Today, 2nd of December, 2021 is one of remarkable days to be reckoned with in the life of the Rector of The Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State. Adding another fulfilled year is a day of joy, undiluted merriness with worthwhile reflection of great accomplishments.
Describing an humble and diplomatic leader often does not require a dictionary or encyclopedia, the traits and charismatic personality embedded in one in the position of authority gives a perfect definition of humbleness and diplomacy.
My different encounter with Dr. Lateef Olatunji has in all ramifications put my writings into perspective to describe him as a paradigm of a doyen administrator and the oracle of Polytechnic education in Nigeria.
Apart from his passion for academic excellence which has placed the Polytechnic on the enviable height above other Polytechnics in Nigeria, his humble and jovial interaction with staff and students is rare among people in the helm of affairs.
Dr. Olatunji based on my social penetration instinct sees power and authority as transient and takes it lightly. He jokes like an ordinary staff and relates like a common man. He has never for once seen himself as the most superior as he carries all along in his administration which has brought about tremendous change in the Polytechnic.
To Dr. Olatunji, nothing is too personal as many staff, students on several occasions do join his official car while going to school and vice versa. Like many staff and students will see the Chief Executive Officer of their institution as semi-god, Dr. Olatunji owns big heart that accommodates people from all quarters and mingle accordingly. His renown simplicity is best to be reckoned with.
Punctuality they say is the soul of any business. The success recorded in Dr. Olatunji’s administration is as a result of his promptness and punctual attitude to work. On official and unofficial occasions, Dr. Olatunji’s 8 :O clock will not exceed 1 minute. This enviable traits has earned him remarkable accolades as one who leads by example. Since his assumption to office, a speedy transformation has taken place in punctuality, quality of work and service delivery. He has keen interest in welfare of both staff and students, little wonder, he was awarded best Rector in staff welfare by NEC of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics( SSANIP) at a colourful ceremony in Abuja.
An able and capable leader will always crave for capable hands in his administration. Dr. Olatunji loves to work with capable hands irrespective of gender and always acknowledge hard working and diligent staff. He frequently moves round the campuses for check and balances in departments, faculties, directorates and units. An exercise that has yielded more development in the Polytechnic. He detests mediocrity and has subtle way of rebuking mediocrity by his common saying: ” e ma ba ise yi je” meaning don’t spoil this work.
Dr. Olatunji’s diplomacy and humbleness cuts across sporting activities. A sport man to the core who has changed the face of sporting activities in the Polytechnic. The Polytechnic under his administration has one of the best sport complex in tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the polytechnic had recorded successes in sports competition. This indefatigable genius was also Chairman, Sport Committee of the Polytechnic from 2009 to 2011 during which he coordinated staff and students for all major national and continental tournaments such as Nigeria Polytechnics Games( NIPOGA), West African Polytechnics Games( WAPOGA), Nigeria Polytechnics Senior Staff Games( NIPOSSGA).
For the hard work and dedication to duties, he was bestowed the Award of the most dedicated and hardworking academic staff of the Polytechnic for 1996/1997 academic session.
Dr. Olatunji operates an open door policy, a leader who listens to subordinates when necessary and makes statutory decision appropriately. He is fondly called “masema,” coined from ‘mercy’ because of his merciful and humanitarian gestures.
Dr. Olatunji is a rare gem that knows administrative tactics that befits a particular setting. He has made his name count in the forest of the brave. A gift bestowed on Fedpoffa, to be remembered till eternity.
Happy Birthday to the Einstein of thought, Galileo of diction, doyen administrator, chattered accountant, boss of bosses, prince of peace. I wish you many more fulfilled and prosperous years ahead. The “Masema” of our time.
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