Ode to Professor Oyesiku at 55
The life of Professor Olukayode Oyekanmi Oyesiku, pioneer vice-chancellor of the premier University of Education in Nigeria and second in Africa, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ogun State is that of a great achiever worthy of emulation.
Owing to his entrenched stance on maintaining scholastic standards, the school is now an emerging giant; a benchmark which other schools bring into play when assessing their efficiency and growth; a fact rightly noted by the National Universities Commission.
I am one of his pupils who had a relatively close rapport with him. I admired his humility, zeal and undying passion for excellence; his dedication toward the mission and vision of the school brought about the immense development and outstanding successes recorded during his tenure.
My first communication with him was on his 51st birthday. I sent him commemorative wishes while informing him that we shared the same month of birthdate. He acknowledged and equally wished me 'belated happy birthday' adding that 'I am honoured by your message'. Those words enthralled me and for a moment, I felt like the premier of a region, or a global business tycoon of sort.
He is one of the few icons that have remained modest despite attainment of several feats, needless to recount here since his profile can be viewed on cyberspace. Till today, we discuss and exchange thoughts on topical national matters; he is wont to providing constructive insights with complementary thorough analysis.
During my time in the school Students' Union, his father figure ensured there was no single demonstration. Unlike some university heads that were always at loggerheads with students' executives, he regularly met with us even in a relaxed atmosphere. His understanding of students/management issues is also remarkable as we had mutual conformity on most subjects; an act that helped sustained the peace and tranquillity of the institution.
I never had the intent to script this piece the day I did. It was a beautiful Sunday evening. I was outside my room enjoying the gentle wind at sundown, flicking through the one of the countrywide tabloids which was rather uninteresting. Didn't expect more, it was May 27 and that connote one thing; individuals, schools, religious bodies, corporate establishments, and perhaps state organs go head over heels to wish the young ones a beautiful day. Hence, what I had in my hands was a newspaper with limited news. A waste of money somewhat!
The sky in next to time gathered thick mist to its chest. The cloudscape was fascinating – the type you barely see immediately after sundown. Soon, the smell of a looming downpour took over the lush surroundings of my apartment. Suddenly, it crossed my mind that Prof's date of birth was only days away. I decided I would celebrate my friend; the gentleman deserves it.
At that point I got up and walked straight to my room. I had been looking for a journal all day so I continued my search and whilst at it, a textbook I used at Festac Grammar School dropped. It was the 7th Edition Advanced Level Physics by Nelkon and Parker; a book I never liked.
The sight of the book made me nostalgic, as though the sight of an olden times lover. The index of contents attracted me. I was amazed, and amused too as it turned out an educational publication best fits what I thought through. My expression exhibited disbelief; I giggled, nodding my head side to side.
As I browsed the book, the first thing I fished out was 'Dynamics', similar of Prof's vigor. His simplicity endeared him to many just as his manners were 'Simple and Harmonious'. He is serene, resourceful and I don't recall him using 'Forces' in his dealings. A hardworking man that gives in the possible best so much you wonder his 'Source of Energy'. Nigeria should perchance contract him for energy generation.
A guru in his 'Gravitational field', (Urban and Regional Planning), he has a unique 'Elasticity' leadership style that has attracted admiration from near and far. His 'Capacitance' to successfully carry out an assignment is never in doubt. Blessed with a huge foresight, he clearly sees bright ideas whether in form of 'Oscillations' or different 'Waves' through his 'Optical Lenses'.
He was able to study and understand 'Theories, Temperature, Heat and Energy' of TASUED. By careful but decisive 'Conduction and Radiation' of day-to-day running of affairs, he succeeded in revolutionizing the school from 'Analogue to Digital' age. I hope he will someday confer on him an 'Electromagnetic Induction' into the country's Hall of Fame.
We cannot say that Michael Nelkon and Phillip Parker had Professor Oyesiku in mind when they authored the book. But one thing difficult to overlook is the likeness of the Oyesiku's character and the duo's work. Many thanks to the pair; their knowledge assisted in putting together this witty eulogy which I trust will instigate a grin on the face of the celebrant.
I join other well-wishers, family and associates in wishing this academic titan, talented music instrumentalist, extraordinaire civil servant and a source of inspiration many more fruitful years in good health and divine wisdom of selfless service to our dear nation.
Happy Birthday Sir