UI Professor becomes Driver of his Driver of 35 years

The dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan becomes driver  of his driver, Pa Fredrick Olaniyi popularly know Olootu. 

Professor Olufemi Fakolade took this step to honour the facukty driver who retires after 35 year of driving deans at the Faculty of Education,  University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

In the early hour of Wednesday 12th October, 2021, the Professor Fakolade drove Pa Fredrick Olaniyi around the university of Ibadan as a mark of hournor. 

 35 Years on The Wheels  -Pa Fredrick Olaniyi a.k.a Olootu 

It was like a dream to Pa Fredrick Olaniyi a.k.a Olootu, when the incumbent Dean of the prestigious faculty of education, the University of Ibadan in the person of Prof. Fakolade (22nd Dean of Faculty of education) shook the table by giving a surprise celebration to his loyal driver who has served 7 deans in the faculty of education after 35years of service.

The surprise event took place in the faculty environment on Wednesday (12th October 2021) which was happened to coincide with Pa Olootu's birthday. Pa Fredrick Olaniyi Olootu is a native of Owo, while interviewing him, he made it known to us that when he revealed to his parents that he wanted to become a professional driver, they started weeping due to their belief that driving job is meant for thugs and miscreants but at the end of the day, they are now really proud of him as he has achieved

a lot during his service as a professional driver.

During the event, I was opportuned to speak with the Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Fakolade who gave me a lot of information about the kind of person Pa Fredrick is. The Dean and baba have been friends even before Prof. Fakolade become the Dean of the Faculty. He made it known to us how he has tested baba so many times and how baba has excellently passed all his tests. He made an instance to when he and baba had to travel to Oyo, and how they kept gisting till they got there and he asked baba if he knew why he has been gisting with him all this while, then to his surprise, baba was able to answer him correctly that he knew that the Dean wanted to know if he would be sleeping while driving. This depicts the fact that baba is so strong and agile in terms of health. He also revealed how hard-working baba has been while delivering service to him and how honest he has been to him during their time together.

Testimonies given by some of Pa Fredrick's colleagues, like that of Mr. S.O Odunnbaku (the faculty Officer) who is fond of calling him papa, he spoke about how good and hard-working baba has been and how he took his job seriously. He also made instances to times when baba would never drive pass him, he said baba would take him to wherever he is going even if baba is not even going to the same destination that he is going.

"He is an example of humility personified," Mr. A.O Ojo said about Baba, he also gave a lot of instances just like other colleagues have testified. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Baderin (secretary to the Dean),  Mr. Taiwo Osofisan (Cheif executive officer, Faculty of Education), Mrs. Patuola Funmike (office assistant), Mrs. Ojumola Olufunmilola A.K.A Princess and Mrs. Farayola all spoke well about him. They all expressed their feelings on how well they are going to miss him at work.

This is indeed a surprise to everyone as it has never happened in the history of the faculty for a Dean to drive his driver around, this depicts how humble the Dean is to everyone despite his status. This is a wonderful thing to emulate for all leaders and workers,  as the faculty officer Mr S.O Odunnbaku has said that if people can be celebrated like this, it will go a long way in touching their lives and making them put in the best in their respective jobs. We celebrate you baba, go and succeed. The remaining of your life will be peaceful and more beautiful than the one you have lived. 

________________________________

Credit:

•  Akincrown 🖋️ -CheheSkyNews Writer 
• Dr. John Alonge   -Publisher