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According to Robin. S. Shram, leadership is not all about a title or a designation, its about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and zeal to inspire team mates and customers. The task of the leader is to get their people from where they are to where
they have not been (Henry Kissinger).
I think the above sayings were referring to this dignity from our own bosom in the person of Professor Suleiman Omeiza Eku Sadiku. He is a native of Okene L.G.A, the headquarter of Ebiraland in Kogi State. He was born in September 25th, 1962. A true Ebira man and a manifestation of his origination. He is the manifestation of the popular saying “good name is better than riches “.
He is a true representative of Academic Elites having used his academic experience to solve so many societal problems. He sailed through an ocean of academic excellence throughout his life. His competence and capability has positioned him as an achiever, great manager, celebrity, administrator and lots more.
Having completed his primary and secondary school education in early 80’s, he proceeded to the prestigious University of Benin (UNIBEN),Benin city where he obtained his B.Sc in Fisheries in 1985. He graduated as one of the outstanding students of the university through his intelligence and brilliancy. These led to his beneficiary of the
federal government scholarship for master’s program which took him to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. He obtained his M.Sc in fisheries at ABU Zaria in 1988. Setting his own clear picture through hardwork, he was awarded common wealth scholarship award for doctorate programme in United Kingdom. He obtained Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) in the institution of Aquaculture, University of Stirling in 1995. His passion for learning and hardworking led to his current position as a Professor of Aqualture, Fishery and Zoology.
He took a lecturing job in late 80’s at Federal University of Technology(FUT), Minna, Niger State as a motivation to impact a positive value in the life of the youths. Being a proficient manager and having found worthy of great credibility, he was appointed as the Head of Department (H.O.D), Department of Water Reaout, Aquaculture
and Fisheries Technology, FUT Minna from 1998-2002. During this period of service, his eloquence credibility bagged in another portfoli0 to his personality. He was appointed as external examiner at B.Tech and M.Tech levels, Federal University of Agriculture, Markurdi from 1999-2002 and international adjudicators to Ph.D programme of the aquaculture research unit, Vidyasaga University west Bengal India between 2001and 2002.
In 2001, he was called to spearhead a national department due to his trustworthiness. He was Elected Chairman of zebra government review panels on (Environment Impact Assessment) meetings of Federal Ministry of Environment; consultant to Federal Ministry of Environment on ecology.
In 2004, due to the trademark left on the department while piloting her affairs, he was called again to serve as the H.O.D of the department water resources aquaculture and fisheries technology in FUT Minna. His tremendous leadership skill projected the department towards academic excellence before he descended the throne in 2006.
These his outstanding achievements drew the attention of the nation to called him again in duty as he was appointed FAO consultant ash feed specialist to the Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Project(AIFP) of the National Special Programme for Food Security from 2004-2005.
The personality of this great academic elite had become a magnetic asset to institutions. He was made an administrative head from 2006-2007 as the Deputy Director, Center for Climate and Fresh Water Resources, FUT Minna and as tge Director of the Academic Planning Unit in FUT Minna from 2007-2012. Also, external examiner for Ph.D biological science department In University of Abuja in 2007, several NUC accreditation teams on agriculture discipline in 2008, external examiner for Ph.D fisheries programme of Department of Fisheries and
Wildlife FUT Akure in 2011 and, chairman and member National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2011.
His effort and hardworking had brought alot of goody bags to his name. International Foundation for Science (ITF) research grant award from 1997-1999, research travel grant award of the fisheries society of the British Isles in 1995, National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) merit award of Kano State in 1986, awarded NUC research and development (R&D) fair certificate for outstanding research products in exhibition 2004. NUC R&D fair awards for research products exhibition in 2005, 2012 and 2016, and other outstanding awards merited to his name.
For his contributions in academic atmosphere, he had supervised and co-supervised more than twenty (20) Ph.D students, masters student and bachelor students over the years. He has also published in more than 80 journals locally and internationally.
As there is always a reward for hardworking, he was appointed first as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Administration of FUT Minna in 2013 and re-appointed again in 2015. This was an assignment which head have
brought alot of achievements to the University within and outside the country.
Over the years, we realized that the principles and essence of life are not learnt from a book but from an encyclopedia that walks and talks. I think Professor S.O.E Sadiku is a walking encyclopedia that we have learnt from as a youth.
His actions and principles of life have made a positive impact on the lives of the youths in all ramifications. He is a father not only to his children but a father for all.
As a source of inspiration to youths toward building a successful life, he did not only inspire by words but through actions and incentives. He initiated an award called “APAPA AWARD” for 100level Ebira Students in FUT Minna with a reasonable and impressive CGPA.
This have been a source of motivation for our youths towards academic excellence. This award has brought alot of developments to the students as the prey of 1.5CGPA monsters have reduced to the lowest minimal among Ebira Students in the institution.
One of the personality used by psychologist to evaluate an individual to be a great leader is openness. Professor S.O.E Sadiku passed this test of psychological evaluation. He is an open minded person that is open to everyone irrespective of age, tribe, religion and status. He is very accessible despite his position and status in the country.
Another wonderful quality about this great personality is that he is a person who strong believe on the power of unity. I remembered his words last year in his office while speaking on the under-development of Ebiraland, Even the weakest became strong when they are united “. He was one of the instruments that unite Ebiras under one umbrella in FUT Minna and Niger State at large.
During Ebira day celebration at Minna in 2016, he was described as the custodian of Ebira Peoples Association (EPA), Niger State chapter. He have proposed the unification of all the Ebiras (tao, toto, koto etc) under one head as
Ebira Kingdom in his article on the benefit of Unity (letter from ISA through ESA to NAES). He is also the pillar and life breath of several associations like NAKOSS, NAES, AEE etc.
On his just concluded assignment as the DVC admin of FUT Minna, we say farewell to our father who has revealed the secret of success to us. He showed us that success lies on simple things like hardworking and perseverance. You made us realized that the true treasure of life lies not on accumulation of wealth but integrity and ability to affect
the life of others positively. A great teacher is not necessarily a great mentor, a great mentor is not necessarily a great leader, a great leader is not necessarily a great teacher but Prof S.OE Sadiku bagged all these qualities into one as a great teacher, a great mentor and a great leader.
Prof S.O.E Sadiku is a model of excellence
– Academic Elites of Ebiraland
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