Professor Emeritus Peter Adeniyi, former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has launched a foundation aimed at empowering individuals and fostering educational advancement through scholarships, research, and policy initiatives.
The Peter Olufemi Adeniyi Foundation (POAF) was inaugurated alongside his autobiography, Lifted, on 7th November 2024, at FUTA.
During the public introduction of the foundation, board member Engr. Dare Ojo described the initiative’s mission: “The foundation is dedicated to delivering meaningful support to those who need it most. Our goal is to empower individuals to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable success. Through our comprehensive approach, we strive to create a world where every person has the opportunity to thrive and make a positive impact.”
Engr. Ojo explained that POAF would achieve this through various methods, including scholarships, educational initiatives, skill-building, strategic partnerships, and policy advocacy. Key beneficiaries will be students, educational institutions, educators, and leaders in the educational sector.
Dr. Funso Aina, who officially unveiled the foundation, encouraged public support for the initiative through donations, allowing Professor Adeniyi to fulfil its goals.
The event’s chairman, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State, represented by Dr. Goke Adegoroye, praised Professor Adeniyi’s dedication to public service.
He noted that national progress relies on a motivated workforce inspired by more than monetary incentives.
According to him, every Nigerian driven by social change can significantly improve the nation’s economic and political landscape, as demonstrated by Professor Adeniyi’s commitment through the foundation.
Professor Michael Faborode, former Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, reviewed Lifted and called it “a gift to humanity by a gift to humanity,” highlighting it as a compelling account of Professor Adeniyi’s life.
He commended its powerful storytelling, narrating the journey of a young man who faced life’s challenges and emerged as a dedicated mentor, teacher, and leader.
Faborode applauded the book’s proceeds being directed towards the foundation’s launch, calling it “highly laudable.”
FUTA’s current Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, lauded Professor Adeniyi as a visionary leader whose work had greatly improved the university’s infrastructure and academic quality.
She noted, “His bold steps opened a new vista for FUTA, and his determination to put the university on the global map has inspired us not to lower the enviable standards he has set.”
She expressed hope that his book and foundation would motivate future generations.
Professor Tunde Arayela, Chairman of the event’s planning committee, praised Professor Adeniyi’s significant contributions to the academic world, describing him as a “visionary leader, tireless worker, exemplary leader, distinguished entrepreneur, prolific researcher, and erudite scholar.”
He highlighted that Lifted reflects a life dedicated to purposeful impact, while the foundation symbolises Adeniyi’s enduring commitment to societal advancement.
In response, Professor Adeniyi conveyed his gratitude for the immense support, stating that despite his age, his “life of impact has just begun” and that he aims to create a lasting legacy through the foundation’s role in fostering intellectual growth for individuals and society.
Professor Adeniyi, a prominent scholar and emeritus professor of Geo-Informatics at the University of Lagos, served as FUTA’s Vice-Chancellor from 2002 to 2006.
