… As the Ibarapa-born National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Professor Celebrates Six Decades of Scholarship, Service, Achievement and Faith.
It was a celebration of a scholar, service, achievement and grace on Saturday, 22nd August 2026, as family, friends, colleagues and dignitaries from across Nigeria and United Kingdom converged in Lagos to honour Professor Samuel Ogunwale Ogundiran on his 60th birthday .
The Tapa-born academic from Ibarapa, Oyo State, who is a Professor of Educational Administration and Planning at the National Open University of Nigeria, (NOUN), marked the milestone with a Thanksgiving service at Methodist Cathedral, 8/10 Orile Road, Nitel Bus Stop, Tabon-tabon, Agege, Lagos State, followed by a colourful Reception at the Glorious Event Centre, U -turn bus stop, Abule Egba, Lagos.
The event, themed around Psalm 90:12 — _”So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”_ — and dressed in the colours of Navy Blue, Sky Blue and Gold, drew prominent personalities from politics, academia, the church and the civil service.
– Unveiling of Biography Steals the Show as Hon (Engr) Dr Aderemi Abasi Oseni, MHR representing I do/Ibarapa Constituency at the National Assembly who also doubles as the House Committee Chairman on FERMA took the lead being the Chief Launcher with a significant amount.
The high point of the Reception was the official unveiling of Professor Ogundiran’s Biography.
The book, which chronicles his journey from humble beginnings in Tapa, Ibarapa, to becoming a respected voice in educational administration and planning, was received with admiration by the guests.
As the Biography was presented, dignitaries and guests applaud and celebrate the life of a scholar described as “a builder of minds and institutions.”
Speakers noted that the memoir captures Prof. Ogundiran’s contributions to open and distance learning in Nigeria, his mentorship of young academics, and his commitment to community development and church growths.
– Roll Call of Dignitaries
The celebration attracted an array of notable guests who came to honour the celebrant. Among those present were Hon. Remi Oseni, House of Representatives Committee Chairman on FERMA, Hon. Tiamiyu Oladimeji Mumini from Ondo State, Hon. Funmilayo Orisadeyi, the Immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Also in the gathering are Mr. Bola Feruke, Director of Bursary, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, Sir Engr. Segun Idowu, National President, Association of Christ Little Band, Methodist Cathedral, Agege, Mrs. Layode-Akran, President of Christ Little Bride, Methodist Cathedral Agege, Assembly Pastor Ranti Oyewale, RCCG (Covenant Restoration Assembly), Birmingham, United Kingdom among others.
His 2006 Class of Masters Students in the University of Lagos, and 2026 Class of Masters Students as well as his current PhD Students at the National Open University of Nigeria across Nigeria graced the occasion with their beautiful gifts.
Friends, family members and well-wishers also traveled from different parts of the country to celebrate the academic, church leader and philanthropist.
– Tributes pour In
Speakers at the event described Professor Ogundiran as a quintessential scholar, a humble servant of God, and a proud ambassador of Ibarapaland.
Preaching in the church, The Bishop of Ibarapa Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, The Rt Revd Dr Sunday Johnson Funminiyi described Professor Samuel Ogundiran as a builder and not a destroyer, a committed church planter, dedicated Evangelist, humanitarian, humble and silent giver among others.
They commended his dedication to expanding access to education through NOUN and his leadership in the Methodist Church and denominations as well as Muslim world.
In his remarks, Prof. Ogundiran expressed gratitude to God for life, health and the opportunity to serve.
He dedicated the milestone to his family, mentors, students, and the people of Ibarapa, pledging to continue contributing to national development through education.
The celebration ended with prayers, music, and merriment, as guests toasted to many more years of impact for the celebrant.
As Professor Samuel Ogunwale Ogundiran clocks 60, the consensus among those who gathered was clear: Six decades of wisdom, scholarship and service worthy of emulation.
See the video below:
https://x.com/GISTSMATE01/status/2092215158525317484
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