Prof. Popoola, Deputy, 2 others get SCOUT association's award.
The Vice-Chancellor, Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) Ondo, Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, his Deputy, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao, have been conferred with the award of patron and matron of the Scout Association of Nigeria (SAON).
Similarly, two other academic staff from the institution, Prof. Jelili Olalekan Babajide, Dean Faculty of Science and Dr. (Mrs) Justina Ogboru, Dean Student Affairs, were also awarded honorary award by the globally renowned voluntary organisation.
Receiving the award at a brief ceremony held on Thursday August 13, 2026 at the University old Council chamber in the institution, Prof. Popoola expressed appreciation for the award and thanked the SAON leadership for honouring him, his Deputy and two senior academic staff of the institution.
Prof. Popoola described the Scout Association as one of the most globally respected voluntary organisation that has made immense contributions to human and societal development stating that his decision to accept the award given to him was as a result of the great respect he has for the association.
His words: " Let me start by saying that we appreciate this honour that you have conferred on us today. I am not somebody who get too much excited when you approach me for conferment of any honour.
"So many organisations have come in the last one year saying they want to confer on me this and that, I always decline but this Scout Association of Nigeria is different because you have not told us that there is something behind it, we know it comes with responsibility and on our own, we will see how we can support you in all that you have been doing.
"As a responsible organisation, we are willing to give you all the necessary support and this is why we wholeheartedly want to accept this honourary award that you have given to us. On behalf of my fellow recepients and members of the University Management, we want to thank you and dedicate this to the entire AFUED community "he remarked.
Lauding the SAON for identifying with the institution, the University Administrator said, "one thing that endeared this association to my heart is the fact that it values actually aligns with the vision and mission of our University.
"It is common for people to think that University only exist for academics, that you only come here and get a degree, first class, second class upper, second class lower and you get a certificate, it is good, but we do know that University is much more than that, sometimes you come to a University and get a degree and you go out. I will say you have passed through the University, but it is possible for you to get a degree and pass through the University without the University passing through you, and when we say that the University has passed through you, we are saying organisation like this and activities you are doing, even though is not really about the degree that you have come here to acquire, which included acquisition of values and leadership skills, can help you even when you leave the University, this is why the administration is very supportive of any organisation like yours, that concentrate on developing the values and skills of the young people we have here" he stated.
Earlier in his remarks, the Ondo State Scout Commissioner, Apostle Aluko Olorunfemi Joshua, described the Scout Association as a "global movement that Unites individuals across different backgrounds under a shared purpose".
He gave brief history of the association, and explained that the body was in the University to seek areas of collaborations with its management in areas such character and leadership development, environmental awareness creation and community engagement.
Apostle Aluko Olorunfemi sought for more cooperation and support assuring that the SAON, would continue to identify with the institution in its drives at reaching greater heights.
Similarly, other important dignitaries, who also made remarks on the occasion included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor AFUED, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao, Dean Faculty of Science AFUED, Prof. Jelili Olalekan Babajide, Dean Student Affairs AFUED, Dr. Justina Ogbor and Staff Adviser SAON, AFUED chapter Dr. Akinmusere Ayo Kayode to mention but a few.
The highpoint of the brief ceremony was the investiture, presentation of certificate and decorations of Prof. Bayode Isaiah Popoola, his Deputy, Prof. Ireti Folasade Alao with the Scout Insignia as patron and matron of SAON respectively.
This was followed with the conferment of honourary award on Prof. Jelili Olalekan Babajide and Dr. (Mrs.) Justina Ogboru by the leadership of the SAON Ondo State chapter.
The event was attended by staff of the University from the Vice-Chancellor’s office, institution's Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Members of SAON from Ondo State and AFUED chapters among others.
