Theatre icon and a former Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Lagos, Professor Duro Oni, has received special accolades from the institution.
The scholar who has put in 45 years at UNILAG is among the 59 other members of staff the citadel honoured at a long-service award it just held.
Oni, a former chief executive of the Centre for Black Africa and and Civilisation (CBAAC), who spoke on behalf of the awardees, expressed joy to be among those being recognised.
Oni, who is of the Creative Arts Department, noted that self improvement was another driver to a happy and fulfilled life.
“You know, for anyone that comes to a place to work, there are certain things that are very paramount. The first one is the ability to improve oneself.
“You cannot afford not to go a step higher than when you joined the organisation, especially in a university environment. You must strive to go on and improve your self, just as you also strive to remain loyal,” he said.
Oni said he had put in 45 years of service and was preparing to retire by next year.
“I want to say I feel very honoured receiving this long service award by the university. It is a commendable initiative under the leadership of the 12th vice chancellor, Prof. Ogundipe,” he said.
Prof. Winifred Makanjuola of the Department of Zoology, who had put in 40 years of service in the university, was also honoured, among others.
The awardees were presented with gifts and certificates.
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At the evnt, the immediate past Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Bello, said loyalty of members of an organisation or institution played a key role in its development or collapse.
He assumed office as the institution’s vice chancellor in November 2012, bowed out of office in November 2017 and retired from service in 2018.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 59 staff members comprising both the academic and non academic, who had served the institution in various capacities for 35 years and above, were honoured at the ceremony.
The Professor of Chemical Engineering and the 11th vice chancellor of the university
noted that the institution was standing firm till date because of the immense contributions of most of its work force.
“Loyalty remains a key driver in any organisation aspiring to reach its peak and attain or even surpass set goals.
“It determines if any structure will progress or collapse. At the same time, motivation too plays a major role in ensuring loyalty.
“For me, I must commend this wonderful initiative put together by the university to celebrate those who have put in so much in ensuring that this university stands firm and still going.
“As has been often said, the only thing that should be a mark of honour is to be recognised in your place of work, which is what this university is doing today. The current vice chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, my successor, has done very well and is still doing well.
“He has kept the flag flying very high, inspite all odds. He has been able to maintain all what we both put together for the growth of the university when I was the vice chancellor. When a system is standing firm, it cannot collapse,” he stated.
He noted that the award was well deserved, noting that those still in the system would be motivated to give their best.
Bello advised the retiring members of staff to strive hard in ensuring that they pay adequate attention to their health.
He said that life after retirement could be enjoyable, only if everything was done in moderation, and they engage in exercise.
Also speaking, the vice chancellor of the institution, Prof Ogundipe said the initiative was to show appreciation to all the deserving awardees, for their contribution to the steady growth and development of the university.
“What we are doing here today is to celebrate our members of staff that have served the institution for 35 years and above and are about to retire.
“This is because, if we do not celebrate ourselves, nobody will. So we need to recognise them for their support and sacrifice that they must have made, to see this university to where it is today.
“We are honouring those that are retiring and also wish to let those still the in the system know that they too will be so recognised, when it get to their turn. It will motivate them.
“Those we are honouring here today cut across the academic and non academic staff, including drivers, security men and others.
“UNILAG has witnessed its period of challenges and great successes and still standing strong. It all boils down to loyalty of members of staff, which will in turn brings about the overall development,” he stated.
