FUTA's Immediate Past Registrar, Richard Arifalo, Bows Out of Service, Advocates for Wisdom in Leadership

Mr. Richard Adeyinka Arifalo, the immediate past Registrar of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), formally retired from public service on Monday, October 6, 2025, upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 65.

His retirement was marked by a valedictory lecture where he urged university administrators and Nigerian leaders to prioritize wisdom over emotion in their decision-making.

Arifalo delivered a valedictory lecture titled "Don't Be Stupid," drawing from his extensive experience as a leader and administrator.

Context of Stupidity: He clarified that "stupidity" in his context does not mean a lack of intelligence but rather the refusal to do what is right, responsible, and wise, even when one knows better.

He noted that individuals often choose to make wrong decisions out of selfishness or pride, leading to chaos and administrative crises. According to Arifalo, leaders are being "stupid" when they:

   Ignore sound counseling.

   Refuse to learn from history and past mistakes.

   Allow pride or ego to becloud good judgment.

   Prioritize personal interest over collective good.

Arifalo's Counsel: He enjoined all leaders to fight stupidity with humility, critical thinking, the courage to question, and a willingness to listen, learn, and change. He stressed, "Leadership is not about being popular but being principled".

Final Advice: He advised administrators to respect the rules and people regardless of rank, avoid being "stupid with time," and build bridges, as institutions thrive on unity. He concluded that power is transient and that leadership is ultimately about influence.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, (represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Professor Sunday Oluyamo), congratulated Arifalo on his successful retirement after upholding academic excellence and smooth governance of FUTA for over 30 years.

Prof. Oladiji described him as an indefatigable builder of men and a lover of education who demonstrated thoroughness and integrity while in office.

Arifalo appreciated those who influenced his life, including his mentor, Dr. Ayorinde Ogunruku, former Registrar of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and a founding member of the FUTA Registry.

Dr. Ogunruku, in his admonition titled "ojolojo" (meaning a day that has a date), emphasized the need for everyone to submit to God, pointing out that Arifalo "has enjoyed grace to have excelled in his career and more importantly to be able to retire graciously despite all challenges".