Today, 18 May, 2020, one of the best, most honest and most dedicated non teaching staff members of the University of Ibadan, Mr. Olusegun Soyannwo will be formally disengaging his services from the institution on account of his attainment of the retirement age.
Mr. Soyannwo, who has diligently served the UI in various capacities including undergraduate admissions unit where he demonstrated uncommon commitment, loyalty and honesty, will be leaving the University with fond memories and clean records as there is no single incident of unethical behaviour in his file despite various humongous temptations he faced while serving the University.
Given his natural glowering visage, many people would probably think he is wicked and sadistic, but those who are privileged to be familiar with him will be quick to share their pleasant experiences with him. The truth is that, Mr. Soyannwo who could be admirably described as a rough diamond, is simply, highly principled and honest to a fault. He served the University of Ibadan with all honesty, hard work, and dedication. Interestingly however, just as every beginning must have an end, this man of integrity will today be going on retirement, on account of his age, but without any strand of blemish, signifying the end of his services in UI.
Mr. Soyannwo who handled many difficult and dangerous cases on behalf of the University when he was in undergraduate admissions unit, could have made millions of Naira for himself at the expense of the UI, were he a corrupt officer, as he faced several temptations of inducement, but chose to remain stainless and steadfast, thus , earning the trust and confidence of his bosses and the institution . For instance, he discovered many cases of admission irregularities, leading to the withdrawal of some students from UI. He faced threats to his life, yet, he remained undaunted. He naturally hates fraud and corruption!
In addition to his clean record, this man of impeccable character is as humane as he is kind, ready to assist the needy with his resources and wisdom. He doesn’t need to know you before helping you. Once he discovers that you have a genuine case, he assists you without expectations of any reward. Many graduates of the University will testify to his kindness with the way he helped them to study their subjects combination and advised them to apply for certain courses where they could compete favourably. Ultimately, they were admitted based on Mr. Soyannwo’s recommendation. Many parents used to throng his office then for advice and suggestions regarding the course of study their children could choose.
Indeed, I was a beneficiary of his good nature. In those days when I was so desperate for a Direct Entry admission, I barged into his office without prior notice and he listened to my case benevolently as if he had known me from Adam. He eventually played a key role along with the then Head of Department of Communication and Language Arts, Prof. Festus Agboola Adesanoye. Both of them worked in synergy to frustrate the antics of some people who ignorantly stuck to the rule of the game they couldn’t properly interpret. Mr. Soyannwo was my major inspiration when I thought I had lost the battle. He fought gallantly, albeit rather discreetly. He went and solicited the assistance of Prof. Adesanoye to ensure that I got the admission. Yet, he didn’t know my origin. Such is the nature of this man of principles.
When I challenged him on why he decided to help me considerably without knowing me, Mr. Soyannwo told me that, he never did anything special, because God had used the first female Registrar, Chief Mrs. Moji Ladipo to bring him into the system at a period it mattered most in his life. Consequently, in his words, “I have resolved to assist as many people as I can in this life” According to him, “good people lift people, this system will outlast all of us. It is the good that you did for people that they will remember when you leave” What could be more prophetic? In 2009 when the University advertised a particular job, he encouraged me to apply. And, that was a turning point for me as my performance at the interview later facilitated my appointment much later.
We became so close. In the same 2009, he honoured me with his presence in Abeokuta during the burial ceremonies of my aged mother. He has since been monitoring my career progression, offering very useful pieces of advice every now and then. Most of his observations have been prophetic. Indeed, there are many people in the system who can as well testify to his altruistic spirit.
As Mr. Soyannwo goes on retirement, may God continue to uphold him, keep him and prolong his life in peace and prosperity.
Sunday Saanu is the Media Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan.
