By Raheemat Adeniran
February 3, 2026 was a memorable day at Fountain University, Osogbo. Members of the University Management, staff of the Bursary Department adorned in elegant blue Aso-Ebi Adire, and colleagues from across the institution gathered at the newly built 600-seater hall. The occasion was the end-of-tenure celebration of a remarkable woman who had overseen the University’s finances since its inception, the retiring pioneer Bursar, Hajia Silifat Ali-Balogun (FCA).
Widely admired for her humility, gentleness, and unwavering commitment to service, Hajia Ali-Balogun devoted eighteen years of her professional life to ensuring the financial stability of Fountain University. Her dedication made it possible for the University to function smoothly and pursue its academic mission with confidence.
One aspect of her service that staff members can readily attest to is the prompt payment of salaries. Indeed, I must confess it was a primary consideration for me when I decided to leave my alma mater, the Lagos State University where I had built my academic career for 16 years. I was weary of falling into pitfall of working in a university that perpetually defaults on monthly salary payment. Alhamdulillahi, to the glory of Allah, salaries at Fountain University are consistently paid on or before the 24th of every month, an achievement that speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the Bursary under Hajia Ali-Balogun’s leadership.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim, described Hajia Ali-Balogun as a “woman of faith, humility, and distinguished service,” whose commitment to the University’s vision remained unwavering throughout her tenure. She eulogised the retiring Bursar as a leader guided by faith, quiet strength, and genuine concern for others, irrespective of status or circumstance.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, these virtues shaped a leadership style marked by composure, fairness, and excellence, one that commanded respect not merely through authority, but through character.
Professor Karim further noted that during her service as Head of the Bursary Unit, Acting Bursar, and two-term substantive Bursar, Hajia Ali-Balogun displayed exceptional work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and an unrelenting commitment to quality service delivery. Her calmness under pressure inspired confidence, while her prayers and goodwill uplifted many within the University community.
These attributes were vividly brought to life in a short drama performed by members of the Bursary Department. The engaging and entertaining performance mirrored a typical day in Hajia’s office, highlighting her habit of first asking about staff welfare before assigning urgent tasks. Her deep affection for her colleagues was reflected in the endearing names she fondly coined for them, such as OluwaFatimah, Hamzatullah, gestures that endeared her to many.
The event was not all laughter and praise. It also featured a reflective lecture delivered by one of the University’s Imams and Deputy Registrar, Mr AbdulRauf Mumini. Titled “A Successful Tenure: Gratitude to All, Service to Humanity,” the lecture reminded those in positions of authority of the transient nature of leadership. Mr Mumini emphasised that all positions are temporary, for only Almighty Allah reigns forever. He urged leaders to reflect on how they wish to be remembered after leaving office and to see leadership as a responsibility rather than a privilege, noting that all actions will be accounted for in the hereafter.
Commending Hajia Ali-Balogun, whom he fondly referred to as a mother figure, Mr Mumini encouraged her to remain grateful to Allah for a tenure that ended with honour, joy, and widespread admiration. “Our mother,” he said, “this is a time to reflect on Allah’s grace. Not everyone who desires a position attains it, and not everyone who attains it completes it.” He concluded by leading the audience in a popular Yoruba song of gratitude, “Oye káà dúpẹ́…”, which had the hall singing along in joyous unison.
In a creative summary of her career, the cleric crafted an acronym from her first name, SILIFAT, describing her service as one marked by Sincerity, Integrity, Leniency, Institutional trust, Financial prudence, Accommodation, and Truthfulness. He encouraged her to continue serving humanity through mentorship and charitable initiatives, while deepening her devotion to Allah.
Friends and family members also took turns celebrating Hajia Ali-Balogun, offering glimpses into aspects of her life beyond the University. A longtime friend, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Bisi Akanni, spoke of her humility and religiosity, traits that long predated Fountain University. He noted that despite being born into affluence as the daughter of a renowned motor dealer, the CEO of Owodunni & Sons Motors, who gifted her a car annually, Hajia Ali-Balogun remained modest, disciplined, and service-oriented.
Representing the University’s proprietor (Nasrul-Lahi-il-Fatih Society, NASFAT), Alhaji Shamsudeen Dele Afunku (FCA) recalled his insistence that she be appointed head of the Bursary Unit at the University’s inception, citing his firm belief in her professionalism and competence. He also reminisced on the intrigues that surrounded her appointment.
Yet, beyond the accolades and professional accomplishments, she remains, above all, a devoted mother. As one of her sons poignantly expressed in a tribute, at home she is simply “the best mother we could ever have imagined.”
Dr. Raheemat Adeniran, a Journalism and Media Studies scholar, is Ag. Dean, College of Management and Social Sciences, Fountain University, Osogbo.
