By
By Biola Lawal
Ayede (Oyo State): The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed has congratulated Alhaji Kazeem Olanrewaju Popoola, on his appointment and inauguration as the pioneer Bursar of the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), Oyo State.
Until his new appointment, Alhaji Popoola was Head of the Finance Unit in the Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s Bursary Department,
This was disclosed in a statement by the acting Director, Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, who said that the Rector expressed the joy of the Polytechnic community at the appointment.
Dr. AbdulHameed lauded Alhaji Popoola, noting that the new appointment was well-deserved by him.
The Rector extended felicitations to the pioneer Bursar of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Alhaja Rashidat Titilola Oladepo, noting that she had produced yet another bursar through her mentorship and leadership.
He urged the staff of the Bursary Department and the entire institution to continue supporting the new appointee to enable him achieve great success in his tenure.
“On behalf of the Governing Council, ably led by Honourable Dmyakubu Dati (FNIPR), Principal Officers, entire Management, staff, and students of Federal Polytechnic Ayede, I heartily congratulate Alhaji Kazeem Olanrewaju Popoola on this historic achievement.
”We are confident that his wealth of experience, commitment, and diligence will reflect positively in the development of FUNATO,” the Rector said.
He added that the institution is proud to see its staff contributing significantly to the growth of the nation’s higher education system, stressing that the appointment of Alhaji Popoola is a testament to the quality of human resources the Polytechnic is producing.
Alhaji (Prince) Popoola was born in Alobaowo’s Ruling House of the Okere of Saki (Ado Family), Gbooro, Saki-West about four decades ago. He holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting (Upper Credit); Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Accounting (Second Class Upper Division); Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA); Master of Business Administration (Financial Management); Doctor of Financial Administration (DFA) Honoris Causa.
He is currently running his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree in Public Sector Accounting at the ANAN University, Kwai, Plateau State, Nigeria.
He started his professional career as Marketing Manager on Agricultural Loans to farmers at Integrated Microfinance Bank (IMF), Atisbo Local Government Area, Oyo State.
He rose through the ranks at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State to become a Chief Accountant, where he served in various units/hubs of the Bursary Unit such as: Payroll Administration, Pensions Unit, Finance Division/Treasury Unit; Government Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS); Budget and Expenditure control; Advances Unit; and IPPIS Desk Officer amongst others.
His invaluable contributions to which have had a lasting positive impact on the financial health and academic advancement of the institutions where he had worked. He is currently on Secondment as the Head of Finance Division at Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State.
In addition, his leadership in implementing innovative financial systems and policies has significantly improved transparency and efficiency, directly contributing to enhanced reputation and operational excellence.
Moreover, his proactive approach in collaborating with other institution’s departments has cultivated a culture of accountability and responsiveness, benefiting both the staff and the student body.
As a Chief Accountant, he has demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, meticulous financial management, and unwavering commitment through effective oversight of the institution’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, student fees administration, and resource allocation. He has ensured the prudent management of funds, thereby fostering sustainable growth and institutional stability.