EKSU Professor Edward Ogunleye Retires After 43 Years of Academic Service
Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria — March 28, 2026
It was a celebration filled with joy, honour, and emotions as Professor Edward Ogunleye, a distinguished Professor of Economics, retired from the services of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti after an outstanding 43 years of teaching and academic service.
The colourful retirement ceremony took place at the BSO Multipurpose Event Centre, Ado-Ekiti, attracting eminent scholars, alumni, colleagues, family members, and well-wishers from within and outside Nigeria to celebrate a man whose impact on academia and humanity remains remarkable.
Alumni Honour Ogunleye with Toyota Camry Gift
In a remarkable show of appreciation, members of the Economics Alumni and mentees presented a 2014 model Toyota Camry (Camera Spider) vehicle to the retiring professor.
The gesture was described as a token of gratitude for his decades of dedication to teaching, mentorship, and service to humanity.
Chairman of the Retirement Ceremony Committee, Professor A. A. Awe, announced that the alumni had also made arrangements for the registration and fuelling of the vehicle for the next two years.
Department Pays Tribute to Mentor
In his welcome address, the Acting Head of the Department of Economics, Dr. Saliu Mojid, expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the programme to honour the revered professor.
He commended the Economics Alumni for recognising Professor Ogunleye, whom many regard as a mentor whose guidance transformed their academic and professional lives.
Dr. Mojid dismissed the popular notion that the rewards of teachers are only in heaven, stressing that dedicated and exceptional teachers are also rewarded on earth.
Vice-Chancellor Praises Ogunleye’s Legacy
Speaking on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, Staff, and Students of the university, the Vice-Chancellor of EKSU, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, congratulated Professor Ogunleye on his successful retirement and his 70th birthday celebration.
He described the celebrant as a principled and disciplined academic whose legacy will continue to inspire generations in the Department of Economics and across the university community.
The Vice-Chancellor recalled being a student under Professor Ogunleye about 37 years ago, noting that his integrity and refusal to engage in unethical practices played a major role in shaping his academic and professional path.
Book Launch in Honour of the Celebrant
As part of the celebration, a book written by the Department of Economics titled:
Industrialization in Africa: Sub-Regional Imbalances, Ideological Diversity and Future Prospects
was presented and officially launched in honour of Professor Ogunleye.
Among the dignitaries present was Professor J. O. Aribisala, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Science and Environmental Studies, Iyin-Ekiti, who served as the Chief Launcher during the book launch.
Ogunleye Reflects on 43-Year Academic Journey
In his vote of thanks, Professor Ogunleye expressed heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty and to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.
Reflecting on his career, he noted that he joined the university many years ago as an Assistant Lecturer and expressed joy at leaving the profession after decades of impactful service.
He returned all glory to God for a fulfilled and successful academic career.
The statement was signed by Mr. Babatope Ogunleye for the Head, Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, Ekiti State University.
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