By Ayodele Abere.
The management of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FOUYE) has appointed a renowned legal icon and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) ,Chief Wole Olanipekun as a visiting professor of Legal Practice of the school.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina, who said this at the 7th Convocation ceremonies remarked that the decision would enable the students benefit from the wealth of experience of the foremost Lawyer.
He announcement this after Olanipekun bagged honorary doctorates in Constitutional Law alongside two other eminent Nigerians who were conferred with honorary doctorates of the institution in other field of endeavour.
Professor Fasina disclosed that Chief Olanipekun had become a role model not only in the legal profession but in the promotion of quality education as well as philosophy. He explained that Olanipekun who is currently chairman Body of Benchers has contributed in no small measure to humanity and national development.
Fasina said that the institution within the shortest time of creation has carved a niche for itself on international grid of academic excellence. While congratulating the graduands on the academic feats, Fasina admonished them to positively project the image of the institution.
In his remarks, the apparently elated Olanipekun thanked the University management for honour accorded him. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also used the occasion to announce a Ten Miillion naira donation to the the first 20 best graduating students in the Law Faculty. He promised to commence immediate interactions with the Law students of FOUYE as soon as possible.
Olanipekun urged the elites to shun unnecessary envy and to always appreciate honest donation and support from individuals like him to the society in order not to discourage them .
“I am not rich and at the same time, I am not poor. But I count myself as a child of grace .I am always happy making the smile and giving back to the society. So our people should not discourage some of us who are willing to give back to the society with unnecessary criticisms .” Olanipekun admonished.
He also admonished the academia to deploy their God’s giving knowledge in profitable ventures.The legal giant said all his donations to individuals, church as well as community were not intended for any personal rewards.
Referring to the recent donation of High Court Complex to Ekiti State Judiciary ,Olanipekun argued that the gesture was in line with the best global practices.
He specifically mentioned that the edifices housing the International Court of Justice, Hague and the Israeli Supreme Court were both donated by private individuals.
Other awardees were former Managing Director of First Bank, Bisi Onasanya and former Super Eagles skipper, Segun Odegbami
Onsanya also announced a two million Naira donation to the best graduating students in Accounting.