ALMA MATA HONOURS NIEPA REGISTRAR WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

In an elaborate ceremony held at St. Joseph Catholic Primary School on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025, the Registrar and Secretary to Council of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Dr. Festus Olagoke Olaolu, was conferred with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The event brought together a cross-section of dignitaries from various walks of life to honour distinguished personalities who have contributed meaningfully to the development of the school. Speaking in glowing terms of Dr. Olaolu’s contributions to the school, Comrade Prince Babajide Adesina, Headmaster of St. Joseph Catholic Primary School and Chairman of AOPSHON in Oke-Igbo, highlighted Dr. Olaolu’s impactful work in public education, particularly at the basic level.

Being an indigene of the host community Oke-Igbo and an alumnus of the school, Dr. Olaolu has made significant impacts through community engagement, promoting educational development, and contributing to local initiatives, the headmaster said. Speaking further, Prince Adesina added that Olaolu’s passion for giving back to the community, especially in the realm of education, and his achievements have inspired local youths and contributed to the growth of educational standards in Oke-Igbo and beyond.

In a citation read by one of the pupils of the school, Dr. Olaolu was said to have nurtured a very distinguished administrative career before reaching the pinnacle of his career to become the Registrar of NIEPA Ondo. He was also the progenitor and pioneer Chairman of NIEPA SSANU Chapter, which metamorphosed into SSAUTHRIAI Union NIEPA Branch, thereby displaying his welfarist credentials and service to humanity. The citation concluded by stating that Dr. Olaolu is a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) and the Academy of Entrepreneurial Studies of Nigeria (AES).

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were Hon. Festus Adefiranye, who received a community service award, Chief Nathaniel Ajayi, the School’s PTA chairman, Sir Kayode Elusiyan, SBMC Chairman, Mr. Ogunleye Bamidele, former NUT secretary of the Oke-Igbo branch and Ondo West Amotekun Commander, Chief Fadare Jagunwale. A rich contingent from NIEPA that included Deputy Bursar Mr. Bola Adejori, Deputy Registrars Afolabi Alade, Folayemi Kiladejo, Olasumbo Ogunsola and NIEPA’s Head of Media, Bodunde Tenabe amongst others were in attendance to support the Registrar. One of the highlights of the event included the presentation of scholarships to the best graduating pupils—Masters Adetomiwa Daniel, Victor Ayomide, and Miss Aliat Azeez by Dr. Olaolu and other special guests.

The occasion was enlivened with cultural presentations and choreography by the school pupils from various classes, along with various recognitions and accolades.

Speaking to newsmen after receiving the award, Dr. Olaolu, beaming with gratitude, attributed his achievements to the blessings and mercy of Almighty God. He also thanked the Acting Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIEPA, Dr. David Shofoyeke for his unwavering support and encouragement. He further expressed heartfelt thanks to the school management and the community of Oke-Igbo for this prestigious honour, reaffirming his commitment to continuing service to education and the community.