By De-Patriot
It is a season of double celebration for Professor Isaac Ayodele Olatunji of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), as the renowned Professor of Applied Valuation is set to deliver the institution’s 24th Inaugural Lecture on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The lecture, titled “Housing Care and Support for Nigerians – The Optimality Dimension to a Critical Real Estate Decision,” will take place at the Senator Ndoma-Egba Hall, FUOYE, by 2:00 p.m., under the chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole.
Just two days after the academic milestone, Professor Olatunji will celebrate another significant moment as he clocks 70 on Thursday, May 28, 2026 — the same day he formally retires from active university service, having attained the statutory retirement age for academics.
A former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management (EDM), FUOYE, Professor Olatunji also served as Head of the Department of Estate Management and Valuation at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, before joining FUOYE.
Sources within the university described the inaugural lecture as exceptional, noting that it coincides with the professor’s retirement, making it a rare and symbolic farewell honour.
“Professor Olatunji is among the very few academics privileged to deliver an inaugural lecture as a parting gift on the eve of retirement. It is a unique and historic moment,” the source stated.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) since 2004, Professor Olatunji practiced professionally for over two decades before venturing into academics in 2005 as Lecturer II. Through dedication and scholarly excellence, he rose to the rank of Professor in 2020.
Widely regarded as a “total researcher,” he earned the nickname “Pracademic” for his ability to bridge practical professional experience with academic scholarship through practice-based teaching and research.
His blend of professional expertise and academic excellence distinguished him as one of the few scholars who attained the pinnacle of professional practice before reaching the highest level in academia.
During his time at FUOYE, Professor Olatunji applied research-driven solutions to real-life challenges, notably leading valuation exercises and advising the university on critical real estate decisions. He also contributed to institutional development through his role in the creation of the Students Village Land Allocation and Development Committee (SVLADC).
Professor Olatunji believes that Nigeria’s housing challenges can be effectively addressed when professionals combine practical field experience with research-based academic insights.
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