NIEPA Scholar, Dr. Sunday Adegbesan Honoured Alongside Minister of Education at FCE Abeokuta Golden Jubilee

Reported by Bodunde Tenabe

ABEOKUTA — The 50th Founders’ Day and 26th Combined Convocation of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, which climaxed on Thursday, February 12, 2026, brought fresh honours to the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA). Dr. Sunday Adegbesan, an Assistant Chief Training and Research Officer/Associate Professor at the Institute, was formally decorated with a Distinguished Award by the college management.

The golden jubilee was a gathering of national heavyweights. Dr. Adegbesan was honoured alongside the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa CON, who also had the college’s newly commissioned Information and Communication Technology (ICT) building named after him during the ceremonies. Other prominent Nigerians recognised at the week-long event included former Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari; legendary musician, Chief Ebenezer Obey; and the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide. The milestone event also featured the official announcement that the college is now running 29 independent degree-awarding programmes.

The award was presented to Dr. Adegbesan by the College Provost, Dr. Rafiu Adekola Soyele, alongside the National Executive of the Alumni Association. Dr. Adegbesan, who currently serves as NIEPA’s UNICEF and UNESCO Desk Officer and previously headed the Training and Research Department, was singled out for his long-standing impact in the education sector. Standing among such a highly decorated group of national figures underscored the weight of his contributions.

Reacting to the honour, Dr. Adegbesan described it as a profound recognition of his modest contributions to institutional growth and alumni service. He expressed deep gratitude to his alma mater for the confidence reposed in him, while also specially appreciating the Acting Director General of NIEPA, Dr. David Shofoyeke, for his exemplary leadership and continuous support. He dedicated the award to teachers, administrators, and policymakers who view education as a vital tool for human transformation, noting that the recognition further strengthens his resolve to remain committed to the ideals of quality education, mentorship, and selfless leadership.

For the management and staff of NIEPA, this recognition validates the quality of expertise within the Institute. Having its personnel acknowledged on the same stage as federal ministers and state leaders reinforces NIEPA’s core mandate of driving educational planning, administration, and continuous professional development across the country.