exceptional leadership trait, she was appointed by the former Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun CON, FCA on Tuesday, 15th July, 2014 as the first female and second substantive 'Rector of Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, Ogun State, Nigeria' a brand that brought her to limelight through a qualitative leadership and deep technology thinking in less than Eight years in office as rector with the continuous support of Government including Prince Dapo Abiodun regime, Dr. Olufunke Akinkurolere has achieved great strides and foot prints in the sand of time.
'I love impacting lives, especially the youth, for economic sustainability and to position them for greater opportunities at the global level,' Dr. Mrs Akinkurolere declared.
The brand 'OGITECH'
Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH) Igbesa (formerly Gateway Polytechnic, Igbesa), one of the leading tertiary institution driven by technology in Nigeria was established to run Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Engineering, Sciences, Environmental Technology, Communication and Management courses in 2005 by the former Governor, Gbenga Daniel. OGITECH as it is popularly called is a dynamic and advanced driven technology citadel of knowledge with great programmes designed to enhance local, and global capacity building. All courses offered at OGITECH are accredited by the National Board for Technical Education.
It is a state owned tertiary institution run like a private school to give positive result in alacrity, to provide opportunities to corporate and self-sponsored candidates to fit into an appropriate academic scheme without quitting job for school or quit school for job. This enhances prospective students to apply for either Ordinary National or Higher National Diploma programme that best soothe their academic and career development aspirations.
Choosing Ogun State Institute of Technology, will glean a kind of knowledge that adequately prepares you for a wide-range of roles within the spectrum of multi-national companies and IT industry, with the certification of Cisco Programmes,' Akinkurolere advises.
Some of her Footprint/Achievement in OGITECH
Few cogent legacies accomplished at OGITECH by Engr Dr. Mrs. Akinkurolere are: Construction and furnishing of Twin Lecture Hall, Completion and painting of 1500 capacity multi-purpose hall, The perimeter fencing of the Institute's Land, Regular conduct of staff promotion exercises, Encouragement/support of staff registration with the relevant professional bodies, Sponsoring of academic and non-academic staff for conferences, training and workshops, Prompt payment of staff salaries, pension and other entitlement's, Upgrading of institute Electrification in general, Campus beautification and construction of kerbs, Sponsoring of best student for competitions and conferences within and outside Nigeria, Purchase of Toyota Sienna space bus for use as ambulance, Upgrading to online admissions processing and payments, Purchase of office furniture and Laptops, Reactivation of machines and renovation of mechanical engineering workshop, Recognition of the institute by jamb as a computer based centre, Renovation and roofing of Institutes health centre, Hosting of first combined convocation ceremony, Issuance of certificates to graduands since inception, Purchase of laboratory furniture and equipment and Construction of road to the Institute.
Also, purchase of library furniture, books, repair and renovation of library block, Reconstruction of burnt marketing department building, CCTV installation within campus, Renovation and painting of lecture rooms, laboratories, staff offices and entire administrative block, Construction of 50 new drawing boards and studio tools, Mounting of exhibition at federal ministry of science and technology expo 2017, at Abuja to showcase the projects and entrepreneurship products of our students, Re-accreditation of seventeen (17) existing programmes by National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Mounting of Fifteen (15) new `academic programmes i.e. National Diploma in Mass Communication, Banking and Finance, Taxation, Public Administration, Building Technology, Civil Engineering, Welding and Fabrication, Quantity Surveying; Higher National Diploma in Environmental Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Marketing, Estate Management and Valuation, Mechanical Engineering, Mass Communication among others; 2019 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) NATAP AWARD 2019 with a prize of N75million; Building of 300 Capacity ICT centre; a befitting Administrative Block; and a Complex for School of Environmental Studies by Tetfund.
All these qualities earned her this Excellence Brain Award and recognition as The Brain Magazine 'Woman of the Year, 2022' through her productive account of stewardship at OGITECH and her exemplary legacies amidst Tertiary Institution's Leaders in Nigeria.
Dream Team behind her Success story at 'Ogitech'
Mrs. Sakirat Olajumoke JOHNSON, Ag. Registrar
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Yoruba from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, and a Masters of Arts in Yoruba Literature and Culture from Lagos State University, Ojo.
She joined the civil service of the Ogun State Government with the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, Ogun State in 2007, after some stints at different private educational settings and her vast knowledge with experience in different departments, has headed administrative positions and is currently the Ag. Registrar of the Institute.
She is a registered member of the Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria.
Abdul Salam Yunus. O
Abdul Salam Yunus. O (B.Sc, HND, ANAN M.sc. Accounting) is the Ag. Bursar of Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa.
He holds a National Diploma in accounting from Yaba College of Technology Yaba, Lagos; a Higher National Diploma from The Polytechnic, Ibadan; Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree from Crawford University, Lusada in accounting respectively.
He is a registered member of Association of National Accountant of Nigeria (ANAN) and Association of Nigeria Farmer.
He formerly worked with Wema Bank of Nigeria Plc (Ewekoro Branch) as a cashier and Honda Manufacturing Nigeria Limited, Ota as an Account & Import Supervisor. He was also a Senior Auditor at Adesina Mufutau Towolawi Chartered Accountant &Co. He is currently serving as the Ag. Bursar of Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa.
Miss. Eseoghene Deborah UDI
Miss. Eseoghene Deborah UDI is currently the Head of Library, Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Library and Information Science from Delta State University, Abraka, and a Masters of Education in Library, Archival and Information Study from University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
She joined the Institute in 2007, serve as Librarian and Lecturer.
She is a registered member of the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) and Nigeria Library Association (NLA)
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