Encomiums, tributes and celebration filled the air as former Dean of Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Funso Falade marked his 70th birthday and retirement from active service of the University of Lagos on Monday, February 5, 2024.
Health Walk
The day dawned bright and beautiful with a special surprise visit and praise session by close friends and associates at Prof. Falade’s residence at Ransome Kuti Close, UNILAG. Thereafter the early morning guests, members of the Engineering Faculty and other members of the University community joined him for his routine health walk around campus – this time to the beats of drums, and serenading trumpets.
The walk which ended at the ground floor of the Senate House was rounded off with group photographs. At the Faculty of Engineering quadrangle, the respected academic thrilled members of faculty and students to a round of table-tennis with Telecommunications Consultant and 1st Chairman, UNILAG Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association (UNILAGFEAA), Engr. Titi Omo-Ettu, – a round which the celebrant won 19 points to 10.
Dean’s Table Tennis Competition
Afterwards, four (4) students of the Faculty of Engineering engaged in Dean’s Table-Tennis Competition, a beloved sport of the celebrant, introduced to the Faculty to foster individual representation in sports. The four students are: Anifowose Gbolahan Olasukanmi (200-level, Department of Mechanical Engineering); Olusanya Ifedapo Ijulu (400level, Department of Civil Engineering); Dasilva Anthony Babajide (300-level, Department of Biomedical Engineering) and Ilori Olusegun (500-level, Department of Survey & Geoinformatics). Ilori Olusegun and Anifowose Gbolahan made it to the grand finale with Ilori Olusegun emerging the winner of the competition by a final score line of 3-0.
At the end of the competition, Prof. Falade was presented a beautiful photo frame.
Health Symposium
Other highlights of the day of celebration included a Health Symposium held at the Rahamon Adia Bello Auditorium, Faculty of Engineering, UNILAG. Family, friends, mentees, past students and colleagues turned up for the health talk – a tradition Prof. Falade started during his tenure as the Dean of the Faculty.
The Treasurer of UNILAGFEAA, and current Head, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Dr. Lawrence Osoba welcomed attendees to the event, praising Prof. Falade’s commitment to health, evident in his vibrant 70-year-old self.
The Health Talk titled: “Finishing Strong and Healthy @70” was delivered by the Medical Director, UNILAG Medical Centre, Dr. O. O. Coker who approached the talk from the 4 dimensions of health: physical health, mental health, social health & well-being and spiritual wellbeing. She stressed the need for daily exercise, mental well-being, positive social interactions, and spiritual practices. With regard to spiritual wellbeing which she defined as being in good standing with God, she advocated praying regularly, reading the Bible, being kind and helpful to people as well as consciously obeying the Ten Commandments. She urged all to take cognizance of the saying that “With God all things are possible”, “What God cannot do does not exist” and “We can do all things through Christ”.
The Director added that retirement is a happy moment – a time to serve the community and pursue personal goals. She emphasized the importance of meditation, regular medical check-ups after 40, and concluded with a reminder to ‘live for today.’
Members of staff of the Faculty, in their comments after the talk, lauded Prof. Falade for promoting an active lifestyle on campus, engaging in regular exercises, and inspiring others to adopt a healthy routine.
Prof. Falade did the honours of presenting participants of the table tennis competition with cheques – ₦10,000 to Dasilva Anthony Babajide; ₦20,000 to Olusanya Ifedapo Ijulu; ₦30, 000 to Anifowose Gbolahan Olasukanmi and ₦40,000 to the winner – Ilori Olusegun.
Tributes and congratulatory messages poured in from family, friends, and well-wishers, both physically and virtually. Amongst them was a former Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Engineering, Mrs. Awonusi, who described Prof. Falade as a father, boss and friend. She praised him for his intentionality towards all those who have come in contact with him.
In response to the immense show of love, Prof. Falade, stated that “if you want to walk fast, walk alone but if you want to walk far, walk with others”. He encouraged all to do what they need to do to add value to themselves and also discover ways of earning additional streams of income as university workers. He shared wisdom nuggets on collaboration, value addition, self-discipline, and the importance of inviting God into one’s journey. Prof. Falade acknowledged the impact of the Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association on the Faculty over the years.
The Health Symposium was rounded off with presentation of gifts, cake-cutting, singing, and memorable photo sessions.
About the Celebrant, Professor Funso Alphonsus Falade
Born on February 5, 1954, Professor Funso Alphonsus Falade joined the services of the University of Lagos as Lecturer I in 1992, and was appointed Professor in 2001. He has held several positions within the University including Head, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as well as Dean, Faculty of Engineering, among others.
The renowned civil engineer is a COREN Registered Engineer, Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, The Nigerian Society of Engineers, African Engineering Education Association, to mention a few and a member of several other engineering associations.
Prof. Funso Falade is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Titilayo Falade and blessed with children and grandchildren.
