It would be a double celebration in Ekiti State this week, as Professor Isaac Ayodele Olatunji of Federal University, (FUOYE), Oye Ekiti, delivers the institution’s 24th inaugural lecture on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Two days after, the distinguished academic will also celebrate his 70th birthday anniversary.
Titled “Housing Care and Support for Nigerians–The Optimality Dimension to a Critical Real Estate Decision,” the lecture which holds at the Senator Ndoma Egba Hall of the University by 2 pm, will be presided over by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole.
Two days after the inaugural lecture, Professor Olatunji will celebrate his 70th birthday anniversary on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the same day he is expected to formally retire from active academic service, having attained the statutory retirement age for Professors in Nigeria.
The erudite scholar who served as the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management (EDM) at FUOYE, also served as Head of the Department of Estate Management and Valuation at Federal University of Technology, Minna, before joining FUOYE.
A source within the University who craved anonymity, described the inaugural lecture as exceptional, as it coincides with the Professor’s retirement from service.
“Professor Olatunji will probably be one of the few lucky academics to have their inaugural lectures as parting gifts on the retirement eve. This type rarely happens and this makes this one a very exceptional occasion,” the source added.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers since 2004, Professor Olatunji practiced Estate Surveying and Valuation for over two decades before joining academia in 2005 as Lecturer II. He rose through the ranks and became a full Professor in 2020.
Known for blending practical experience with academic excellence, Professor Olatunji earned the nickname “Pracademic” due to his practice-based teaching approach and his ability to bridge the gap between professional practice and scholarly research.
He was once described as a “total researcher” by Professor J.I. Ighalo, a testament to his commitment to research and academic development.
During his time at FUOYE, Professor Olatunji contributed significantly to institutional development through practical research initiatives.
He led a team of valuers and professionals in the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management to advise the university on critical real estate valuation decisions.
He also played a role in the establishment of the Students Village Land Allocation and Development Committee (SVLADC), helping the university formulate policies aimed at improving housing and land development management.
Professor Olatunji has consistently maintained that addressing challenges in Nigeria’s housing sector requires professionals who can combine academic research with real-world experience to effectively connect theory with practice.
