It was a gathering of intellectuals, dignitaries, and lovers of knowledge as eminent Nigerians, including a former Military Governor of Oyo and Ogun States, Major-General Oladayo Popoola (rtd), converged on the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, on Thursday to celebrate the 60th birthday of the institution’s pioneer Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Samuel Oke Ogunniyi.
Although Dr. Ogunniyi clocked 60 on August 1, 2025, the formal celebration and public presentation of a Festschrift in his honour took place on October 23, 2025, at the Polytechnic’s TETFund 250-Seater Auditorium.
The colourful ceremony attracted the crème de la crème from academic, professional, business, political, and religious circles, who gathered to pay glowing tribute to a man widely described as a beacon of scholarship, humility, and service to humanity.
Among the dignitaries at the event were former Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Amzat Ayoade Adeseun, represented by Mr. Isaac Obaremi; the CEO of Ejide Enterprises Ltd, Alhaji Lamidi Monsuru Ayoade Ejide; the CEO of Irorun Agbe Farm Booster Enterprises, Prince Tunde Aremu (popularly called Irorun Agbe); and the President of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Dr. Lawal Umar, represented by Mr. Adekoya Osunkoya, a former Oyo State Chapter Chairman.
In his remarks as chairman of the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Prof. Rasaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics and Innovation), Prof. Dauda Olurotimi Araromi, praised Dr. Ogunniyi for his outstanding contributions to the development of library and information services in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
“Dr. Ogunniyi is not only a consummate professional but also a mentor whose commitment to institutional growth is exemplary. His legacy at the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, will continue to shape its academic vision for years to come,”
Prof. Kalilu said.
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academic), Mr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo, described the celebrant as “a pioneer with vision and diligence.”
He commended Dr. Ogunniyi’s pivotal role in establishing the Polytechnic’s library system and promoting a culture of research and academic excellence.
“His efforts during resource inspection and accreditation exercises were remarkable. His leadership in library organisation has been a pillar of our success,” the Rector added.
Reviewing the Festschrift titled “Knowledge Organisation and Management in Libraries and Information Centres in the Digital Age,” Prof. (Mrs.) Adefunke Sarah Ebijuwa, the University Librarian of LAUTECH, described the celebrant as “a man of deep knowledge, quiet strength, and integrity.”
“Dr. Ogunniyi bridges the classical tradition of cataloguing and the emerging culture of digital curation. While technology changes the tools, human intellect remains timeless — and he represents that ideal,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the NLA President, Dr. Lawal Umar, described Dr. Ogunniyi as a thoroughbred librarian and scholar whose career continues to inspire excellence in the profession.
In his exhortation, the State Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Oyo South, Pastor J.B. Adeniran, lauded the celebrant’s humility and passion for helping others.
“Dr. Ogunniyi is a determined, humble, and generous man who has devoted his life to service and the growth of others,” he said.
Several colleagues, former students, and associates also took turns to pay tribute to the man many fondly call “the scholar of order and excellence.”
In his response, Dr. Ogunniyi expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, and his professional colleagues for the honour. He thanked Prof. Kalilu, Dr. Abdul-Hameed, Prof. Ebijuwa, Pastor Adeniran, Dr. Umar, and his wife, as well as staff of the Polytechnic.
“This celebration is a humbling experience. My life has been defined by learning and service. Whatever position we occupy, we must use it to improve lives and institutions around us,” he said.
The event ended on a cheerful note with musical performances and heartfelt tributes, as guests celebrated a man who has spent over three decades advancing knowledge and nurturing institutions.
