Say : O Allah ! Possessor of the kingdom, You give the kingdom to whom You will and You take the kingdom from whom You will, and You ensue with honour whom You will, and You humiliate whom You will. In Your Hand is the good. Verily, You are Able to do all things. (Q3: 26).
Indeed, for over 34 years now, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo has been blessed with one of the best administrators, who undoubtedly has taken administrative job with much passion. He indeed gave his best in the services of the College. No wonder, God Almighty has shown him mercy.
An accomplished technocrat, administrator, patriot and public servant, Alh. Teslim Ladimeji Adediran, J.P owes his birth of August 19, 1955 to his late parents, Alhaji and Mama Kadiri Ayoola Adediran of Alli Compound, Atingisi Quarters, Atiba Local Government, Oyo, Oyo State of blessed memory who never spared the rod to, so to say, spoil the boy, even up to their demise as responsible parents. He started his journey in education in 1961 at L. A. Isale Oyo and finished his primary education in 1967. He commenced and successfully completed his secondary education at Oranyan Grammar School, Oyo, Oyo state in 1974 and proceeded to the Federal School of Arts and Science, Sokoto between 1976-1978 for his Advanced Level Certificate where he was the best all-round student of the graduating set of 1978.
In his quest for a University degree, Teslim Ladimeji Adediran gained admission to the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos where he bagged a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication (Second Class Honours Upper Division) in 1982. He observed the one-year mandatory NYSC programme in Kano State between 1982 and 1983. In 1996, he moved to the University of Ibadan, Ibadan where he wrapped up his higher educational pursuits with a Master’s Degree in Communication Arts in 1997. His constant journey to self-actualization set him on a path to knowledge acquisition which led him to seeking out a Certificate in Computer and Internet Training from the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo in October, 2006.
His belief in the adage that one cannot give what one does not have greatly impacted his pursuit of knowledge and led him on the path of teaching, where he was able to transfer the knowledge gained over the years to students who shared the same curiosity and thirst for learning in their respective fields of study. He started his working career with the Kwara State Schools Management Board in December, 1983 as Master II and transferred his service to the Oyo State Central Schools Board as Master I between September, 1985 and January, 1986.
Teslim Ladimeji Adediran took up an appointment as Administrative Officer II with the former Oyo State College of Education, Oyo (Now Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo) on February 1, 1986. Upon his assumption of duty, he was deployed to the School of Education as School Officer (February, 1986-December, 1987) and later, School of Science (January, 1988-September, 1989). From 1986, he rose through the ranks, having worked in every sector of the College before reaching his zenith as the College Registrar.
It is instructive to place on record that our man, T. L Adediran satisfactorily worked as Students’ Affairs Officer (October, 1989-August, 1992); Head of Administration, NCE Sandwich Programmes Directorate (September, 1992-October, 1994); Head of Public Relations Division (November, 1994-May, 1999); Head of Governing Council Affairs Division (June, 1999-January, 2003); Deputy Registrar/Assistant Director, Directorate of College Sandwich Programmes (January, 2003-December, 2005). While on Sabbatical appointment at the Federal College of Education, (Special), Oyo, he was the Head, Admissions and Academic Affairs Division (January 1- December 31, 2006). He later resumed as Deputy Registrar/Establishments (Personnel) (December, 2007-August, 2009); Overseer of the Registry Department (March 2009-August 2, 2009), Head of Registry, Lanlate Campus, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education (August, 2009-March, 2013).
Between March 28, 2013 and May 15, 2014, he served as the College Stand-In/Acting Registrar. On 16 May, 2014, in dedication to his Country and State, Alh. Teslim Ladimeji Adediran, J.P was graciously appointed as the substantive Registrar, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo by the Oyo State Government. He was later re-appointed on 16 May, 2018- a position he held with great dedication, enthusiasm and loyalty, to the glory of Almighty God, his Provost, Dr. Rasak Adetunji Adefabi, fien, fcai, J.P and the highly supportive members of the College Management and administrative machinery till 19 August, 2020. To the glory of Almighty God, it is on record that Alh. Teslim Ladimeji Adediran is the first Registrar to have completed his tenure without any rancour. Unto God alone be all the glory!
In his capacity as the College Chief Administrative Officer, his contributions were unrivaled as he facilitated the establishment of the Legal and the Alumni Relations Units, thereby, expanding the Registry Department. He facilitated and ensured the clearance of backlog of NCE Certificates for NCE graduates of the College from 1994 to date ditto with the 100% accreditation statuses for both NCE and Full-Time Degree Programmes. In rising to the challenge of Self Sustainability of Tertiary Institutions as propounded by the Oyo State Government, it is on record that his tenure as Registrar witnessed the establishment of the following solid revenue generating ventures: Table Water Production Business, Functional Bakery, Agricultural Venture, EACOED Nursery and Primary School
He was the Secretary to the Governing Council, Academic Board and Congregation. This made him automatic member/Secretary of the following key Council Committees: The Finance and General Purposes Committee, The College Tenders Board, College Ventures Board, Disciplinary and Appeals Committee, Member, Endowment Fund Committee, Works & Physical Development Committee, Appointments and Promotions Committee (Academic Staff), Appointments and Promotion Committee (Administrative/Professional/Technical Staff), Member, Committee on EACOED Model High School among many other committees.
T. L Adediran, a thorough bred administrator attended several conferences/seminars both home and abroad. His professional affiliations include: Associate Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (AMNIM), Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR), Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (MNIM), Member, Association of University Administrators (United Kingdom), Fellow, Chartered Administrative Institute (FCAI)
Alh. Teslim Ladimeji Adediran, a man of many parts, was Health Officer while in Primary Six and Food Prefect in his final year in Oranyan Grammar School, Oyo. He also served as Chairman, Oyo State Chapter of NASFAT Society; Chairman, Oyo Branch of NASFAT Society; Member, Board of Governors, Ansar- Ud-Deen Grammar School, Oyo; Member, University of Lagos Alumni Association, Oyo Branch; Member, Bode Thomas Housing Estate Community Development Association; Member, Bee-Keepers’ Association of Nigeria, Atiba Local Government Area Chapter and Member, Executive Committee of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Oyo Branch. Presently, he is the State Secretary of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Oyo State Council. He enjoyed the privilege of being appointed as a Justice of the Peace by former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi in recognition of his sterling qualities on Tuesday, 17 August, 2017.
His versatility and dedication to his craft have enabled him to continuously thrive in his quest for professional excellence as well as service to the Almighty and humanity. His passion for excellence excels him in any disposition he finds himself either in public or private service, in addition to community service where he has been opportuned to play some enviable leadership roles to the satisfaction of his mentors.
Ladimeji is happily married and he is blessed by God’s grace with successful children and fine grandchildren.
The Provost, Dr. Rasak Adetunji Adefabi, fien, fcai, J.P on behalf of the Governing Council, College Management, Deans of Schools and Directors of Programmes, Academic and Non-Academic Staff, Students and indeed, the entire College Community felicitates with the astute Oyo-born technocrat and Registrar, Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo (May 16, 2014- August 19, 2020) as he officially bows out of public service. According to the Provost, “we all appreciate you. May God bless you with longevity and sound health as you become a senior citizen.”
