The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUNAAB Chapter,  has appreciated its members that retired from the services of the University between 2016 and 2020. At the colourful event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako harped on the need for stakeholders within the University community to work together as one indivisible entity for the future generation and for the nation to be great. Speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor enjoined Nigerians to sustain the rich potentials of the nation by working together in unity to put the country on the world map.

  He appreciated the harmonious working relationship shared by members of staff of the University and urged all the union members to keep working together for the progress of FUNAAB. While underscoring the efforts of SSANU-FUNAAB Executives at celebrating retiring staff members of the University, Prof. Salako said, before now, the University had always celebrated retired members of staff of the University, but the pandemic prevented them from continuing with the practice. He assured that at a wider level, the University Management would ensure the continuation of the celebrations of retired staff that had served the University meritoriously.

  Speaking at the event, the Chairman of SSANU-FUNAAB, Comrade Rotimi Fasuwon described the event as the first of its kind in the history of the union, he congratulated the retirees and thanked them for their level of commitment and hence, the rationale for them to be celebrated. He stated further that in the provisions of the SSANU constitution, it is stated that members are to be celebrated after serving in various capacities in their universities, adding that the contributions of the 26 retirees to the development of the University and union cannot be overlooked. “We are here to celebrate our illustrious and active members for being loyal throughout their services to FUNAAB and the union. The contributions, advice, counsel, and loyalty of the 26 retirees as members of the Union and the University cannot be overlooked. Though they have retired, they have continued to show interest in the progress of the union through their constant communication with the executive members and all”, he added.

  Comrade Fasuwon, however, urged the University Management to always appreciate retired staff members and to do more by encouraging members of staff to proceed on training programmes to acquire additional professional qualifications that would aid in the pursuit of their careers in the University. He also appealed to the Federal Government to pay all necessary dues, pensions, and entitlements of union members, stating that SSANU was committed to improving the lives of its members.

  Earlier, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Clement Adeofun reiterated the commitment of the University Management to the welfare of members of staff, stating that the Vice-Chancellor was committed and passionate about staff matters and welfare of retirees, who had toiled hard towards the development of the University. He revealed that FUNAAB was lucky to have outstanding and relentless Founding Fathers that laid a very solid foundation for the University, stressing that when compared to its contemporaries, FUNAAB was far ahead. Prof. Adeofun encouraged members of staff to learn from the dedication of the retirees.

  “We must all be involved and work hand-in-hand to take FUNAAB to greater heights because, in this system, everybody matters, irrespective of your rank or level, and the University Management will make sure that no one is taken for granted at any point in time, while making sure that everyone receives whatever is due to him or her. We must, however, learn from the contributions of these retirees and ensure that we work tirelessly to make FUNAAB attain greater heights”, he said. While commending the efforts of SSANU executives, the immediate past University Bursar, Mr. Moses Ilesanmi described the event as noble and appreciated the union for bringing retired staff together to celebrate them, stating that the gesture had given them a sense of appreciation.

  “Running a career may not be that easy, but as long as you choose to follow the rules and regulations and go by what is specified by the University system, you don’t try to outsmart the system, even if you have tribulations, you will laugh last and the end will turn out better. You will also look back and have that sense of fulfillment that you have indeed done well. So, continue to be good at your job, it is an opportunity to prove who you are and what you can do, and in the end, God will reward you”. In the same vein, a former Deputy Registrar and erstwhile SSANU Chairman, Mr. Kasali Adenekan described the send forth ceremony as a welcome idea and long overdue. He commended the SSANU chairman for making it possible by proving to all that union members should not be celebrated only after their demise, but while they are still alive.

  He implored the executive to keep up with the good works and encouraged members of staff to be loyal to the system and be committed to serving the University no matter the challenges, stating that they would be rewarded someday.  He admonished them to serve well with commitment and loyalty so that the University can continue to wax stronger. Mr. Adenekan appreciated the University Management; past and present for giving him the unique opportunity to contribute his own quota to the development of FUNAAB, stating that as administrative staff, he had worked virtually in all areas within the University system.

  Also appreciating the efforts of the University and SSANU was a former Council member, who retired as Principal Medical Officer I, Dr. Olusola Akinwande, who expressed his delight at the event and implored all SSANU members to try as much as possible to cooperate with the executive while the union leaders should in return, work with the University to make FUNAAB attain greater heights. He stated that the University is a force to be reckoned with globally, and urged the Vice-Chancellor to join hands with all unions on campus to always move the University forward, as he admonished members of staff to work diligently so as to be rewarded.