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Tag: LAUTECH

  • Olayinka Ajao: Rekindling the flame of LAUTECH,

    Olayinka Ajao: Rekindling the flame of LAUTECH,

    • By Simbo Olorunfemi

    In establishing Oyo State University of Technology in 1990, the founding fathers had a clear objective for it not to be just another university. Their desire was for a university that would produce self-reliant graduates who would lead the charge in the technological and industrial development of Nigeria, which was why they made it a University of Technology. In line with their objective, the university commenced its first academic session on 19 October 1990, with 436 candidates enrolled in the faculties of Agricultural Sciences, Environmental science Sciences, Engineering and Management Sciences, and Pure and Applied Sciences, with the College of Health Sciences was established a year later.

    Following the separation of Osun State from Oyo State, the university’s name was changed to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, but the dream remained the same. The University has been consistently ranked high by national and international organisations, with ‘The Times Higher Education’ rating LAUTECH as the 11th best university in Nigeria and the number one State University in Nigeria. LAUTECH, which now has 12 Faculties, a post-graduate school, and other centres, with over 40,000 students currently enrolled across 52 departments, has produced thousands of graduates who have continued to live up to the dream of the founding fathers, becoming leading lights in the technological space in Nigeria.

    One of those leading lights is Olayinka Ajao, who enrolled in the University shortly after it was founded to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He would, upon graduation, join the telecommunications industry, which was just beginning to take shape with the licensing of the first set of companies for GSM operations. In 2001, Ajao joined one of the leading telecommunications companies in Nigeria as a foundation member of Staff, starting a career that would eventually establish him as one of Nigeria’s seasoned Telecommunications experts.  He functioned in different capacities across the industry as a Network Systems Engineer, Technical Support Engineer, and RF Planning & Optimization Engineer (Ericsson & Huawei Equipment), before he was appointed Head of Network Planning/Programme Management at Helios Towers Nigeria in 2008 till 2013 when he left to set up his company, Zyetechcom Integrated Services Nigeria Limited, which has grown to become a major player in the collocation section of telecommunications, with a network of tower-infrastructure to across the country.

    With strength in diagnosing complex issues and conceptualizing innovative solutions, Olayinka Ajao, over the last 2 decades, established his name in the industry for his proactive and creative approach to addressing diverse challenges within the realm of Radio Frequency Planning and Optimization, receiving several awards for reducing congestion and drop calls on the network. He would further excel in the development of Towerco infrastructure, earning the CEO Outstanding Performance Award at Helios Towers for his role in growing the Towerco infrastructure of the company from 50 to 1000.

    Following on the success he has made of Zyetechcom Integrated Services Nigeria Limited, Olayinka Ajao later expanded his line of business, venturing into Agriculture with the establishment of Harvestmax Agro-Allied Nig Ltd and a property company, Giggles Properties Limited in 2021, which he has grown into a major player in the real estate industry, with portfolio across multiple cities.

    Olayinka Ajao is quick to tell those who ask that what has helped him on his journey is his passion for excellence, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating enduring value. Beyond his degree and certification in Engineering as well as extensive training in different aspects of telecommunications, he has earned an MBA as well as numerous certifications at home and abroad in Computer Engineering, Project Management, Leadership, etc., including one from Harvard Law School Programme on Negotiation.

    Beyond business, Ajao has demonstrated a keen sense of compassion and passion for community service. This would lead him to set up the Jolade and Adeyi Foundation, which he says was inspired by his “deep-rooted connection” to his heritage and the philanthropic legacies of Mrs. Jolade Mary Ajao and Mr. Adeyi Suleiman.  Through that organization, he has empowered various individuals with limited economic means in Ogbomoso and other parts of Nigeria, rendering different forms of support to the underprivileged and aiding the enrolment of 50 high school students in Ogbomoso for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Board examination.

    Read Also: Olayinka Ajao: Rekindling the flame of LAUTECH,

    Buoyed by the dream planted in him at LAUTECH, Olayinka Ajao has remained grounded, always looking back to see how he can help those who might have been left behind while ensuring that the flame of the university keeps burning. Beyond other forms of support rendered over the years, he recently decided to up the ante, committing to the building of a Lecture Theatre for the use of the University. This, he says, is his way of giving back to an institution that gave so much to him, laying the foundation for everything he has been able to accomplish. Future generations of students deserve a better learning environment than the one he had to better prepare them for the demands of the future, he says.

    The LAUTECH Community has been paying attention to the activities of Olayinka Ajao in its immediate environment and the country at large, hence the decision to confer on him the award of the honourary Degree of Doctor of Technology, D.Tech (honoris causa) at the 16th Convocation ceremonies of the university holding later this month. It is, no doubt, a recognition that is truly deserved and a tribute to a man who, propelled by the dream of the founding fathers of the university, has taken to town what he got from the gown and has made exceptional contributions to the growth of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria and development of the people and his community. Between him and LAUTECH, this is a fitting way of rekindling the flame that was lit in 1990.

  • Olayinka Ajao: Rekindling the flame of LAUTECH,

    Olayinka Ajao: Rekindling the flame of LAUTECH,

    • By Simbo Olorunfemi

    In establishing Oyo State University of Technology in 1990, the founding fathers had a clear objective for it not to be just another university. Their desire was for a university that would produce self-reliant graduates who would lead the charge in the technological and industrial development of Nigeria, which was why they made it a University of Technology. In line with their objective, the university commenced its first academic session on 19 October 1990, with 436 candidates enrolled in the faculties of Agricultural Sciences, Environmental science Sciences, Engineering and Management Sciences, and Pure and Applied Sciences, with the College of Health Sciences was established a year later.

    Following the separation of Osun State from Oyo State, the university’s name was changed to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, but the dream remained the same. The University has been consistently ranked high by national and international organisations, with ‘The Times Higher Education’ rating LAUTECH as the 11th best university in Nigeria and the number one State University in Nigeria. LAUTECH, which now has 12 Faculties, a post-graduate school, and other centres, with over 40,000 students currently enrolled across 52 departments, has produced thousands of graduates who have continued to live up to the dream of the founding fathers, becoming leading lights in the technological space in Nigeria.

    One of those leading lights is Olayinka Ajao, who enrolled in the University shortly after it was founded to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He would, upon graduation, join the telecommunications industry, which was just beginning to take shape with the licensing of the first set of companies for GSM operations. In 2001, Ajao joined one of the leading telecommunications companies in Nigeria as a foundation member of Staff, starting a career that would eventually establish him as one of Nigeria’s seasoned Telecommunications experts.  He functioned in different capacities across the industry as a Network Systems Engineer, Technical Support Engineer, and RF Planning & Optimization Engineer (Ericsson & Huawei Equipment), before he was appointed Head of Network Planning/Programme Management at Helios Towers Nigeria in 2008 till 2013 when he left to set up his company, Zyetechcom Integrated Services Nigeria Limited, which has grown to become a major player in the collocation section of telecommunications, with a network of tower-infrastructure to across the country.

    With strength in diagnosing complex issues and conceptualizing innovative solutions, Olayinka Ajao, over the last 2 decades, established his name in the industry for his proactive and creative approach to addressing diverse challenges within the realm of Radio Frequency Planning and Optimization, receiving several awards for reducing congestion and drop calls on the network. He would further excel in the development of Towerco infrastructure, earning the CEO Outstanding Performance Award at Helios Towers for his role in growing the Towerco infrastructure of the company from 50 to 1000.

    Following on the success he has made of Zyetechcom Integrated Services Nigeria Limited, Olayinka Ajao later expanded his line of business, venturing into Agriculture with the establishment of Harvestmax Agro-Allied Nig Ltd and a property company, Giggles Properties Limited in 2021, which he has grown into a major player in the real estate industry, with portfolio across multiple cities.

    Olayinka Ajao is quick to tell those who ask that what has helped him on his journey is his passion for excellence, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating enduring value. Beyond his degree and certification in Engineering as well as extensive training in different aspects of telecommunications, he has earned an MBA as well as numerous certifications at home and abroad in Computer Engineering, Project Management, Leadership, etc., including one from Harvard Law School Programme on Negotiation.

    Beyond business, Ajao has demonstrated a keen sense of compassion and passion for community service. This would lead him to set up the Jolade and Adeyi Foundation, which he says was inspired by his “deep-rooted connection” to his heritage and the philanthropic legacies of Mrs. Jolade Mary Ajao and Mr. Adeyi Suleiman.  Through that organization, he has empowered various individuals with limited economic means in Ogbomoso and other parts of Nigeria, rendering different forms of support to the underprivileged and aiding the enrolment of 50 high school students in Ogbomoso for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Board examination.

    Buoyed by the dream planted in him at LAUTECH, Olayinka Ajao has remained grounded, always looking back to see how he can help those who might have been left behind while ensuring that the flame of the university keeps burning. Beyond other forms of support rendered over the years, he recently decided to up the ante, committing to the building of a Lecture Theatre for the use of the University. This, he says, is his way of giving back to an institution that gave so much to him, laying the foundation for everything he has been able to accomplish. Future generations of students deserve a better learning environment than the one he had to better prepare them for the demands of the future, he says.

    Read Also: Convocation: LAUTECH alumni to organise workshop for graduates, undergraduates

    The LAUTECH Community has been paying attention to the activities of Olayinka Ajao in its immediate environment and the country at large, hence the decision to confer on him the award of the honourary Degree of Doctor of Technology, D.Tech (honoris causa) at the 16th Convocation ceremonies of the university holding later this month. It is, no doubt, a recognition that is truly deserved and a tribute to a man who, propelled by the dream of the founding fathers of the university, has taken to town what he got from the gown and has made exceptional contributions to the growth of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria and development of the people and his community. Between him and LAUTECH, this is a fitting way of rekindling the flame that was lit in 1990.

  • New VC for LAUTECH

    New VC for LAUTECH

    SIR: The governing council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso has advertised the position of vice-chancellor of the university. This is consequent upon the retirement of the immediate past vice-chancellor, Professor Mojeed Liasu. Thus far, Professor Rom  Kalilu, a professor of Arts and History has been holding forth in the university. As an award winning university, LAUTECH deserves the best to maintain her position as the best state university in Nigeria.

    The university has been lucky to have at its helms versatile and forward looking vice-chancellors during testy periods. Joint ownership of the institution following the creation of Osun State in 1991 nearly crippled the university due to failure of the either side to honour their financial obligations to the school. Non-payment of salaries and emoluments of staff led to strike actions by the staff of the university and eventual closure for many months. .

    The coming of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde marked a turning point for the institution. He came on board when the institution was prostrate. As a matter of fact, he made rejuvenation of LAUTECH one of his campaign promises. Upon becoming the governor, he went into action. He did not only end the joint ownership conundrum that had impeded the wellness of the institution, he reduced the fees regime and gave adequate subvention to the school. This pragmatic approach brought peace and progress to the school. One area I had differed with Makinde is the relocation of the Faculty of Agriculture to Iseyin. The policy, to me, is unhealthy for Ogbomoso’s economy whose lifeline is LAUTECH. Then, I saw the policy as a way of  creating another crisis in the school if another state is created in  future – Ogbomoso and Oke-ogun not being in the same zone. But Engineer Makinde has allayed the fear as regards his policy with the construction of 80-kilometer Ogbomoso-Fapote-Iseyin road. Efforts in regional integration has integrated Ogbomoso and Iseyin through LAUTECH.

    Read Also: Firm to build world-class research centre at LAUTECH

    With Makinde’s laudable accomplishments in Oyo State and LAUTECH in particular, the institution needs a good hand to sustain the tempo. In my view, the acting VC of the university, Professor Kalilu, stands tall among his peers jostling for the position. Kalilu is a graduate of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he studied Fine Arts. He was at the premier University of Ibadan for his Master’s degree, which he crowned up with a PhD. He joined the services of LAUTECH in September 1, 1992 and within eight years, he was appointed a professor of Arts and History. He rose through the ranks to assuming the headship of the institution in acting capacity.

    Appointment of Kalilu by the Makinde administration as acting vice-chancellor is not misplaced going by his intimidating credentials. The governor is reputed for putting round pegs in a round holes, and I believe this will not be an exception.

    • Adewuyi Adegbite  ayekooto05@gmail.com
  • Convocation: LAUTECH alumni to organise workshop for graduates, undergraduates

    Convocation: LAUTECH alumni to organise workshop for graduates, undergraduates

    The Alumni Association of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (Worldwide), LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, will on Wednesday, April 17 organise a capacity building workshop training for graduates and undergraduates in commemoration of Alumni Day 2024 Convocation.

    A statement by its public Relation Officer, Dr. O. Obasanjo, explained the guest speakers are Maryam Adefarati, CEO of Microsoft’s Africa Regional Cluster and Fikayo Benson, Director of Global Goals at the United Nations Association-Chicago (UNA-USA-Chicago). 

    He said the theme of the event is “Stepping stones: Building Your path to success after graduation” while “Building a sustainable career, navigating the transition from University to the professional world, and cultural intelligence for global: embracing change and resilience” is the sub-theme.

    According to him, the workshop, slated to hold at The Great Hall, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso by 11am, will have in attendance the institution Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rasaq Kalilu; Registrar K.A Ogunleye; Alumni Chairman Board of Trustee, Chief Babajide Bewaji and the Chief Host, Engr. Olalekan Badmus. 

    Read Also: New VC for LAUTECH

    “The Global President of LAUTECH Alumni Association, Engr. Olalekan Badmus will be awarding deserving best graduating students during the 2024 convocation ceremony of the University.

    “The award include Overall best graduating student; Best graduating student of Faculty of Agricultural Sciences; Best graduating student of Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences; Best graduating student of Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences; Best graduating student of Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

    “Others are Best graduating student of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences; Best graduating student of Faculty of Clinical Sciences; Best graduating student of Faculty of Nursing; Best graduating student of Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Best graduating student of Faculty of Management Sciences.”

  • Firm to build world-class research centre at LAUTECH

    Firm to build world-class research centre at LAUTECH

    A firm, Supply Chain Africa, in partnership with Adebayo Adeleke LLC, is set to build research and innovation centre at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

    The project, which will cost N5billion ($4.5 million), is aimed at revolutionising supply chain research and development not only in Nigeria but also across the world.

    Read Also: LAUTECH Alumni congratulates member on appointment

    Speaking during a visit to the Acting Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH, Prof. Rasaq Kalilu, the visionary of the project, Adebayo Adeleke, expressed commitment towards advancing supply chain solution within Africa.

    He underscored the importance of research and innovation in tackling complex challenges and also emphasised multidisciplinary nature of the centre, which integrated fields such as engineering, robotics and art.

  • Adeleke to build N5billion world class research, innovation hub at LAUTECH

    Adeleke to build N5billion world class research, innovation hub at LAUTECH

    A philanthropist, Adebayo Adeleke, is set to build a N5bn world class Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub (SCRIH) at Department of Transport Management, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

    Adeleke, who is the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) Supply Chain of Africa during a courtesy visit to the acting Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH, Prof. Rasaq Kalilu, said the project  would be the first Supply Chain, Research and Innovation Center in Nigeria and second in Africa when completed..

    According to him, one of the motives behind building of the centre was to foster relationship between government, academia and industries in proffering solution to problem of Nigeria through research and innovations.

    He lamented that Nigeria relies on foreign knowledge, saying most of what we see across the world started from civilisation in Africa.

    He said “By what we intend to build here which is a world class because we can’t shortchange anything, our rough estimate is about N5b which is about 3.5 million US dollars.

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    He said “We believe in ability to bring everything back home and prove to the world that we can do research, we can solve our own problem, we can do it in such a way and manner that we can put it in our indigenous knowledge so that we will not only able to solve our problem alone but also proffer solution to global challenges at large.

    “The essence of this research facility is to foster relationship between Government, academia and industries because nobody has monopoly knowledge.

    Read Also: LAUTECH Alumni congratulates member on appointment

    “All the three tiers coming together to proffer solutions to all our problems, the essence of this is to have ready made solution that can solve some of challenges facing our supply chain.”

    Feeding questions on choice of LAUTECH for the project, Adeleke said it was based on its location as a gateway either from South to the North.

    “Ogbomoso is strategic in nature, it’s a gateway talking about supply chain in Nigeria from North to the South, it’s also a place you can dispatch to go to the Savannah.

    “We are pacesetter in this and we intend to use this premier of many things to be done within the University, this is just a start of the relationship that we intend to foster between us and the institution over the course of time.

    “The institution has recorded tremendous success which has make graduates of this institution over the last 20 years captains of industry, it is important to partner with them because they already have a success story.”

    Kalilu commended the initiative of Adeleke, saying the institution has been looking forward towards partnering with such minds and possible agencies.

    He said the centre would go along way in assisting the University to upend its research capabilities and linkages, adding that one of his goal since he came on board was to internationalised operations of the University so as to repositioned it and make positive impact at global level.

  • LAUTECH Alumni congratulates member on appointment

    LAUTECH Alumni congratulates member on appointment

    Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Alumni Association, under the leadership of Global President, Lekan Badmus, has congratulated Oluremi Omowaiye, an engineer; on his appointment as the executive director, Project Implementation, Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

    The alumni also hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for acknowledging one of its own to be part of his administration, following the appointment of Badmus as the executive director, marine and operations, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), last month.

    A statement by the spokesperson for the association, Dr. Babalola Obasanjo, thanked Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola, for his dedication towards developing next generation of talents.

    Read Also: LAUTECH alumni congratulates Omowaiye on new appointment, hails Tinubu, Oyetola

    It described Omowaiye as a thoroughbred technocrat with the experience to carry out his mandate.

    The statement said: “On behalf of the entire LAUTECH Alumni Association worldwide, we wish to congratulate you on your recent appointment as the executive director, project implementation of the Federal Housing Authority.

    “We believe in your strength and knowledge to handle the task ahead, having served as commissioner for Science and Technology under former governor Rauf Aregbesola and as commissioner for Works and Transport under ex-governor Gboyega Oyetola.”

    “While we pledge our support, we hope you will bring to your new role the unselfish dedication, concentration and ability that have long been the pillars of your success.”

  • Peller congratulates LAUTECH alumni President Badmus over appointment as NPA director

    Peller congratulates LAUTECH alumni President Badmus over appointment as NPA director

    The Ayedero of Yorubaland, Hon (Dr.) Shina Peller, has extended his heartfelt congratulatory message to the President of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Alumni Association, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, on his appointment as the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). 

    Peller’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement on his social media platforms at the weekend. 

    He expressed confidence in the ability of Engr. Badmus to turn things around positively in his new role at NPA.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu named Badmus alongside others as the new Executive Directors in Nigerian Port Authority and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). 

    Peller, a former Federal lawmaker,  commended Tinubu‘s decision, describing it as a well-informed one, while expressing confidence that Badmus will make significant contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy ministry and economy at large. 

    According to him:  

    “I congratulate my dear brother, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, who is the President of our prestigious LAUTECH Alumni Association, on his appointment as the Executive Director, Marine & Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

    “Right from our days at LAUTECH till date, you have always exhibited impressive leadership traits and abllity to turn things around positively at any slight opportunity. 

    “Indeed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a well-informed decision in appointing you as the NPA Executive Director, and I am very confident that you will make significant contributions to the growth of nation’s Marine & Blue Economy sector and Nigerian economy at large.

    “As the global president of our prestigious LAUTECH alumni association, we are very proud and delighted to associate with you, and we pray that God bestows on you required strength, wisdom and understanding to deliver excellently in your new role. Amen.”

  • Former LAUTECH acting VC Liasu dies at 70

    Former LAUTECH acting VC Liasu dies at 70

    The immediate past acting vice-chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Prof. Mojeed Olaide Liasu is dead.

    Details of his death were still sketchy as of press time, but The Nation learnt that the scholar died after a brief illness.

    Read Also: Students drag Makinde to court over relocation of LAUTECH Agric Faculty

    The 70-year-old Ibadan-born professor of botany died today, almost 6 months after retirement.

    He had on June 12, 2023, retired at 70.

  • NALDA partners LAUTECH, Nigeria’s farmers’ on increased crop production 

    NALDA partners LAUTECH, Nigeria’s farmers’ on increased crop production 

    The National Agriculture Land Development Authority (NALDA) has entered into partnership with  Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho Oyo State and the Nigeria’s Farmers’ Group and Cooperative Society (NFGCS) in Nasarawa State.

     This partnership is aimed at improving sustainable domestic food supply in accordance with the President’s declaration of a state of emergency on agriculture. 

    The Nation observed that the partnership is already yielding positive results through increased maize production and attraction of PhD students. 

     The result from a 60-acre maize farm under the partnership, which has not yet been harvested, is motivating the university to request more and diversification into the livestock production industry, especially to revamp its 3000 broiler production crumbling facilities on campus. 

    Read Also: Ondo Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa resumes, to preside over SEC

    Speaking, Dean of the university’s faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Samuel Babarinde, as part of the collaboration, the university released 60 acres of land for farming and the labour force needed to carry out agricultural production activities utilizing its 400 Level internship students. 

    He said NALDA supplied all the necessary equipment, including tractors, harrows, boom sprayers, planters, harvesters, and maize shellers including fertilizer, seeds, and agrochemicals for the production process.

    He however described the relationship as “graciously timely,” pointing out that without it; their 400 Level internship students during their practical year would not have access to such agricultural mechanisation. 

    Meanwhile, the partnership with the NFGCS has resulted in the production of rice in 100 hectares. Recently, NALDA officials and journalists visited the 100-hectare farm to observe harvest activities. 

    The NFGCS Chief Operations Officer, Hope Christopher, stated that it has made it easier to handle the challenges associated with manual labour. 

    Christopher said the mechanization process made harvesting easier, cost effective and more efficient.