Nigeria's New College Celebrates Pioneer Leader's Legacy

When Abdulrafiu Adebayo took charge of a brand-new federal college in Iwo, Nigeria, he didn't even have a building. The Wings Schools opened their doors, and what started as borrowed classrooms became a four-year partnership that launched a successful institution.

The private school recently hosted a send-off ceremony to honor Adebayo as he completes his tenure as the first leader of the Federal College of Education. Staff, students, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the college's journey from temporary guest to independent institution.

Adebayo's first move was bringing together his core team: the registrar, bursar, and librarian. Together, they created a blueprint for building a college from scratch. The group worked closely to navigate the countless challenges of launching a new educational institution.

The founding leader paid special tribute to his team during the ceremony. He remembered the late bursar, Adebayo Lasisi, who helped move the college to its permanent site. A moment of silence honored his memory and contributions.

He praised registrar Alhaji M. Aderibigbe Yusuf as hardworking and called librarian Dr. Deborah Funmi Iyanda an "uncrowned deputy" for her willingness to take on any role. The mutual respect among the team shone through every memory shared.

The Wings Schools' principal, T.K. Sanusi, highlighted how student enrollment grew steadily under Adebayo's leadership. School chairman Abdulwakeel Situ noted that pioneers rarely see the full fruits of their labor, often finishing just as their work begins to flourish.

Proprietor Lai Olurode, a former national election commissioner, asked about the pressures new leaders face. Adebayo credited teamwork, their shared blueprint, and strong community support for overcoming challenges related to hiring and contracts.

The Ripple Effect

The college's success rippled through the entire Iwo community. Local leaders provided both financial support and encouragement during the institution's early years. Traditional ruler Abdulrasheed Akanbi and governing council chairman Liad Tella joined other stakeholders in backing the project.

The Wings Schools provided classroom space for years during the gradual transition to the permanent campus. This generosity allowed the college to accept students immediately while construction continued at the new site.

Adebayo shared his leadership philosophy with students at the ceremony. When facing difficulties, he turned to faith rather than blame. His advice to young people: seek strength in challenging moments and trust your team.

The ceremony ended with gift presentations to the outgoing leadership team. The event captured what happens when educators, community members, and leaders work together toward a common goal.

A new federal college now stands in Iwo because people shared their resources, believed in education, and put collaboration above ego.