The authority of the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo has paid a courtesy visit to the family of the foremost educationist, politician and clergy, late Archdeacon Emmanuel Oladipo Alayande. It would be recalled that the Oyo State Government re-named the former Oyo State College of Education, Oyo (now Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo) after this enigma and renowned educationist in recognition of his contributions to nation building and as an alumnus of the institution in 2008.
According to a release made available by the Media and Public Relations Officer, Wale Adeoye, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle, who led other council members and the University Management, while speaking during the visit, presented the University’s request, emphasizing Pa Alayande’s deserving of the honour bestowed upon him by the Oyo State Government, owing to his significant contributions to education in Oyo State and Nigeria at large. He highlighted that many Council members were aware of Pa Alayande’s impactful endeavours during his tenure as Principal at Ibadan Grammar School. He hinted that his students had assumed leadership positions across various sectors, including industry, academia, and politics. Despite many being retired, their influence persists. “The purpose of the visit according to him, was to offer the family the opportunity to contribute tangibly to the University in Pa Alayande’s name, expressing the University’s appreciation for any assistance the family might offer”. He finally appreciated the family for the warm reception accorded the University authority.
In response, the family, speaking through baba’s grandson, Mr. Ladi Alayande reflected on the adage “A good name is better than all the riches of the world.” He affirmed their willingness to make a substantial contribution, although they refrained from specifying the extent. However, Pa Emmanuel Alayande’s eldest child, Dr (Mrs) Olubukola Oni in her brief comment stipulated that whatever they decided would be in honour of Mama Alayande, the late Pa Emmanuel Oladipo Alayande’s wife. Additionally, the University Administration was requested to provide the family with the needs of the University.
On the delegation of the Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Professor Ayoade Olayiwola Ogunkunle were the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan,
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim O. Salawu,
Council Members-at-Large Prof. Abass A. Adedibu, Hon. Mrs. Olufunmilayo Orisadeyi, Chief Isaac A. Koleoso, Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs Olubunmi Siju’ Asunmo, Acting Bursar, Mr. Emmanuel Oluninyo Adegoke, Acting University Librarian, Dr. Mrs. Serifat Mojisola Asiru, Principal Assistant Registrar, Council & Legal, Mr. Gabriel O. Okedokun, Media and Public Relations Officer, Mr ‘Wale Adeoye and the Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor Mr. Kehinde O. Oladosu while the Alayande family led by Dr (Mrs) Olubukola Oni had Mr Ladi Alayande, Mrs. Aduke Farinade, Mr. Yemi Okesina, Mr. Wole Okesina, Prof. Mojisola Oyebola, Mr. Caleb Olaniyi, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba among others.
