“The essence of today’s gathering is clear, we must do everything within our capacity to fight against ignorance. Information is power, both physically and spiritually. This programme is intended to give us a deeper understanding of the responsibilities before us”
By John Odunayo
Preparatory to taking over the mantle of leadership, the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Alumni Association has organized a two-day transformative retreat for the newly elected leadership of the association.
The new leadership will be inaugurated at the beginning of next year, when the tenure of the Bishop Temitope Arogundade-led Executive Committee (exco) expires.
The retreat, with the theme, ‘Strengthening Alumni Leadership for Institutional Advancement’, which held at Norah Hotel, Ayede Ekiti between Wednesday, November 26, and Thursday, November 27, featured seasoned facilitators, past leaders of Alumni associations, and university administrators to equip the new executives with essential skills for effective governance.
The outgoing Global President of the FUOYE Alumni Association, Bishop Arogundade, said, “The essence of today’s gathering is clear, we must do everything within our capacity to fight against ignorance. Information is power, both physically and spiritually. This programme is intended to give us a deeper understanding of the responsibilities before us”.
Arogundade urged the incoming executives to elevate the association beyond its current state, expressing confidence in their capacity to drive progress.
He commended the organizing committee led by Mr Abiona Sekoni and Mrs Omowunmi Kayode, for their dedication to ensuring a successful event.
Bishop Arogundade, who also shared insights from his tenure during a technical session, titled ‘The University Model – Building Mutually Beneficial Partnerships: My Experience,’ encouraged collaboration that enhanced both alumni and institutional growth.
In his paper titled, ‘The Role of Alumni in University Advancement and Global Competitiveness (Understanding the Structure, Functions, and Ethics of Alumni Associations)’, a former Global President of Ekiti State University Alumni Association and Director General of the Homeland Intelligence Agency, Ekiti State, Dr Dotun Adetumberu, highlighted vigilance, ethics and strong organizational structures as pillars of a progressive alumni body.
A Professor of Mass Communication and Director of Career Service, FUOYE, Prof. Adebola Aderibigbe, represented by the Council Affairs Officer, FUOYE, Mr Emmanuel Adohoje, delivered two practical and engaging strategic papers: ‘Leadership Excellence for Alumni Executives: Effective Communication and Alumni Engagement Strategies’ and ‘Conflict Management, Decision-Making, and Consensus Building’.
Aderibigbe stressed that transparent governance and long-term planning as vital for FUOYE’s development.
On the second day, Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye, former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State and former Osun State Commissioner, delivered a comprehensive paper on Fundraising, Endowments, and Partnerships for Alumni Projects.
Prof. Oyawoye highlighted innovative models for resource mobilization, sustainable donor engagement, and collaborative strategies aimed at strengthening the association’s capacity to implement meaningful developmental initiatives.
As part of strategic engagements, the outgoing Global President, Arogundade, led the incoming executives on courtesy visits to key offices within FUOYE. The Medical Director, Dr Adesina, lauded the team’s commitment and urged a strong campaign against substance abuse among students, pledging her support for future initiatives.
During a visit to the university management, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Tajudeen Opoola, described alumni as “the backbone of any institution” and assured the executives of management’s support.
FUOYE Registrar, Mr Muftau Ibrahim, welcomed the delegation and encouraged them to sustain the legacy of the previous administration.
The executive also visited the Director of the Advancement Centre, Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye, urged the incoming executives to elevate the association’s relevance and pledged the Centre’s support for initiatives projecting the university positively.
Participants described the retreat as timely, impactful, and a strong foundation for a more vibrant and result-oriented administration.
The incoming executives are:
Taye Adebisi Ojo – President
Motunrayo Oyedele – Vice President
Esan Femi – Gen. Secretary
Salahudeen T. Ayowale – Assistant Gen. Sec.
Akinyemi D. Oluwasegun – Financial Sec.
Ojo Isaac Sanmi – Treasurer
Promise E. Olugbeje – Social Secretary
Victor Daramola – Assistant Public Relation Officer
Amure S. Emmanuel – P.R.O
Ige Kehinde Abimbola – Welfare
