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Stewardship of Excellence… Former Director of Physical Planning, Builder Sola Dare , Delivers Valedictory lecture, Bows out of Service.


The Former director of Physical Planning, Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA Builder Shola Dare has retired from the the university after 35 years of meritorious service and attainment of mandatory retirement age of 65.
Delivering his valedictory lecture titled " The Trajectory of FUTA'S Physical and Infrastructural Development : My Story "on the 5th of November 2024, at the TI Francis Auditorium ,he chronicled his experiences and Stewardship through his years of service describing them as challenging yet rewarding. Builder Dare pointed out that over thirty (30) monumental projects in the university were initiated and completed with strict adherence to best practice and highest standards under his supervision.
According to him, "Through the prudent application of funds and focused goal-oriented leadership of the University Management at various times coupled with the highly responsive mindset, best practice benchmark, and professional hard work, dedication, resilience, and disposition to duty, I took full advantage of the rare and unique opportunity given me to add value to the emerging beautiful landscape of FUTA. All these were made possible by keeping strictly with the letters of the regulations governing the prevailing Procurement environment at various times."
He also said a culture of transparency was built and sustained under his watch. While giving an account of his stewardship, the former director said, "Under my watch, and with all due sense of responsibility, I stand before you with a profound sense of pride to put it to you that FUTA occupies an enviable position second to none amongst procuring entities in the Higher Education sector in providing a level playing ground for all stakeholders in our procurement processes. A good number of the bidders provide this feedback which is a personal source of inspiration for me. For me it was a matter of cause to deepen this goal in our operations, hence we were intentional to open the space for the end users of the items of Procurement to participate in the processes leading to the award of contracts within the constraints of the enabling laws".
Talking about his legacy and impact he said " My legacy projects have contributed substantially to the transformation of FUTA’s landscape. I'm proud to have developed infrastructure for teaching, research, and learning. enhanced student life and experience. contributed to FUTA's National recognitions, mentored colleagues, and students.”
He charged the next generation of builders and other professionals to strive for excellence, prioritize integrity, professionalism, humility and compassion over personal gain and aggrandizement, Innovate, take calculated risks, and learn from failures, build on foundations laid and create legacies and contributions that can transform lives and communities.
Speaking in her capacity as Chairman of the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Development, Professor Sunday Oluyamo said ," Builder Dare has left an indelible mark on our institution. It is only fitting that we reflect on the legacies and achievements of an indefatigable personality. Throughout his tenure as director of our university he has been a beacon of inspiration, guiding us with wisdom , integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His vision and strategic thinking steered our university through challenges and triumph shaping it to the citadel it has become today. His dedication to duty fostering a spirit of collaboration among us is highly commendable. As we honor him let's not just express our gratitude but also draw inspiration from his journey ".
In the same vein, the Director of Physical Planning, Engr Folorunsho Boyinbode said " Builder Dare is a professional in administration, his administrative acumen has attracted commendations within and outside the university. His immense contributions to the physical transformation of FUTA from a 'take-off site to one of the most beautiful campuses in Nigeria is highly commendable. Additionally, he is not only a builder of physical structures, but also a builder of men. He has mentored many staff in the Directorate of Physical planning to various positions of leadership in various territory institutions across the country and in their respective professional bodies".
The valedictory lecture was graced by Royal fathers, Clergy , Family , Friends, and Staff of the university.
Builder Dare , a Fellow of Nigeria Institution of Building, joined the services of Directorate of Physical Planning Federal University of Technology Akure on January 10, 1989, FUTA as a Clerk of Works/Building Engineer and rose through the ranks to become the 4th substantive Director of Physical Planning in 2011 ,a position he held till 2021.