It was a gathering of the leading lights from various academic communities and a coterie of members of the cross section of the society when a former Dean of the School of Environmental Technology, SET and Member of Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA, Professor Julius Olujimi formally closed over 4 decades of meritorious service to the built Industry education in Nigeria on the 20th of February 2024.
The retirement programme featured his 70th birthday celebration, a book launch and valedictory lecture. Friends, family, and associates including former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and the Alara of IgbaraOke Oba Dr. Francis Adefarakanmi Agbede took turns to eulogize Ogunjimi describing him as a great mentor, seasoned academic and a pillar in the built Industry.
While delivering the valedictory lecture, the Provost, College of Social and Management Sciences, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti state, Professor Olusegun Oriye said there must be synergy between all professionals in built Industry in order to fast track its development in Nigeria. Speaking on the topic:
“Repositioning Planning Education and Practice for Entrepreneurship,” he said the practice of town planning and urban development involves teamwork where the planner serves as the prime consultants in the master building team. “We need an integrated educational system that encompasses all the levels of education with commensurate skills for a healthy balance that will facilitate the rapid development of Nigeria's built Industry " the professor declared.
According to him planning skill sets are developed either through the formal education system or by practical work experience and these all work together to provide a holistic system that will lead to the continual growth and consolidation of the planning profession both in education and practice in Nigeria.
Earlier in her remarks the Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Taiwo Amos ,said Olujimi effortlessly struck a balance between being a guiding force and a compassionate listener. She said " we are here to reflect on the impact our esteemed don has had on countless lives of staff and students. He has instilled confidence in his academic colleagues and students through his unwavering commitment to excellence. His contributions to research are remarkable and his tireless efforts gave FUTA public recognition”. She added that the books launched in his honor will be a vital resource to scholars.
The Duo of the Dean of SET, Professor Olaniyi Aje and the Head of Urban and Regional planning Department Professor Joseph Basorun lauded Olujimi for being an iconic leader whose sterling attributes will forever remain an indelible legacy.
They attested to his dynamism which overtime has resulted in his deploying of all available resources to dedicate staff and students, describing him as a source of inspiration to all.
The Chairman of the occasion, a former Bursar of the Ekiti State University EKSU, Chief Francis Adeniyi said the accolades given to the don are a testament to his amiable personality and academic achievements especially in the built Industry.
The valedictory lecture was followed by the launch of a book titled: Infrastructural Development and Planning Administration in Nigeria which was reviewed by Professor Afolabi Akindahunsi and launched by the Chief Launcher, Hon. Festus Akingbaso, a Member of the House of Representatives Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency and other dignitaries at the occasion.
