It was a touching moment of respect, appreciation, and heartfelt recognition as students of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree surprised one of their most admired lecturers, Engr. Omotayo Mayowa, with numerous gifts, Peak Newspaper reports.
Overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture, Engr. Omotayo became visibly emotional as students took turns presenting their gifts to the Elect/Elect Head of Department in appreciation of his impact on their academic and personal growth.
Speaking with Peak Newspaper Nigeria, the President, National Association of Elect/Elect Engineering Students’(NAEEES), Ospoly Iree Chapter, Comrade Fadairo Nosif, described Engr. Omotayo as “a father who cares for us all.”
“He operates an open-door policy that allows us approach him with our concerns. This has greatly improved our confidence and day-to-day academic experience,” he said.
Also speaking, the HND II Governor of the department, Adeleke Abdulquadri, noted that Engr. Omotayo is more than a lecturer.
“He corrects with love, guides with patience, and protects the interests of both students and staff. His leadership is defined by clarity, purpose, and integrity. Many students are successful today because he believed in them when they doubted themselves.”
Similarly, the department’s Sports Director, Adetoye Damilare, emphasized that the gesture was well deserved.
“His leadership has been a pillar of strength. He has shown us that true leadership goes beyond authority — it is about guidance, patience, and genuine care. His dedication continues to inspire us daily.”
In the same vein, another female HND2 Elect/Elect student of the institution, Mariam, who also gifted Omotayo, explained that Omotayo Mayowa is more than just a lecturer, describing him as a mentor whose unwavering dedication, patience, and genuine concern for students’ growth have left a lasting impact on their academic and personal lives. She noted that his willingness to go beyond the classroom to guide, encourage, and inspire students makes him truly deserving of the honour and appreciation shown.
In his response, an emotional Engr. Omotayo expressed deep gratitude for the show of love. “I am elated, encouraged, and deeply motivated by this kindness. Words fail to fully capture how this act of appreciation has touched me. To those who gave and those who couldn’t due to financial constraints, I am sincerely grateful. Your thoughtfulness means the world to me. I will continue to inspire and encourage Nigerian students.”
“May the lord bless their studies, protect them, guide them, Crown their efforts with success and make them leaders of impact in the future,” He prayed.
Omotayo Mayowa also expressed deep appreciation to the Rector of the institution, Kehinde Alabi and the entire management team, for fostering a progressive and supportive atmosphere where innovation, diligence, and excellence are encouraged to thrive.
He further extended heartfelt gratitude to his colleagues for their unwavering cooperation, teamwork, and shared commitment to nurturing students and advancing the department.
