Homily on the Valedictory Holy Mass of Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja - January 25, 2026

Homilist: Fr. Paul-kolade Tubi, Chaplain and Head, Department of Archaeology and Museum Studies

Courtesies 
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,  I warmly welcome the Vice Chancellor and his family to this solemn Mass of Thanksgiving. I greet all Principal Officers, staff, and students, and all children of God who are gathered at this solemn assembly. 

Today, we gather to bid farewell to a remarkable leader, a champion of excellence, and a beacon of hope. As we reflect on the life and career of our esteemed Vice Chancellor, we are reminded of the words of Julius Caesar, "Veni, Vidi, Vici" - I came, I saw, I conquered. These words are a fitting tribute to the Vice Chancellor's tenure, marked by vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

As the Yoruba proverb says, "aro lati ma mo oju ojo".  Our Vice Chancellor from the beginning has been a visionary leader, charting a course for our institution that is both ambitious and achievable.

As we celebrate the Vice Chancellor's achievements, we are reminded of the wisdom of Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Our Vice is a man Chancellor of gargantuan vision  and he has been a champion of academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. 

He worked under intense condition of opposition, but this he considered as a stepping stone. As Nelson Mandela said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." The Vice Chancellor's leadership has been marked by resilience, determination, and a willingness to take calculated risks. 

As the Zulu proverb says, "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu" - "A person is a person because of other people." The Vice Chancellor has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others, and his legacy will be a testament to the power of servant leadership. 

The Vice Chancellor's tenure has been marked by significant achievements and milestones. He has led our institution to new heights, expanding our programs, increasing our research output, and enhancing our global reputation. As the elders say, "It is the ancestors who make the chief great." We are grateful for the Vice Chancellor's leadership, and we pray that his legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come. 

As Aristotle said, "What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies." The Vice Chancellor has been a true friend to many, and his departure will be deeply felt. I must confess that in him I enjoyed true friendship. 

As we reflect on the Vice Chancellor's tenure, we are reminded of the importance of wisdom, integrity, and compassion. As Confucius said, "By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and Third, by experience, which is the bitterest." The Vice Chancellor's leadership has been marked by wisdom, integrity, and compassion, and his legacy will be a testament to the power of these values.

One of the defining characteristics of the Vice Chancellor's leadership has been his commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. He has encouraged us to think outside the box, to take risks, and to push the boundaries of what is possible. 

 The Vice Chancellor has been a catalyst for innovation, and his leadership has enabled us to tap into our collective potential. As Steve Jobs said, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." The Vice Chancellor's leadership has been marked by a willingness to innovate, to experiment, and to take calculated risks.

The Vice Chancellor's commitment to community engagement has also been a hallmark of his leadership. He has encouraged us to engage with the broader community, to use our knowledge and skills to make a positive impact, and to be agents of change. As the Bible says in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The Vice Chancellor's leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to serving others, and his legacy will be a testament to the power of community engagement.

As we bid farewell to our Vice Chancellor, we are reminded of the impact that one person can have on an institution. The Vice Chancellor's legacy will be felt for years to come, and his contributions to our institution will never be forgotten. As the Bible says in Proverbs 10:7, "The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot." We are grateful for the Vice Chancellor's righteous leadership, and we pray that his legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come. May the words of Proverbs 16:3 be a blessing to him: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." May God bless him, and may his legacy continue to inspire us for generations to come.

Thank you, dear sir, for your sundry support to the Body of Christ. The Church celebrates you. As he concludes his tenure at FUL, we wish our Vice Chancellor all the best in his future endeavors. May he continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance to us all. May his legacy be a blessing to our institution, and may we continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. 

Before this sacred Altar, I invoke divine favours on you and your beloved family. I commend you to the grace of God in your future endeavours. As you are sent forth, I wish to let you know that I love your esteemed family. I cherish your family from afar.  My only pain is that this wonderful family is not a Catholic family. But I am pleased that we belong to Christ the Lord.

I therefore, on behalf of all of us at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Federal university Lokoja, invest you and your family with illuminicent Holy Rosary. The uniqueness of this Rosary is that it will shine perpetually, and it shines even more in darkness.

May I request that we all humbly rise and recite the Our Father and Hail Mary for our beloved VC. See more pictures here

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