AFUED academic staff union honours Olugbeko, ex-COEASU President.
The Academic Staff Transition Committee ( ASTC), Adeyemi Federal University of Education ( AFUED) Ondo, has organised a special Congress in honour of the immediate past National President of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union ( COEASU), Comrade Smart Odunayo Olugbeko on Tuesday February 17, 2026 in the institution.
In his remarks on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor AFUED,Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, described the event as special and commended the honouree, Comrade (Dr.) Smart Odunayo Olugbeko for contributions made to the advancement of education in Nigeria.
The University Administrator eulogised the renowned Union leader for achievements recorded, while serving as National President of COEASU saying " we are very proud of you for representing Adeyemi Federal University of Education Ondo very well at the national level and returning to the institution with honour after the completion of your tenure".
Prof. Popoola emphasised the importance of good stewardship and made a case for honour to be given to people who have made meaningful contributions to societal development while alive, instead of doing so after leaving the world, stating that the step would inspire people to put in their best while alive.
The University Administrator lauded Comrade Dr. Smart Olugbeko for his contributions to AFUED saying " Olugbeko is always thinking about our institution, he has great passion for the University, and always contributes great ideas that have helped in advancing its development".
Describing AFUED as a good training ground for emergence of future leaders, Prof. Popoola stated that the recruitment of academic and administrative staff, from the institution into positions of authority in other establishments at both the Federal and State level, bore testimony of its leadership capacity among its peers.
Prof. Popoola expressed satisfaction for the cooperation existing among Management and leadership of various workers unions in the University, stating that the move has fostered peace and orderliness in the institution.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman Academic Staff Transition Committee (ASTC) AFUED, Dr. Emmanuel Olatunbosun Ajisafe said the special Congress was organised as a mark of respect for the renowned Union leader, who was a member of the Academic Staff in the institution before his appointment as President of COEASU.
Ajisafe further said that Olugbeko was being honoured " for distinguishing himself positively during the period of his stewardship as leader of COEASU and as ambassador of AFUED, " who made his marks on the sand of history ".
In a special lecture delivered on the occasion by Prof. Abiodun Ogunyemi, a former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU), he harped on the need for government at the federal level, to always abide with the constitutional provisions, with regards to the funding of education as enunciated in Section 2 of the 1999 constitution (as amended).
In addition, the renowned labour leader also emphasised the need for the government to always comply with agreement signed with leadership of workers union in Nigeria 's tertiary institutions stating that the move would foster industrial peace, harmony and reduce cases of brain drain in the education sector.
Prof. Ogunyemi also urged the government to allocate more funds to research, stating that no nation can develop without it.
He acknowledged the establishment of the National Research Council in Nigeria and appealed to the government to fund it well so as to enable the body to contribute its quota positively to national development.
The University teacher, however, urged the Management of AFUED to seek constantly for special intervention from the government stating that the move helps in addressing the institution's infrastructural needs and expansion.
Meanwhile, in his response to various accolades said about him, Comrade (Dr) Smart Odunayo Olugbeko, expressed gratitude to the Almighty God and staff of AFUED for honour done to him.
He used the occasion to pledge continued support to the University while describing the elevation of Adeyemi College of Education to a University as one of the good news that has brought him happiness.
The colourful event, spiced with melodious music production by the University's department of Music was attended by eminent personalities from all walks of life including Principal Officers of AFUED : Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ireti Folasade Also; Bursar, Mrs. Taiwo Adedoyin and Librarian, Dr. Azino Akpokuriere.
Others were, Comrade Samuel Akanni Akindele, former President of COEASU ( 1996-2000); Prof. Abiodun Ogunyemi, former President of ASUU as well as Prof. Samuel Akintunde, immediate past Acting Vice-Chancellor AFUED.
Also among distinguished guests who attended the occasion were Prof. Oyenike Oyinloye, Chairman, Committee of Deans AFUED; Rector, Adeyemi College of Technology, Dr. Kehinde Adenegan, Deans and Directors, Heads of Departments and Units from the University as well as staff from the Music Department and Directorate of Information and Public Relations from the institution to mention but few.
