The phrase ‘You Are Our Future‘ succinctly captured the essence of the remarks made by Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS), University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Adeola Suleiman during the reception held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, to celebrate the academic journey and groundbreaking achievements of Dr. Olamilekan Gbenga Oyenuga, the first Ph.D. graduate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at UNILAG.
Organised by the Learn Logistics Kuhnne Foundation (LL-KF), the event was held at the MSA Relaxation Centre within the Faculty. Throughout the ceremony, the atmosphere was charged with pride as faculty members and university officials extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Oyenuga. His achievement was recognized as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of logistics and supply chain management education in Nigeria.
Several senior university officials were in attendance, including the Director of Academic Planning (DAP), Professor Mathew Olusoji Ilori, who served as Chairman of the event; and Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS), Professor Abraham Osinubi. Also present were various members of the faculty and supervisors of the celebrant, Professor Emmanuel Oyatoye (a former Dean of the Faculty) and Dr. Jonathan Ekpudu.
Professor Suleiman’s highly inspiring speech traced Dr. Oyenuga’s academic brilliance from his undergraduate days. He expressed deep admiration for the scholar’s resilience and praised his hard work and relentless dedication to excellence.
The FMS Dean shared a heartfelt anecdote about encouraging Dr. Oyenuga to pursue an academic career, having recognized his immense potential to shape the future. He highlighted the significant role that the University played in nurturing Dr. Oyenuga’s potential, particularly through its tradition of offering Graduate Assistant (GA) positions to outstanding students based on academic merit.
Professor Suleiman emphasized how this opportunity allowed Dr. Oyenuga to develop further within the academic environment of UNILAG. According to him ” …among the four GAs recruited, two eventually left, but Dr. Oyenuga remained with one other colleague, and today eventually becoming the first-ever Ph.D. graduate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Mathew O. Ilori pointed out the crucial role of logistics and supply chain management in Nigeria’s development. He also highlighted the invaluable support of the LL-KF throughout Dr. Oyenuga’s doctoral journey, underscoring the Foundation’s critical contribution to the successful completion of his studies.
Professor Ilori urged the new Ph.D. holder to continue to strive for excellence, reminding him that “this achievement marks just the beginning of a promising career dedicated to advancing the field of logistics, both in theory and practice”.
The Foundation Coordinator of LL-KF: a significant supporter of Dr. Oyenuga’s academic journey, Professor Kola Oyediji also spoke at the event. He underscored the foundation’s steadfast commitment to advancing postgraduate education in logistics and providing essential support to students and scholars in the supply chain sector.
Professor Oyediji seized the opportunity provided by the event to announce the Foundation’s appreciation and awards to key individuals for their pivotal roles in Dr. Oyenuga’s success and continued growth of the LL-KF initiative. The awardees are:
- Professor Mathew Olusoji Ilori (Director, Academic Planning, UNILAG)
- Professor Abraham Osinubi, Dean of SPGS
- Professor Adeola Suleiman (Dean, FMS) and
- Professor E.O. Oyatoye (Immediate-past Dean of FMS) who received the Legacy Award for his instrumental role in approving the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Postgraduate Program under his tenure as Dean. He also served as Dr. Oyenuga’s first supervisor
- Dr. O.O. Oluwafemi (Head, Department of Business Administration)
- Dr. Sulaimon O. Adebiyi (former Coordinator of the Postgraduate Program at the Department of Business Administration).
In his response, Dr. Oyenuga, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Oyenuga, expressed deep gratitude to the University and LL-KF for their unwavering support throughout his journey. He also extended his appreciation to his mentors, teachers, colleagues, family, and friends for their invaluable contributions along the way.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Michael Joshua
