- OSCO-HEALTH Lecturer Bags Doctorate in English Literature
By John Dike, Osogbo
Friends, family members, associates in the academia and colleagues of the Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa, on Thursday gathered in their numbers to celebrate the academic achievement of one of their own, Dr Tajudeen Kolapo, who recently earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in English Literature.
The celebration, held at the convocation ground of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), featured tributes, goodwill messages, a public lecture, Quranic recitation and special prayers in honour of the scholar and lecturer.
The event provided an opportunity for family members, friends, colleagues and associates to reflect on the academic journey of Dr Kolapo and celebrate what speakers described as the product of perseverance, hard work, dedication and resilience.
In his welcome address, Dr Fatai Oyekola Alimi expressed appreciation to the guests for honouring the celebrant, describing the occasion as a well-deserved recognition of Dr Kolapo’s academic accomplishment.
Alimi described the PhD graduate as an exemplary individual who had distinguished himself through selflessness, commitment and dedication to whatever responsibility he undertook.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion and Chief Executive Officer of Art Deco, Architect Ayodeji Ogedengbe, represented by his wife, Mrs Ogedengbe, described Dr Kolapo as a symbol of tenacity and doggedness.
He said the celebrant’s academic journey had been challenging, noting that his eventual success was achieved through perseverance, hard work, determination and unwavering commitment to his goal.
The occasion also featured a keynote lecture titled, “Tenacity and Doggedness Towards Success: Islam and the World,” delivered by Ustaz Maroof Arogundade.
Arogundade urged younger people to cultivate perseverance and resilience in their pursuit of success, stressing that meaningful achievements are often preceded by challenges and difficult experiences.
He also urged Dr Kolapo to use his experiences as a source of mentorship for younger people who may encounter difficulties similar to those he experienced during his academic journey.
Speaking on the topic, “The Journey So Far: From U.I Till Now,” the celebrant’s wife, Alhaja M.I. Kolapo, recalled the difficult periods the family experienced throughout her husband’s academic pursuit.
She described the journey as a challenging one for the entire family, but expressed gratitude to God, friends and family members who stood by them at various stages.
In a goodwill message, Prof. F.O. Ladapo commended Dr Kolapo for his determination and perseverance, noting that his academic journey was not a straightforward one.
Ladapo recalled periods when completing the programme appeared difficult, but said the celebrant remained committed to his objective until he eventually achieved the feat.
In his response, Dr Kolapo, who became emotional while recounting his experience, disclosed that there were moments when he almost abandoned the pursuit.
He recalled the numerous challenges he encountered on the path to obtaining the doctorate degree, but attributed his eventual success to God’s grace and the support he received from family members, friends, colleagues and associates.
The scholar expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the celebration, saying their presence and support would remain indelible in his memory.
The closing remarks were delivered by the Chairperson of the occasion, Alhaja Khadijat Adegoke, wife of Justice Kola Adegoke.
Other dignitaries at the event included Dr Mrs Taiwo Adeagbo, retired Executive Secretary of the Osun State Senior Secondary Education Board; Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), OSCO-HEALTH, Ilesa Chapter, Comrade Ogungbemi Afeez; Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), OSCO-HEALTH, Ilesa Chapter, Engr. Taiwo Ajayi; and Mrs Folake Grace Oketunji.
Also present were Mrs Grace Oketunji, former Executive Secretary and former Principal of Ataoja School of Science; Mr Wasiu Oyebamiji, retired Principal of Ataoja School of Science; Mrs Nike Nnodim, former L.I.E. in the Ministry of Education and retired Principal of Ataoja School of Science; Mrs Ajayi Mary, Prioritress, Modupeolu School, Owode-Ede; and Dr Akindele, Chief Executive Officer of Kindawa Academy.
The well-attended ceremony featured Quranic recitation, a public lecture, goodwill messages and special prayers for the celebrant as guests celebrated his attainment of the doctorate degree and wished him continued success in his academic and professional career.
