Lai, you have accomplished amazing things, and it is all by the grace of God and by pushing yourself harder and harder. It is that commitment that we all love.
You are an inspiration to everyone. You touch so many lives with joy, and you deserve to have your deepest wishes and dreams come true on this special day.
Happy Birthday dear brother and friend!
Olayiwola AbdulRauf OPARINDE was born in the early 60s to the family of late Pa Sulaiman Adebisi Oparinde and Madam Tinuade Oparinde of Obajoko’s compound, Ila-Orangun. From all accounts, Oparinde Olayiwola Rauf did not grow up with the proverbial “golden spoon” in his mouth, but with discipline, he doggedly grappled with the challenges of growing up.
‘Lai Oparinde started his elementary education in 1969 at the Christ the King School, Odo-Ona, Ibadan to begin a journey in the field of education. He later moved to St. Micheal African Church Primary School Apata Ganga, Ibadan where he completed his primary education. Young Oparinde ‘Lai later attended Igbonnibi High school, Ila-Orangun between 1978 and 1983 for his secondary education. ‘Lai, as fondly called by his close friends and associates was admitted into the then Oyo (now Osun) State College of Education, Ila-Orangun in 1984 to study Economics/Political Science where he graduated in 1987.
Following his graduation from the College in 1987, ‘Lai Oparinde started his teaching career at the Anglican Grammar School, Otan-Ayegbaju between January and December, 1988, under Prince Layi Abimbola as the Principal. He thereafter worked with the Adult Education department of Ila Local Government, Ila-Orangun as a supervisor before he proceeded to the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, where he studied up to the doctoral level specializing in Educational Management.
‘Lai Oparinde joined the service of the Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun as Administrative Officer II in June, 1988, after teaching for several years at St. Charles College, Ankpa in Kogi State. To the glory of God and by dint of hard work, Dr. ‘Lai Oparinde became the Academic Affairs Officer of the College in charge of the College’s academic records, examination matters, admission/matriculation matters and graduation matters, among others.
Dr. ‘Lai Oparinde is an excellent manager of men and resources, having trained as a shrewd administrator for several years under Prince Moses Adeyemi Adeoye. ‘Lai, a man with demonstrable record of hardwork, dedication and excellence in service, a specialist in educational planning and management has authored ten (10) and co-authored two (2) journal articles. Apart from attending many conferences and seminars, he also has nine (9) conference/seminar/workshop papers to his credit.
Apart from a Ph.D. degree in Educational Management, ‘Lai Oparinde is also an Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Management, a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Executives of Nigeria (FICEN), a Member of Nigerian Association for Educational Administration and Planning (MNAEAP), a Member of Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management (MCCEAM) to mention just a few.
Dr. ‘Lai Oparinde is a disciplined, patient, humble, skillful, dedicated, innovative, versatile, tolerant, humorous, energetic and diligent man.
It is worthy of note that Dr. Lai Oparinde is the first Ph. D holder in the history of Registry Department since the inception of the Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun in 1979! He was once the Chairman of the College’s chapter of the Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education in Nigeria (SSUCOEN)
Dr. ‘Lai Oparinde would not use two words where one would suffice, but that his one word would invariably be the right one. He is an avid reader and a very deep thinker; an embodiment of humility with a seraphic devotion to the practice of his chosen faith – Islam.
Dr. Olayiwola AbdulRauf Oparinde is presently a lecturer at the Department of Educational Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He is happily married to Dr. (Mrs.) Oparinde, Folasade Odunola and the Union is blessed with good children.
To his immediate family, ‘Lai is a father, counsellor, administrator, director, leader and friend whose children are joy to the family and each cutting his teeth to excel, just as Dad. ‘Lai’s popular saying to his children, especially on education is that “I have beaten my father’s records, I want to see you beat mine”. This has always been a source of inspiration to the children.
Happy Birthday once again Lai!
