The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has celebrated the retirement of one of its most influential academic leaders, Professor Emmanuel Adedayo Fasakin, describing him as a rare blend of scholar, administrator, and mentor whose impact will long outlive his years in office.
A Professor of Fish Nutrition and Utilization and former Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Fasakin was honored at a colorful send-forth ceremony organized by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology (FAT), where he served throughout his academic career until his retirement at 70. He was variously praised as a dogged academic, straightforward administrator, peace-loving leader, jovial personality, humble scholar, hardworking professional, frank communicator, and visionary institution builder.
The event drew a large audience, including members of the University Management, staff, students, alumni, friends, and former members of the Governing Council, all gathered to celebrate a man whose footprint on FUTA’s development is both deep and enduring. Over the years, Prof. Fasakin served as Dean of Student Affairs, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Acting Vice-Chancellor, and Pioneer Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile Oluji, roles in which he consistently demonstrated strength, courage, and resilience in leadership.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, paid glowing tribute to him, describing Prof. Fasakin as her friend, brother, father, guardian, special adviser, mentor, and leader. She highlighted his resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to institutional growth, noting that his straightforwardness and firmness in decision-making set him apart as a dependable administrator whose counsel remains invaluable to the university.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Timothy Amos, also lauded Prof. Fasakin’s dedication, integrity, and selfless service, emphasizing that his leadership helped provide stability and direction at critical moments in the institution’s history. Former Governing Council members similarly noted that his tenure in various roles was marked by innovation and purposeful leadership.
Welcoming guests, Head of Department, Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Professor Olamide Olawusi-Peters, expressed profound appreciation for Prof. Fasakin’s immense contributions to the department. She described him as a father-figure and role model whose administrative experience, mentorship, and commitment to excellence greatly strengthened the department and inspired younger academics.
One of the memorable highlights of the ceremony was a short playlet by FAT 501 students, centered on securing safe fishing waters and promoting healthy fish production. The theme mirrored Prof. Fasakin’s lifelong passion for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development, making the performance a fitting artistic tribute to his career.
Goodwill messages and testimonials flowed from colleagues and former students, including former Governing Council members Professor Adekunle Dada and Professor Yemisi Adepalusi, Director of Corporate Communication and Protocol, Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo, and many mentees. They recalled his jovial nature, humility, hard work, frankness, and peace-loving disposition. Many also highlighted his role in initiating the Students’ Union Executive Diaspora Retreat, an innovative platform that allowed student leaders to understudy global best practices and adapt progressive ideas for institutional growth.
Responding to the outpouring of affection, Prof. Fasakin, who now serves as Chairman, Governing Council, Ekiti State Polytechnic, expressed profound surprise at the scale of the celebration. He said he had not expected such an elaborate event in his honor and thanked the University Management, colleagues, students, and friends for what he described as an overwhelming demonstration of love and goodwill.
He expressed deep appreciation to everyone he had worked with and mentored—both intentionally and unintentionally—stating that leadership and mentorship are continuous processes of mutual learning. He acknowledged that FUTA, and especially the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, prepared and equipped him for the many leadership responsibilities he has handled and continues to handle. According to him, the experiences, challenges, and collaborations within the university shaped his administrative philosophy and positioned him for greater service beyond the institution.
The ceremony ultimately stood as a fitting tribute to a distinguished scholar and administrator whose legacy of service, mentorship, and visionary leadership will continue to resonate within FUTA and far beyond its campus.
