I thank Almighty Allah (SWT) for making Professor Ishaq Oloyede a Nigerian, a Muslim scholar, an academic, administrator, and a shining example to all.
At this time in Nigerian history, a man like Professor Ishaq Oloyede has been a sharp contrast to corrupt and ineptitude leaders in politics, religion, academia, and the public service. What a rare gift!.
I heard about his principles of hard work, honesty, and respect for all when I started my career as a journalist, 32 years ago at Voice of Nigeria.
The practical demonstrations of these noble and consistent attributes of Professor Ishaq Oloyede were clearly demonstrated to me during my first encounter with him at the University of Ilorin, when he was the Vice Chancellor
I applied for the position of Director Public Affairs at the University of Ilorin through an advertorial. Typical of the Nigerian setting, most newspapers publications for vacant positions are done to fulfil all righteousness whereas a preferred candidate would have been selected or appointed.
Surprisingly, I was invited for an oral interview twice at the university campus. At first, six candidates were invited for the first interview.
Kunle Akogun, the then News Editor of ThisDay newspaper and myself, an Assistant Director News passed to the final stage. Baba Najeem Jimoh was on the interview panel. Kunle Akogun and I were colleagues in the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and personal friends. The die was cast; one person will clinch the trophy.
After a thorough and gruelling interview session. Tunde and I were asked to wait for another round of interview.
The human kindness of Professor Oloyede came to the fore when he said” Mr Qasim Akinreti, the position available now is for a Deputy Director Public Affairs, will you accept the offer”? I said No, sir, I applied for the position of Director Public Affairs, and if the job is not available, I will walk away.” The panellists were surprised at my answer because Professor Oloyede gave me another lifeline. Prof again requested that I should go and think about it , then return to the panel after 10 minutes. I came back and maintained my earlier position. One of the panellists was surprised about my resolve. To him, I missed a great opportunity. Professor Mahfuz Adedimeji, then Special Assistant to Professor Oloyede, called to appreciate my sterling performance at the interview and wished me well in future endeavours.
Professor Oloyede met me at an international conference in Cotonou, Benin Republic years after, appreciated my performance and expressed surprise that I did not accept his offer. He prayed for me. Ì moved on to bag a Ph.D degree in Mass communication at Babcock University, Ilishan Remo.
When he became the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede accepted my inclusion into the media/CSO group monitoring university admission and matriculations examinanions , UTME and annual media briefings. Baba Najeem Jimoh was equally instrumental to my recommendation as a member of the JAMB media team.
What is really amazing about Professor Oloyede is his concern about everyone’s progress and well-being at every opportunity he had to meet people.
Give this to Professor, his prompt attention to details and clinical resolution of issues of national importance are extraordinary. He tackled the endemic corruption in university admission frontally, stepping on toes and danming the consequences. Erring public officials at JAMB were shown the way out procedurally. Filthy admission officials in Nigerian universities were not spared. I admire his transparency in dealing with public matters. He will call up officials on the phone and put him on speaker to resolve any misconduct. Prof will never cover up indiscipline of any magnitude. Parents, students, JAMB examiners, and others were not spared.
Professor Ishaq Oloyede practised what he said, never get involved in contract awards, always ready to confront anyone with shady deals.
Those characters running around to malign his hard earned trustworthiness have always met their waterloo.
As the secretary to the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic affairs, Professor Oloyede held that position with utmost trust and fairness. He demonstrated his reformation capacity, giving respectable clout to that exalted office to the admiration of all. The National mosque is more edifying, surely, a charismatic officer is handling the NSCIA secretariat.
His entire lifestyle has been very simple and admirable. At home and in office, he exudes a low profile lifestyle.
With seventy steps on earth, Allah SWT has been extremely gracious to our dear Professor Ishaq Oloyede. Indeed, October birthday celebrants are most favoured people.
I thank Allah for Professor Ishaq Oloyede’s life of exemplary leadership!!!
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