It was a gathering of academic heavyweights and political elites in Oyo Town this weekend as Dr. Haadi Babatunde Ashiyanbi officially bowed out of active service, marking his retirement as the Bursar of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo (SPED).
The event, which doubled as a celebration of his 65th birthday, drew friends, associates, and staff to his residence to honor a man described as a “hero of institutional foundation.”
A Dual Legacy
Dr. Ashiyanbi is celebrated not just for his final role at SPED, but for his historic tenure as the Pioneer Bursar of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, where he served from 2007 to 2014.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of OYSCATECH, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, described Ashiyanbi as a visionary who “joined others in laying a good foundation” for the institution during its critical formative years.
Dignitaries Pay Homage
The celebration attracted a diverse array of dignitaries, bridging the gap between the town and gown.
- Religious Leaders: Prayers were offered by Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu (Archbishop Emeritus, Methodist Church Nigeria) and Ustaz Mikail Bolaji (Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Oyo).
- Political Figures: Notable attendees included Senator Yunus Akintunde and Engr. Hamad Kehinde (Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission).
- Academic Community: The event was attended by Prof. Lanre Nasir (Governing Council Chairman, The Polytechnic Ibadan), Dr. Ademola Abdulrauf Salaam (Provost, SPED), and Dr. Suleiman Adediran (Former SUBEB Chairman).
A Life of Service
Dr. Ashiyanbi’s career trajectory is a testament to resilience and expertise.
- Early Years: He began his journey at St. Andrews College (now Emmanuel Alayande University of Education) from 1985–1989.
- Corporate & Public Service: He served as the Pioneer Accountant at Trans Wonderland (1989–1992) and later as the Chairman of Oyo West Local Government (2002–2003).
- The SPED Era: He joined the services of the Federal College of Education (Special) in 1993, rising through the ranks to become Bursar in 2015, a position he held until his retirement on November 11, 2025.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Dr. Ashiyanbi leaves behind a legacy of financial prudence and impactful leadership that has touched countless lives in the academic community.
