Kunle Adelabu
Several years after their graduation and mentorship benefited, former students of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) have not forgotten about the impacts of Mr Ayodeji Babatinde Iginla, former Rector of the institution, popularly called “Big Tree”, on their lives as he was massively celebrated on his birthday, on Wednesday.
It was tributes galore on the “LASPOTECH Alumni IKD” WhatsApp platform as the former Rector celebrates his 71st anniversary.
Iginla served as Dean of the Students’ Affairs and later Rector of the institution which has transmuted into Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH). He holds the honourary title of “Akomolede” of Ikorodu Kingdom.
Mr Dayo Hassan, celebrating Rector Iginla, described him as a leader who has produced quality men.
”We celebrate a teacher of men, a true leader.
”The man who has managed our affairs as students in LASPOTECH, now LASUSTECH, Mr. Ayodeji Babatunde Iginla. @Chief Ayodeji Iginla 2
”May God grant you more years in good health, wisdom, and grace, Sir.”
An alumnus of the institution, Oriade O. O, in his tribute, acknowledged that Iginla’s roles while many of them were undergraduates have continued to shape their lives.
”Your roles and kind advice to some of us still guide us and keep us moving in life…
”THANK YOU, AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW AGE SIR”
Mr Odusanya Seun Synergy, in his own tribute, described the former Rector as a mentor and exemplary leader who showed his students the pathway to success.
”Happy birthday to the Baba and builder of men.
”Your impact in the life of those that passed through your leadership and mentorship made us exemplary leaders in different spheres of life.
”You didn’t only shape people academically but showed us the pathway to success.
”You believe that nobody is completely useless and you were always willing to give people a second chance,” he said.
He also acknowledged Iginla’s fatherly roles.
”I pray that God will bless you and continue to give you strength and good health.
”Your biological children and we the adopted ones shall continuously be a source of joy and happiness to you.
”Happy birthday to you, sir, the powerful Iginla Omo Eko Pataki. God bless your new age sir.”
Another alumnus, Dr. Sanni Kehinde Oseni, an associate Professor of Soil Fertility and Management and Rector, Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, also congratulating Iginla who he described as a remarkable leader, recalled how he helped him develop his administrative capacity.
”Happy Birthday to a Great Mentor and Administrator, Mr. Ayodeji Babatunde Iginla.
”Today, I celebrate not only your birthday but also the remarkable impact you have had on my life and career.
”Sir, you were one of the first people who gave me the opportunity to learn and grow in administrative work. During your tenure as Rector of the then Lagos State Polytechnic, you appointed me as Assistant Dean, Student Affairs.
”That appointment was more than just a position to me; it was an opportunity to discover my abilities, gain valuable experience, and develop confidence in administrative leadership.”
He furthered:
”I remain deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the lessons, guidance, and encouragement that came with that responsibility. Your leadership and mentorship have continued to leave a lasting impression on my professional journey.”
He offered prayers for the former Rector and thanked him for believing in him.
”On this special day, I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless you with good health, long life, peace, wisdom, and abundant grace. May God reward you for the lives you have positively influenced and for the opportunities you have created for others.
”May your new year be filled with greater achievements, joy, fulfillment, and divine favour. May every good seed you have sown in the lives of people return to you in abundant blessings. May your family continually enjoy God’s protection, peace, and prosperity.
”Happy Birthday, Sir Thank you for believing in me and for giving me an opportunity that became an important part of my professional development. I will always appreciate and remember your mentorship and confidence in me.
”May God continue to keep you, strengthen you, and make your latter years even more glorious than the former. Happy birthday to a great leader, mentor, and teacher. Congratulations, sir.”
Jaydee, in his own tribute ascribed success of many former students of LASPOTECH to the former Rector.
”Happiest birthday to you sir as you are a year older today.
”To a man of unblemished integrity who has raised great LASPOTIANS that have become successful in all walks of life, all I will just say is to thank you for having that colossal opportunity to have passed through your tutelage in our formative years in life.
”I wish you nothing but the best of the best in your new age sir
”To the BIG TREE and BABA EWE of our time, continue to Live Long And Prosper sir …”
Dr Timothy Okeowo, a former lecturer in LASPOTECH and Vice Lay President, The African Church Lagos West Diocese, in his own message described his former boss as an outstanding leader who has produced many other leaders.
”Ode to a man of impeccable character and leadership. Mr. Ayodeji Iginla made people like me what I am today having been schooled under him for leadership exposures as post retirement as Rector of the West African Polytechnic, Iseyin and Edjohn Institute of Management Technology, Imota.”
”For all we imbibed from you, we are grateful sir. This is wishing you a joyous 71st birthday anniversary celebration, Sir.”
Hawlameeday, also congratulating the former Rector Iginla, wrote:
”Happy Birthday to a Visionary Leader, A Father, a Mentor and Role Model to many, @Chief Ayodeji Iginla 2 . Today we are not just celebrating your life, but we are also celebrating the Grace of God upon you sir, we are celebrating your impact to mankind at large.
”We ask that the Almighty God bless you, keep you, preserve you, you will live to celebrate many of this day in good health and sound mind.
“Your leaves will not wither IJN.”
In his own tributes, Ajobiewe Olumuyiwa, described the celebrant as a blessing to his generation
”A wonderful birthday wish for a mentor and a father. Your wise counsel and tutelage made me who I am. You are a blessing to this generation.
”May you celebrate many more years in good health and prosperity. May your testimony this time next year be more than this. Congratulations, Big Tree, Baba ewe.”
