CHAPTER ONE

FOREWORD
The pages of this commemorative booklet present a concise account of my life’s remarkable journey—a story woven by the unfailing grace, mercy, and faithfulness of Almighty God. Though the narrative before you is only a summary, it captures significant moments, divine encounters, invaluable lessons, and unforgettable experiences that have shaped my calling, career, ministry, and family life over the past sixty-five years.

As I celebrate my 65th Birthday, mark my retirement from active public service, commemorate 45 glorious years of ministering in the vineyard of God, and give thanks for 32 years of a peaceful and enduring marriage, my heart overflows with profound gratitude to God. Every milestone recorded in this volume is a testimony that God remains faithful to those who trust Him completely. Looking back, I can boldly declare with the Psalmist, “The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3).

There were moments when the journey appeared uncertain and even impossible. There were seasons of trials, disappointments, opposition, and life-threatening experiences. Yet, through every storm, the mighty hand of God preserved and sustained me. I still remember the miraculous escape from death when a mighty tree, uprooted by a violent windstorm, fell just beside me shortly before my sixtieth birthday. Human explanation failed, but divine intervention prevailed. That unforgettable experience reaffirmed the timeless truth that when God preserves a life, no power of darkness can terminate His divine purpose.

Throughout the years, I have chosen to celebrate my birthdays not with elaborate ceremonies but with thanksgiving, prayer, fasting, meditation upon God’s Word, and sincere personal reflection. Each birthday has become an opportunity to renew my covenant with God, evaluate my stewardship, seek fresh grace for greater service, and prepare for the assignments that still lie ahead. This 65th birthday is no exception. Rather than focusing solely on celebration, I dedicate this season to worship, gratitude, and renewed consecration to the One who has been my Shepherd throughout life’s journey.

This publication also provides me with a rare privilege—to receive words of encouragement, appreciation, and sincere reflections from people whose lives have intersected with mine over the decades. Unlike the common tradition of celebrating individuals only after they have departed this world, I consider it a priceless blessing to read these heartfelt tributes while still alive. They were written voluntarily by family members, church leaders, colleagues, former students, neighbours, friends, associates, and well-wishers, without influence or direction from me. Their testimonies serve as both an encouragement and a reminder that every life leaves footprints upon the hearts of others.

It is my earnest prayer that every reader will discover hope within these pages. Regardless of one’s background, present circumstances, or life’s battles, God remains able to transform impossibilities into testimonies. If my life teaches anything, it is that no obstacle can frustrate God’s divine agenda for a life completely surrendered to Him. The same God who lifted me from humble beginnings, preserved me through dangers, and guided me into purpose is still working miracles today.

As I conclude my active professional career and enter another meaningful phase of life, retirement does not signify the end of usefulness but the beginning of greater opportunities for mentorship, kingdom service, and impacting generations. My passion for the Gospel, education, leadership, and community development remains as vibrant as ever. By God’s grace, I shall continue to serve humanity with the wisdom and experience gathered over the years.

From before my birth, divine revelations affirmed God’s special purpose for my life. Through every stage of my journey, He has consistently confirmed His calling despite fierce opposition and numerous challenges. No force of darkness has been able to frustrate what God ordained, for “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).
As you read this book, may you be inspired to trust God more deeply, serve Him more faithfully, and pursue your divine purpose with unwavering commitment. Life is not measured merely by its length but by its impact. Build a legacy of integrity, faithfulness, compassion, and service. Give your best to God, to humanity, and to every assignment committed into your hands, knowing that one day we shall all give account before our Creator.

Finally, I return all glory, honour, and adoration to Almighty God, whose immeasurable grace has enabled me to witness this memorable season of 65 fruitful years of life, 45 years of fruitful ministry, 32 years of a blessed marriage, and a successful retirement from active service. To my beloved family, faithful church members, colleagues, students, friends, and numerous well-wishers, I express my heartfelt appreciation for your prayers, encouragement, love, and unwavering support throughout this remarkable journey.

May the Lord richly bless every one of you, preserve your lives, establish His purpose concerning you, and grant you the grace to finish your own race with joy and fulfilment.

To God alone be all the glory.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor (Engr.) Peter Odesanmi Ojo

 

 

CHAPTER ONE
MY ORIGIN
The Foundation of a Destiny

 

“This is not merely the story of a village boy who became a Chief Lecturer; it is the testimony of God’s unfailing grace. It is the story of how faith conquered fear, integrity overcame opposition, perseverance defeated adversity, and destiny ultimately spoke. May every reader discover, through these pages, that no challenge is greater than the purpose God has ordained for a life surrendered to Him.”

 

 

Every great journey begins with a humble step, and every remarkable destiny has a story rooted in seemingly insignificant beginnings. Mine is no exception. This is not merely the story of a man who rose to become a Chief Lecturer, researcher, pastor, mentor, and engineer. Rather, it is the testimony of God’s unfailing grace, proving that one’s background does not determine one’s destiny. The God who lifts the poor from the dust and sets them among princes has been the unseen Author of every chapter of my life.

I was born on 11th October 1961 in Igbole-Ekiti, Ido-Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. I was born into a simple and humble family where life was characterised by hard work, discipline, and the daily struggle for survival. Material possessions were few, but the values that shaped our lives were priceless. My childhood was spent in an environment where farming was the major occupation and every member of the family contributed to the labour required to sustain the household.

The circumstances surrounding my upbringing were far from comfortable. Poverty was real, and opportunities for education were scarce. At a time when many children could easily access formal education, my future appeared uncertain. My father believed more in traditional occupations such as farming, hunting, and herbal practice than in western education. His conviction was shaped by the realities of his generation, and he desired that I would follow the same path.

My mother, however, saw something different. Though she had limited opportunities herself, she possessed extraordinary vision. She admired teachers for their dignity, neatness, discipline, and influence within society. Night after night, she spoke words that unknowingly became seeds of destiny. She repeatedly told me that one day I would become a teacher. Unknown to both of us, those simple words would become divine prophecy.

As a little boy, I embraced that dream with unusual passion. Whenever I accompanied my father to the farm, my imagination transformed the farmland into a classroom. Using cocoyam leaves and cassava stems as imaginary pupils, I stood before them like a classroom teacher, asking questions, giving assignments, correcting mistakes, and pretending to discipline my “students.” Whenever my father approached, I quickly abandoned my imaginary classroom and returned to farm work. Unknown to everyone, a teacher was already growing inside a little village boy.

Those innocent childhood moments became the earliest evidence that purpose often announces itself long before destiny unfolds. Even before entering higher institutions of learning, I had already developed an uncommon love for teaching. It was not driven by financial gain or social prestige but by a deep passion to impact lives through knowledge.

During my years in school, I discovered a special gift in Mathematics and the sciences. I consistently excelled academically and developed a keen interest in solving practical problems. Because of my outstanding performance in Mathematics and Biology, many people encouraged me to study Medicine. It appeared to be the natural path for a brilliant science student.

While I appreciated their advice, my heart remained fixed on becoming a teacher. Even when I considered studying Medicine, my ultimate ambition was still to teach. I often said that whether I became a medical doctor or an engineer, I desired to stand before students, impart knowledge, inspire excellence, and shape future generations. Teaching was not simply an occupation I desired; it was a calling that burned within me.

Eventually, circumstances prevented me from pursuing Medicine. Rather than becoming discouraged, I embraced Mechanical Engineering—a discipline that perfectly blended my love for Mathematics, scientific reasoning, innovation, and problem-solving. Looking back today, I can confidently say that God was directing every step. What appeared to be disappointment became divine redirection toward the purpose He had prepared for me.

As I advanced through my educational journey, I became increasingly convinced that I would never exchange the classroom for the attractions of corporate employment, no matter how lucrative. Even before graduation, I had resolved that I would dedicate my life to teaching in a higher institution. Many people found this decision surprising because engineering graduates were highly sought after in industries offering attractive salaries and better financial prospects.

For me, however, fulfilment could never be measured by wealth alone. I believed that transforming lives through education was a greater reward than accumulating material possessions. My greatest joy would not come from building machines alone, but from building people who would, in turn, build society.

That conviction shaped every decision I made thereafter. It influenced my academic pursuits, my professional choices, my spiritual commitment, and eventually my entire career spanning thirty-five remarkable years. Every sacrifice, every delayed gratification, every difficult season, and every painful experience became stepping stones toward the fulfilment of the vision first planted in my heart during childhood.

As I reflect on those early years, I realise that God often begins His greatest works in the most ordinary places. He chooses humble homes to raise extraordinary people. He uses faithful mothers to nurture future leaders. He allows difficult circumstances to prepare resilient destinies. My life is a living testimony that poverty cannot imprison purpose, opposition cannot silence destiny, and hardship cannot cancel God’s divine agenda.

This autobiography is therefore more than a record of achievements. It is a testimony of God’s faithfulness across every season of my life. From the dusty footpaths of Igbole-Ekiti to lecture halls, research laboratories, conference platforms, pulpits, and leadership positions, every step has been orchestrated by divine providence.

Indeed, my story began in humility, but it continues in gratitude. The little boy who once taught cocoyam leaves in the farm would one day teach thousands of students, mentor generations of engineers, publish over one hundred scholarly papers, serve faithfully for thirty-five unbroken years, and retire with honour as a Chief Lecturer. Looking back, I can only say with deep thanksgiving: when God ordains a destiny, no obstacle can ultimately prevent its fulfilment.

CHAPTER TWO

GROWING UP

The Boy Who Dreamed of Becoming a Teacher

“A dream planted in the heart of a child by God, watered by faith, nurtured through perseverance, and protected by divine grace will one day blossom into a destiny that no opposition can destroy.”

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

Every towering oak was once a tiny acorn. Every great river began as a small spring. Likewise, every outstanding life begins with seemingly ordinary experiences that gradually shape extraordinary destinies. My growing-up years were filled with hardship, sacrifice, discipline, and hope. Although I was born into a humble family with very limited means, those early years became the workshop where God carefully fashioned the character, vision, resilience, and unwavering faith that would later define my life.

My childhood in Igbole-Ekiti was simple but meaningful. Life revolved around farming, family responsibilities, communal living, and the constant struggle to make ends meet. There were no luxuries. Every meal, every school material, and every opportunity came through hard work and God’s mercy. Yet, despite our material poverty, I was rich in dreams.

My father believed strongly in farming, hunting, and traditional herbal practice. To him, those professions represented security and survival. He desired that I should follow in his footsteps, learning the skills that had sustained generations before us. Looking back today, I understand that his desire was born out of love and the realities of his time.

My mother, however, saw life through different eyes. She believed education possessed the power to transform destinies. She admired teachers because they were disciplined, respectable, neat, intelligent, and influential within society. Almost every evening, she would encourage me with gentle but consistent words.

“Peter,” she would say, “one day you will become a teacher.”

Those words echoed repeatedly in my young heart until they became part of my identity. Unknown to her, she was not merely expressing a mother’s wish; she was speaking prophetically into my future.

As a little village boy, I found joy in pretending to teach. Whenever I accompanied my father to the farm, the farm itself became my classroom. Cocoyam leaves became my pupils. Cassava stems became imaginary students seated before me. Holding small sticks in my hands like a classroom teacher, I would ask questions, issue assignments, and even pretend to discipline the “students” whenever they failed to answer correctly.

Sometimes I would say in Yoruba:

“Tẹ́wọ́ rẹ kí mi fún olègbà; wò ṣé assignment rẹ?”

Then I would gently strike the broad cocoyam leaves as though correcting stubborn pupils. Whenever my father appeared from a distance, I quickly abandoned my imaginary classroom and returned to farming. Unknown to everyone around me, the teacher in me was already being born long before I entered any lecture hall.

That unusual passion remained with me throughout my primary education. I loved learning. Mathematics fascinated me. Numbers spoke to me in ways difficult to explain. Science equally captured my imagination. I enjoyed solving problems and understanding how things worked. My teachers recognised these abilities early and continually encouraged me to strive for excellence.

During my years at Community Primary School, Igbole-Ekiti, I consistently distinguished myself academically. I developed a reputation for diligence, discipline, and outstanding performance in Arithmetic. Those early successes boosted my confidence and convinced me that education was indeed the path God had prepared for me.

My secondary school years at Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti opened a broader horizon. There I encountered greater academic challenges, but instead of discouraging me, they strengthened my determination. Mathematics became my favourite subject, and Biology equally attracted my deepest interest. I devoted countless hours to reading, studying, and seeking knowledge beyond the classroom.

My academic excellence led many people to encourage me to study Medicine. They believed that someone with my ability in Mathematics and Biology would become an excellent medical doctor. Indeed, I even applied to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nigeria.

However, God’s plans are often different from our own expectations.

Although I admired the medical profession, my greatest desire remained unchanged—I wanted to teach. Even if I became a doctor, I dreamed of becoming a university lecturer who would teach future generations of medical professionals. The classroom, not merely the consulting room, continued to occupy my heart.

Eventually, circumstances prevented me from pursuing Medicine. At the time, it felt disappointing. Yet today I recognise that what appeared to be a setback was actually divine direction. God was gently leading me toward Mechanical Engineering—a profession through which I would combine scientific knowledge, innovation, research, problem-solving, and my lifelong passion for teaching.

One principle became firmly established in my heart during those formative years: I would never choose money over purpose.

Many engineering graduates dreamt of working in multinational oil companies, earning impressive salaries and enjoying luxurious lifestyles. I held a different conviction. I often said within myself that even if an oil company paid me far more than any educational institution, I would still choose teaching.

To many people, such thinking seemed unreasonable.

To me, however, fulfilment was never measured by wealth. My greatest ambition was to mould lives, inspire excellence, mentor future professionals, and contribute meaningfully to national development through education.

That conviction would later shape every major decision of my career.

My growing-up years also taught me the values of discipline, honesty, simplicity, contentment, and hard work. There were no shortcuts in our home. Every achievement demanded effort. Every blessing required patience. Those lessons became priceless treasures that no university could ever teach.

Looking back today, I realise that God was preparing me long before I realised it. Every day on the farm strengthened my work ethic. Every financial struggle built resilience. Every encouraging word from my mother strengthened my vision. Every challenge became another classroom where heaven was preparing me for future leadership.

Perhaps the greatest lesson from my childhood is this: God often hides extraordinary destinies inside ordinary children. The world may overlook them because of poverty, humble backgrounds, or limited opportunities, but heaven already knows what they shall become.

I was only a village boy with big dreams.

God saw a future Chief Lecturer.

I saw only a classroom.

God saw generations of engineers who would pass through my hands.

I saw only books.

God saw over one hundred scholarly publications.

I saw only hardship.

God saw testimonies waiting to be written.

As I journeyed from childhood into adulthood, one truth became increasingly evident: the God who plants a vision in the heart of a child is faithful enough to bring that vision to glorious fulfilment.

The seeds planted during my childhood would eventually blossom into a lifetime of academic excellence, faithful service, godly leadership, impactful mentorship, and unwavering integrity.

Indeed, my growing-up years were not merely the beginning of life—they were the beginning of destiny.

 

CHAPTER THREE
THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE
From a Village Dream to an Academic Calling

“Education opens the mind, but purpose directs the journey. When knowledge is guided by divine vision, it becomes a powerful instrument for transforming lives and shaping generations.”

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” — Proverbs 9:10

The road to greatness is rarely paved with comfort. More often, it is marked by sacrifice, determination, unwavering faith, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. My educational journey was not simply about acquiring certificates; it was the gradual unfolding of a divine purpose. Every classroom I entered, every examination I wrote, every challenge I overcame, and every lesson I learned became another step toward the destiny God had prepared for me long before I understood His plans.

Growing up in a humble home where financial resources were scarce, pursuing education required more than intelligence—it demanded courage, endurance, and absolute trust in God. There were moments when continuing my education seemed almost impossible. Many young people from similar backgrounds abandoned their dreams because the obstacles appeared too great. Yet, I had a conviction deep within my heart that education was the key God had placed in my hands to unlock my future.

My years at Community Primary School, Igbole-Ekiti, laid the foundation of my academic life. I developed a deep love for Arithmetic and consistently distinguished myself among my peers. Every success strengthened my confidence and inspired me to strive for even greater excellence.

At Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti, my passion for learning blossomed even further. Mathematics became my closest companion, while Biology fascinated me with its insight into the wonders of God’s creation. Teachers recognised my academic potential and continually encouraged me to pursue the highest levels of education.

Because of my outstanding performance in Mathematics and Biology, many advised me to study Medicine. Their confidence in my ability was encouraging, and I even applied to study Medicine and Surgery. Yet, deep within my heart, another dream continued to grow stronger. More than becoming a medical doctor, I longed to become a teacher—someone who would impart knowledge, shape lives, and inspire future generations.

When circumstances prevented me from studying Medicine, I did not interpret it as failure. Instead, I accepted it as divine redirection. Looking back today, I can clearly see the invisible hand of God guiding my path toward Mechanical Engineering—a discipline that perfectly united my love for Mathematics, science, creativity, innovation, and teaching.

Admission into The Polytechnic, Owo, to study Mechanical Engineering marked a major turning point in my life. For the first time, my childhood dreams began to assume practical form. Every lecture, workshop, laboratory session, and engineering drawing deepened my appreciation for the beauty of scientific knowledge.

Mechanical Engineering taught me far more than machines and manufacturing processes. It taught me discipline, precision, analytical thinking, and the importance of solving problems systematically. These principles would later influence not only my engineering career but also my leadership style, research philosophy, and Christian life.
I graduated with an Upper Credit in Mechanical Engineering, but I knew my educational journey had only just begun.
Determined to fulfil my lifelong ambition of becoming a lecturer, I proceeded to the University of Benin, where I earned my Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering. Studying at the university exposed me to a broader academic environment, rigorous intellectual discipline, and advanced engineering concepts.

During those years, something remarkable happened.
My love for books became almost insatiable.

I refused to limit myself to lecture notes alone. Whenever lecturers recommended six reference points, I searched until I discovered twelve. I visited libraries relentlessly. The State Library in Adegbola, Akure, the renowned John Harris Library at the University of Benin, and reputable bookshops became my regular companions. My passion for learning exceeded classroom requirements because I believed that true education belongs to those willing to go beyond the ordinary.

One memorable day, a lecturer entered the classroom carrying one of our assignments. Looking directly at me, he asked,
“Who is Peter Odesanmi?”
I stood up.

He explained that although he had requested six points on a particular topic, I had written twelve comprehensive points. Curious, he visited the library to verify my references and discovered that I had indeed consulted several advanced texts unavailable to many students.
His words of encouragement remain fresh in my memory:

“Keep building your capacity. The investment you make in yourself today will distinguish you tomorrow.”
Those words became another source of motivation. They confirmed what I had always believed—that excellence is never accidental. It is the product of deliberate preparation.

While many students spent their leisure hours pursuing entertainment, my daily routine followed what I often describe as a triangle of purpose:
From Fellowship…
To the Classroom…
To the Library…

That simple pattern shaped my destiny.
My Christian faith strengthened my academic pursuit rather than competing with it. I believed that genuine scholarship and deep spirituality complement one another. Prayer gave me wisdom. Study gave me knowledge. Discipline produced excellence.

As the years progressed, my desire to teach became even stronger. I admired lecturers who possessed both sound knowledge and noble character. I resolved within myself that if God granted me the opportunity to become a lecturer, I would dedicate my life to raising students whose competence would speak louder than their certificates.

After graduating from the University of Benin, many attractive employment opportunities became available. Engineering graduates were highly sought after by industries offering significantly higher salaries and attractive benefits.

Friends, relatives, and well-wishers encouraged me to pursue those opportunities.
But my heart had already made its choice.

I wanted to teach.
Not because teaching offered financial security—it did not.
Not because it promised prestige—it rarely did.
But because teaching fulfilled the divine purpose planted in my heart since childhood.

Providence soon opened another door.
During my National Youth Service, I served as a Mathematics teacher in a secondary school at Zing in the then Gongola State. Teaching those young students confirmed beyond every doubt that I had found my life’s calling. I poured myself wholeheartedly into classroom instruction, organised extra lessons, and became deeply involved in the academic growth of my students.
The impact was so remarkable that when my service year ended, the Emir of Zing personally facilitated my employment in the state educational service. It was a great honour and an attractive opportunity.

Yet even then, my heart remained fixed on higher education.
Shortly afterwards, I returned to the University of Benin, where I briefly served as an Assistant Lecturer. Although the salary was significantly lower than what I had been earning elsewhere, I accepted it joyfully.
Many questioned my decision.
Some believed I lacked financial wisdom.
Others thought I was making a costly mistake.

They measured success by income.
I measured success by purpose.
For me, standing before students, conducting research, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge brought greater satisfaction than earning a larger salary in industry.
Those decisions would eventually shape the next thirty-five years of my professional life.
Looking back today, I realise that education gave me far more than academic qualifications. It taught me discipline in adversity, humility in success, diligence in preparation, and dependence upon God in every circumstance.

More importantly, education became the instrument through which God prepared me for a lifetime of teaching, mentoring, research, innovation, leadership, and service to humanity.

The village boy who once taught imaginary pupils on a farm was gradually becoming the lecturer he had dreamed of becoming.
The dream was no longer distant.
It was beginning to unfold.
Unknown to me, however, the greatest chapters of my journey were still ahead. God was preparing to open the doors of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, where I would spend thirty-five remarkable years, rise from Assistant Lecturer to Chief Lecturer, mentor generations of engineers, produce over one hundred scholarly publications, and discover that faithfulness, integrity, and perseverance always triumph over adversity.
Indeed, the pursuit of knowledge had become the pursuit of destiny.

 

CHAPTER FOUR

THE CALLING FULFILLED

My Divine Appointment to the Lecture Hall

“When God ordains a man for a purpose, He opens doors that no human being can shut. What appears to others as coincidence is often the silent orchestration of divine providence.”

“Your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men.” — Proverbs 18:16

“Promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one and sets up another.” — Psalm 75:6–7

Dreams become meaningful only when they are translated into purposeful action. For many years, I carried within my heart an unwavering desire to become a lecturer. It was more than a career ambition; it was a divine calling. While many of my contemporaries pursued opportunities in industries where financial rewards were abundant, my greatest joy was found in the classroom. I believed that transforming lives through education was one of the noblest services anyone could render to humanity.

God, in His infinite wisdom, began preparing me long before I realised it.

After completing my university education, I served as a Mathematics teacher during my National Youth Service at Zing in the then Gongola State. My passion for teaching quickly became evident. I organised extra lessons, devoted additional hours to my students, and considered no sacrifice too great if it would improve their understanding.

At the completion of my service year, my dedication attracted the attention of the Emir of Zing, who graciously facilitated my appointment into the state educational service. It was a rare privilege and an opportunity many people would have embraced without hesitation.

Yet, despite the honour and financial security that accompanied the appointment, my heart remained restless.

I longed for something greater—not in terms of income, but in terms of purpose.

I desired to teach in a higher institution where I could contribute to research, innovation, and the development of future engineers.

Soon afterwards, I returned to the University of Benin, where I briefly worked as an Assistant Lecturer. Ironically, the salary I received was only a fraction of what I had earned while teaching in the North. Friends questioned my decision.

“Why would you leave a better-paying job for this?” they asked.

My answer was always simple.

“I am not pursuing money; I am pursuing purpose.”

Purpose has a language that only those who are called can truly understand.

Not long afterwards, one remarkable event changed the entire course of my life.

I was travelling from Benin to Akure. My destination was my hometown, and I had no intention whatsoever of visiting Owo. However, as the vehicle approached Owo, an unusual conviction settled upon my spirit. Without prior planning or human prompting, I asked the driver to stop.

The other passengers looked at me with surprise.

“Weren’t you travelling to Akure?” they asked.

“I will still pay my fare to Akure,” I replied, “but I must stop here.”

At that moment, I could not fully explain my action. I simply obeyed the quiet leading of God.

That single act of obedience became one of the defining moments of my destiny.

As I entered the Polytechnic, I asked for directions to the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Eventually, I found the office of the Head of Department, Engr. Fayoriju.

With youthful boldness and unwavering confidence, I introduced myself and simply said,

“Sir, I have come because I want to lecture.”

He looked at me with curiosity.

Then he opened his drawer, brought out a copy of the Tribune Newspaper, and handed it to me.

Inside was an advertisement announcing vacancies for lecturers in the Polytechnic.

Unknown to me, the advertisement had already been published for almost two months.

I had not seen it.

Yet God had already seen it.

Immediately, I proceeded to the library, obtained another copy of the newspaper, prepared my application, attached my credentials, and submitted everything without delay.

Looking back today, I remain amazed at how God arranged every detail.

The officers who assisted me with typing, photocopying, and processing my application did so willingly.

What appeared to be ordinary administrative assistance was, in reality, divine favour working quietly behind the scenes.

Another challenge soon emerged.

My application carried my address in Zing, while I was temporarily in Benin. Unsure which address should receive future correspondence, I met Pastor Sunday, who worked in the Registry and happened to be a fellow believer.

He advised me to leave both addresses with him.

That simple decision became another miracle.

The interview invitation arrived in Benin before it reached Zing.

At that very period, I was in my father’s cocoa farm clearing bushes. Suddenly, I felt an unusual prompting in my spirit to travel immediately to Benin.

I obeyed without hesitation.

Upon arriving, I discovered that my interview letter had just been delivered.

The interview was only two days away.

There were no mobile phones.

There was no email.

There was no social media.

Only God’s perfect timing.

The journey to the interview was itself another testimony.

Travelling from Ekiti through Akure to Owo, I arrived late in the evening and spent the night in the home of a Christian brother. Early the following morning, news broke that commercial taxi drivers had embarked on strike.

Many prospective applicants never reached the venue.

I had no choice but to trek a considerable distance to the Polytechnic.

By God’s grace, I arrived before the interview commenced.

When I reached the Department of Mechanical Engineering, only two candidates were present.

As I waited outside, I watched the first candidate spend almost forty-five minutes before the interview panel.

He emerged visibly shaken.

The intensity of the questions had overwhelmed him.

My heart began to race.

There was no opportunity to withdraw.

There was only one thing left to do.

I bowed my head quietly and committed everything into God’s hands.

As I prayed silently, some people nearby mocked me.

“There goes the Scripture Union brother,” they laughed.

Their words did not discourage me.

Instead, they strengthened my resolve.

Within a few moments, my name was called.

I entered the room and found eleven distinguished panel members seated before me.

They examined my credentials carefully.

One observation immediately caught their attention.

“You are already working at the University of Benin,” one of them remarked.

“How can we pay you what you are earning there?”

Without hesitation, I replied confidently,

“Then pay me twice what I am receiving.”

The room became momentarily silent.

Unknown to me, that confident response reflected not pride but faith.

Remarkably, the salary eventually approved for my appointment was exactly what I had requested.

It was yet another testimony that when God opens a door, no human limitation can close it.

Thus began my career as a lecturer at The Polytechnic, Owo—an institution that would become my professional home for the next thirty-five years.

Little did I know that those years would bring intense challenges, painful betrayals, spiritual battles, delayed promotions, fierce opposition, and seasons of deep discouragement.

Neither did I know they would also produce lifelong friendships, countless testimonies, academic excellence, over one hundred scholarly publications, generations of successful students, and the privilege of rising to the rank of Chief Lecturer.

As I resumed duty, I embraced every assignment with enthusiasm.

I considered no task too small.

Whether teaching, supervising workshops, preparing accreditation documents, operating machines, mentoring students, or serving the department in any capacity, I gave my best.

Excellence became my daily habit.

Integrity became my identity.

Diligence became my lifestyle.

I refused to compromise standards, even when compromise appeared more convenient.

Many misunderstood my commitment.

Some described me as too strict.

Others called me stubborn.

Some labelled me uncooperative because I would neither manipulate examination scores nor lower academic standards.

But I had already settled one matter in my heart.

I would rather disappoint men than disappoint God.

As the years unfolded, I gradually discovered that genuine integrity often attracts opposition before it receives honour.

Yet every challenge only strengthened my conviction that faithfulness is never wasted.

Today, as I reflect upon that unforgettable journey—from an unplanned stop at Owo, to an unexpected newspaper advertisement, to a miraculous interview, and finally to a lifetime of service—I can only marvel at the wisdom of God.

What appeared to be an ordinary day became the doorway into my life’s greatest assignment.

Indeed, destiny is often hidden inside ordinary moments.

The man who stepped into the Polytechnic that day came seeking employment.

The man who eventually retired thirty-five years later left behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, mentorship, scholarship, and unwavering faith.

It remains one of the greatest privileges of my life to have answered that divine call.

For when God appoints a man, He not only gives him a position—He gives him a purpose that will outlive him.

 

CHAPTER FIVE

THE PRICE OF PRINCIPLE

Standing for Truth in the Midst of Trials

“A man of integrity may walk through storms, but he will never lose his footing, for truth is a foundation that cannot be shaken.”

“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” — Psalm 34:19

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:10

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” — C.S. Lewis

Every meaningful journey has its seasons of testing.

No life of purpose is ever exempt from opposition. In fact, the greater the assignment, the greater the resistance. Looking back over my thirty-five years as a lecturer, I have come to understand that God often allows His children to pass through difficult seasons, not to destroy them, but to strengthen them.

My appointment as a lecturer at The Polytechnic, Owo, was only the beginning of another chapter—a chapter filled with intense challenges, misunderstandings, opposition, and painful experiences that would ultimately shape my character and define my legacy.

From my first day in the classroom, I resolved that I would never compromise academic standards. Education, to me, was a sacred trust. Every mark awarded to a student represented integrity. Every lecture delivered represented responsibility. Every graduate produced represented the future of society.

That conviction soon distinguished me.

Unfortunately, it also made me unpopular in certain circles.

While many appreciated my dedication to excellence, others viewed my uncompromising stand as an obstacle to their personal interests. I was labelled with different names. Some described me as “too strict.” Others considered me “too difficult.” A few openly declared that I was not cooperating with the system.

Yet I knew in my heart that I was cooperating with something far greater—the truth.

One of the greatest temptations faced by every educator is the pressure to manipulate examination scores.

On several occasions, colleagues approached me with requests to add marks to particular students.

“Just help this student,” they would plead.

Sometimes they suggested adding five marks. At other times, they demanded even more.

I found myself in a difficult position.

I did not want to embarrass anyone, but neither could I betray my conscience.

Whenever moderation could be fairly applied according to established academic practice, I ensured that every student benefited equally rather than favouring individuals. However, I refused to inflate scores beyond what I could honestly defend.

I often reminded myself that every examination script carried not only a student’s future but also my own integrity.

I could defend honesty.

I could never defend falsehood.

This uncompromising position earned me more enemies than friends.

Some colleagues quietly turned against me.

False stories began circulating.

Misunderstandings increased.

Attempts were made to isolate me professionally.

Students were sometimes deliberately incited against me because I refused to lower standards or sell grades.

But even in those difficult moments, I remained convinced that truth does not require popular approval.

It only requires faithful obedience.

There were occasions when senior colleagues openly predicted the end of my career.

One even declared confidently,

“Your appointment is only written in pencil. You will soon be removed.”

His words were intended to discourage me.

Instead, they strengthened my faith.

I calmly replied,

“If I lose this job today, I can still teach in a primary school. My calling is not tied to one institution.”

My confidence was never in human appointments.

It was in God’s appointment.

The years that followed became a continuous test of endurance.

My insistence on accountability during departmental activities was often misunderstood.

During accreditation exercises, I believed every report should reflect the true situation of the department.

If equipment was unavailable, I believed we should honestly acknowledge it and work towards improvement rather than presenting misleading information.

Not everyone appreciated such transparency.

On one occasion, I was deliberately excluded from certain accreditation activities because my colleagues feared I would refuse to support inaccurate presentations.

Yet I could not exchange my integrity for temporary acceptance.

Another painful experience occurred during my tenure as Head of Department.

I was presented with a handover document containing information that I knew was inaccurate.

I was expected to sign it.

Many advised me to overlook the discrepancies.

After all, they argued, “everyone does it.”

But my conscience would not permit me.

I respectfully declined.

That single decision generated enormous hostility.

Meetings were held.

Pressure mounted.

Persuasion became intimidation.

Some even appealed to ethnic sentiments, asking fellow Ekiti indigenes to convince me to cooperate.

But integrity has no tribe.

Truth has no ethnicity.

Right remains right regardless of who is involved.

Because I refused to compromise, my tenure as Head of Department was cut short.

Financial benefits associated with accreditation exercises also passed me by.

I watched others receive what I was denied.

Humanly speaking, it was painful.

But spiritually, my peace remained intact.

There is a reward that money cannot purchase.

It is called a clear conscience.

Throughout those difficult years, I continually remembered the words of Scripture:

“What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?”

That verse became one of the guiding principles of my professional life.

My commitment to honesty extended beyond administrative matters.

It also influenced my relationship with students.

I never sold examination marks.

I never demanded financial favours.

I never exchanged grades for gifts.

Many students found my expectations demanding, but years later those same students returned with gratitude.

They discovered that discipline had prepared them for excellence.

Some became professors.

Others became engineers, administrators, entrepreneurs, and respected professionals across Nigeria and beyond.

Whenever they returned to appreciate me, I realised that true success as a teacher is not measured by popularity but by the quality of lives one has helped to shape.

One experience remains unforgettable.

At a time when many lecturers sought easier assignments, I willingly accepted enormous responsibilities.

As one of the younger lecturers in the department, I participated actively in numerous accreditation exercises.

I worked long hours.

I operated machines.

I prepared documents.

I performed duties far beyond my official designation.

No assignment was beneath me.

Those years of hard work became my training ground.

Without knowing it, God was building my competence while others were pursuing comfort.

I often tell younger academics that promotion may come through certificates, but excellence comes through sacrifice.

There is no substitute for hard work.

There is no shortcut to credibility.

The years also taught me another valuable lesson:

Not every battle deserves retaliation.

Many accusations were levelled against me.

Many misconceptions spread.

Many doors appeared to close.

Yet I chose not to fight people.

Instead, I committed my reputation into God’s hands.

Time has a remarkable way of revealing the truth.

The same qualities that once attracted criticism eventually earned admiration.

The same integrity that delayed certain opportunities later became my greatest recommendation.

As I look back today, I bear no bitterness toward anyone.

Those who opposed me unknowingly contributed to my growth.

Their resistance strengthened my faith.

Their criticism refined my character.

Their rejection pushed me closer to God.

Looking through the lens of eternity, I now understand that every difficult season had a divine purpose.

God was preparing me not merely for promotion, but for permanence.

He was teaching me that positions may come and go, but character remains.

My story is therefore not one of revenge against those who misunderstood me.

It is a testimony of God’s sustaining grace.

For thirty-five uninterrupted years, despite persecution, intimidation, false accusations, delayed opportunities, and countless challenges, I completed my service without a single query or disciplinary record.

That achievement remains one of the greatest testimonies of God’s faithfulness in my life.

Indeed, integrity may appear costly in the present, but its rewards are eternal.

If my life teaches anything, let it teach this:

Never sacrifice your character to gain temporary favour.

Never exchange your convictions for convenience.

Never compromise your values because others choose an easier path.

For in the end, it is not those who compromise who leave the greatest legacy.

It is those who remain faithful when faithfulness is most difficult.

And that, by the grace of God, became the story of my journey.

 

CHAPTER SIX

FROM STAGNATION TO SIGNIFICANCE

The Journey of Academic Breakthrough and Divine Promotion

“Delay is not denial. When God is preparing a man for greatness, He often allows him to remain in the classroom of patience before ushering him into the palace of fulfilment.”

“Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would increase abundantly.” — Job 8:7

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

“Success is not measured by how quickly you rise, but by how faithfully you grow.”

Every successful life has seasons that appear unproductive.

There are moments when hard work seems unnoticed, faith appears unrewarded, and sincere efforts produce little visible result. Many people become discouraged during such seasons. Some abandon their dreams. Others compromise their principles in pursuit of quicker success.

My own experience was no different.

There was a period in my academic career when it seemed as though every door of promotion had been shut against me. Although I discharged my duties diligently, taught passionately, participated in departmental development, and gave my best to every assignment entrusted to me, promotion remained elusive.

For seven long years, I remained on the rank of Lecturer I.

Seven years!

To many people, it appeared that my career had reached its limit. Some believed I lacked what it took to advance further. Others whispered that I would retire on that same rank.

What many people did not know was that my greatest obstacle was not teaching ability or professional competence.

It was academic publication.

In the academic profession, there is a popular saying:

“Publish or perish.”

Those words are not mere rhetoric.

They define the reality of academic progression.

Without quality research publications, promotion becomes almost impossible.

Ironically, during those difficult years, some of my unpublished research works found their way into the hands of colleagues who published them under their own names and benefited from them professionally, while I remained stagnant.

Humanly speaking, it was painful.

Years of intellectual labour appeared to be enriching others while my own career stood still.

There were moments of deep disappointment.

Moments when I questioned why sincere effort seemed to produce little reward.

Yet even in those dark moments, God was quietly preparing a greater testimony.

One day, divine intervention came through an unexpected source.

My Regional Overseer, Architect Akingbohungbe, visited and happened to see one of my unpublished manuscripts.

After examining it carefully, he looked at me and said words that changed my life forever.

“Peter, why are these valuable works still lying here unpublished? Publish them immediately before they are lost.”

His counsel sounded simple.

But heaven was speaking through him.

That conversation became the turning point of my academic destiny.

I immediately renewed my commitment to research.

From that day forward, I became relentless in the pursuit of scholarly excellence.

While others relaxed after work, my own real work was just beginning.

My daily routine became almost predictable.

From the fellowship, I went to the classroom.

From the classroom, I proceeded to the library.

From the library, I returned home to continue studying late into the night.

Entertainment became secondary.

Knowledge became my greatest investment.

I travelled extensively in search of academic materials.

The State Library at Adegbola, Akure, became one of my favourite places of study.

The libraries of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and the University of Benin became familiar grounds.

I purchased books from Toyin Bookshop, Odusote Bookshop, and other reputable academic centres.

Long before the internet became readily available, obtaining quality research materials required enormous sacrifice.

I gladly paid the price.

A substantial portion of my salary went into books, journals, conferences, photocopies, research materials, and academic development.

Some people wondered why I spent so much on books.

To me, books were not expenses.

They were investments.

Every page I studied was preparing me for a future I could not yet see.

I also expanded my academic horizon through collaboration.

I worked with scholars from different institutions, exchanged ideas, and participated actively in research projects.

Gradually, my efforts began to bear fruit.

Within a relatively short period, three quality research papers were accepted and published in reputable journals.

Ironically, only one publication was required for my promotion.

God gave me three.

When my promotion file eventually appeared before the promotion panel, many could hardly believe the transformation.

The same individual who had remained stagnant for years suddenly presented a body of scholarly work that exceeded expectations.

Some members of the promotion committee reportedly left the meeting before its conclusion simply to find me and congratulate me.

They were astonished.

“What happened?” they asked.

The answer was simple.

God happened.

The God who turns mourning into dancing had visited my career.

That promotion became more than an advancement in rank.

It became the restoration of years of waiting.

It also marked the beginning of another remarkable season of productivity.

Having experienced the pain of stagnation, I became determined never to return to that condition again.

Research was no longer merely a requirement for promotion.

It became my passion.

I wrote consistently.

I studied tirelessly.

I investigated problems affecting engineering, technology, manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and national development.

One publication led to another.

Then another.

Soon my works began appearing in reputable national and international journals.

By the grace of God, I eventually published well over one hundred scholarly articles, with more than eighty percent appearing in respected international journals.

What had once been my greatest weakness became one of my greatest strengths.

The same colleagues who had once overlooked my academic contributions now sought my assistance.

Researchers approached me for collaboration.

Junior academics came for mentorship.

Those who once doubted my capacity now acknowledged God’s extraordinary grace upon my life.

The experience taught me one unforgettable lesson.

Never allow temporary failure to define your permanent future.

Every weakness can become a strength if surrendered completely to God and pursued with discipline.

I also discovered that excellence attracts opposition before it attracts honour.

When I established the Journal of Advanced Technology (JADT) in 2009 to promote quality academic publishing, I believed it would become a valuable platform for scholars.

Many researchers submitted their papers.

Several institutions appreciated the initiative.

Unfortunately, not everyone welcomed the vision.

Resistance emerged from unexpected quarters.

Some people worked tirelessly to frustrate the journal.

Others discouraged academics from recognising it.

Yet, despite the obstacles, the vision had already fulfilled part of its purpose by encouraging serious scholarship and providing opportunities for research dissemination.

Rather than becoming bitter, I chose forgiveness.

Life is too short to carry unnecessary burdens.

God has a remarkable way of vindicating sincere labour.

As my publications continued to increase, so did my professional recognition.

The requirement for promotion to Chief Lecturer was approximately forty publications.

By the grace of God, I presented more than eighty.

My file became impossible to ignore.

Those who once searched for reasons to delay my advancement discovered that excellence leaves little room for argument.

One respected academic leader reportedly remarked that he himself had fewer publications when he attained the rank of Professor.

Such testimony humbled me deeply.

It reminded me that promotion obtained through merit brings lasting satisfaction.

Eventually, I attained the highest academic rank available in the Polytechnic system—the rank of Chief Lecturer.

Standing at that point, I reflected on the journey.

I had not climbed to the top through shortcuts.

I had not manipulated the system.

I had not compromised my integrity.

I had grown into the position through perseverance, sacrifice, prayer, and God’s abundant grace.

That is why I often say:

“I did not go up to the top. I grew up to the top.”

Growth produces maturity.

Growth develops resilience.

Growth strengthens character.

Growth prepares a person to remain where promotion places him.

Today, as I retire from active classroom teaching, I do not retire from scholarship.

Research remains alive within me.

Even now, I continue to work on more than fifty research projects.

The fire still burns.

My desire to discover, innovate, mentor, and contribute to knowledge remains as strong as ever.

Retirement, to me, is not the end of productivity.

It is the beginning of another season of greater impact.

If there is one message I desire every young academic, researcher, and professional to take from this chapter, it is this:

Do not become discouraged by delayed success.

Keep studying.

Keep learning.

Keep improving.

Keep writing.

Keep praying.

Keep believing.

Your season will come.

The God who lifted me from seven years of stagnation to a lifetime of academic significance is still the same yesterday, today, and forever.

And when He decides that your time has come, no opposition, no delay, and no human resistance will be able to stop the destiny He has ordained for your life.

 

CHAPTER SEVEN

THE FIRE THAT COULD NOT BE QUENCHED
Trials, Triumphs, and the Faithfulness of God
“The strongest faith is not developed in seasons of comfort but in the furnace of adversity. God does not always remove the fire; sometimes He walks with us through it.”
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned.” — Isaiah 43:2
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” — Psalm 34:19
“The testimony of a victorious life is not the absence of battles, but the presence of God in every battle.”
As I journey through the pages of my life, one truth shines brighter than every achievement, every promotion, every publication, and every title I have ever attained:
God has been my Defender.
If my story were merely about academic excellence, professional success, or personal discipline, it would be incomplete. Behind every milestone stood the invisible hand of God, preserving me in moments when human strength would have failed.
Many people celebrate success without knowing the battles that preceded it.
Behind every smile is often a hidden struggle.
Behind every promotion may lie years of rejection.
Behind every testimony is usually a season of tears.
Mine was no exception.
Throughout my thirty-five years of service, I encountered situations that could easily have discouraged, distracted, or even destroyed me. There were moments when I became the target of hostility simply because I refused to compromise my convictions.
There were times when my integrity attracted opposition rather than appreciation.
False accusations surfaced.
Rumours spread.
Attempts were made to tarnish my reputation.
Professional opportunities were delayed.
Doors that should have opened naturally sometimes remained shut.
Yet, through it all, I experienced an unusual peace that could only come from God.
One of the greatest lessons I learned is that when God is protecting a man, no conspiracy can ultimately prevail against him.
Like the biblical Joseph, I discovered that opposition does not cancel destiny.
Instead, it often becomes the pathway through which destiny is fulfilled.
There were occasions when I felt isolated.
People misunderstood my intentions.
Some interpreted my insistence on honesty as pride.
Others mistook my commitment to excellence for stubbornness.
Still, I refused to abandon the principles that had guided my life from childhood.
I remembered the words my mother had spoken to me years earlier—that character is a treasure no one can steal.
Those words remained with me.
They became my compass.
They strengthened me whenever discouragement threatened my resolve.
My Christian faith also became my greatest source of strength.
Prayer was never an occasional activity in my life.
It was my lifestyle.
Long before important decisions were made, I sought God’s direction.
Long before major challenges appeared, I had already built an altar of fellowship with Him.
Many victories were won in the place of prayer before they ever became visible in public.
There were nights of earnest intercession.
There were seasons of fasting.
There were moments when only God understood the burden I carried.
Yet every prayer drew me closer to Him.
Every challenge deepened my dependence upon His grace.
Looking back today, I realise that my greatest qualification was never merely my academic certificates.
It was my relationship with God.
Throughout my journey, I witnessed countless moments of divine intervention.
There were situations that human wisdom could not explain.
Doors opened unexpectedly.
Help arrived from unlikely sources.
Solutions appeared when every possibility seemed exhausted.
Time and again, God demonstrated that He is never late.
He is always on time.
Some experiences in my life appeared deeply spiritual and personal.
I recount them not to seek attention or to provoke controversy, but to testify to my sincere conviction that God watches over His children.
On several occasions, I encountered circumstances that strengthened my faith in the reality of spiritual warfare and the power of divine protection.
Rather than allowing fear to control me, these experiences drove me closer to God.
I learned that darkness cannot overcome light.
No matter how fierce the storm, God’s presence remains greater.
My confidence has never rested in charms, rituals, or human power.
It has always rested in Jesus Christ, whose victory over evil is complete and eternal.
That confidence sustained me through every season.
Forgiveness also became one of the greatest victories God taught me.
It would have been easy to become bitter.
It would have been understandable to keep records of offences.
Many people expected me to seek revenge against those who had opposed my progress.
But the Holy Spirit continually reminded me of the words of Jesus upon the cross:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Those words transformed my perspective.
I gradually realised that unforgiveness imprisons the one who refuses to forgive.
Forgiveness, on the other hand, sets the heart free.
Today, I sincerely forgive everyone who deliberately or unknowingly stood in my path.
Some of them have retired.
Some have moved on to other places.
Some have departed this world.
I harbour no resentment toward any of them.
Instead, I thank God for every experience.
For strangely enough, many of those who attempted to hinder me became instruments through whom God strengthened my character.
My adversaries unknowingly became contributors to my testimony.
Without their resistance, I might never have developed the resilience that later defined my life.
Indeed, what the enemy intended for evil, God continually turned into good.
One of the greatest miracles of my career is this:
Despite decades of intense challenges, misunderstandings, opposition, and administrative changes, I completed thirty-five uninterrupted years of service without a single query, disciplinary action, or stain upon my official record.
That achievement belongs entirely to God.
Human ability alone could never have sustained such consistency.
His grace was sufficient.
His mercy endured.
His faithfulness never failed.
As retirement approached, many people asked whether I regretted remaining in the Polytechnic system for so many years.
My answer has always been the same.
Never.
Not for a single day.
The journey was not easy.
But it was meaningful.
Every sacrifice was worthwhile.
Every disappointment carried a hidden lesson.
Every delay prepared me for greater responsibilities.
Every battle strengthened my faith.
If I were given another opportunity to live my life again, I would still choose integrity over compromise.
I would still choose service over selfish ambition.
I would still choose purpose over prosperity.
And above all, I would still choose Christ as the centre of my life.
Looking back across the years, I now understand that God’s greatest gift to me was not merely the privilege of becoming a Chief Lecturer.
It was the privilege of becoming a faithful servant.
Titles eventually fade.
Positions pass away.
Awards gather dust.
But character endures.
Faith outlives fame.
Service leaves an eternal legacy.
That is the inheritance I desire to leave behind.
To every reader holding this book—whether you are a student, teacher, engineer, pastor, researcher, administrator, or young dreamer—I offer this simple encouragement:
Do not lose heart because of present difficulties.
Do not abandon your convictions because compromise appears easier.
Do not measure God’s faithfulness by today’s circumstances.
Remain steadfast.
Walk honestly.
Pray continually.
Forgive freely.
Work diligently.
Trust completely.
The same God who preserved me through decades of storms is still writing beautiful stories today.
He has not changed.
And just as He transformed my trials into testimonies, He is able to transform yours.
For I have learned beyond every doubt that the fire may burn around God’s children, but it can never consume those whose lives are hidden in His unfailing hands.

 

CHAPTER EIGHT

THE HARVEST OF FAITHFULNESS

A Legacy of Excellence, Mentorship, and Lasting Impact

“The greatest achievement in life is not the position you attain, but the lives you transform. Success is temporary, but significance is eternal.”

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” — Proverbs 10:7

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

“A tree is known by its fruits, and a teacher is remembered by the lives he has shaped.”

Every season of labour eventually arrives at its season of harvest.

No farmer plants indefinitely without expecting a harvest. No builder lays foundations without hoping to see the completed structure. Likewise, no teacher devotes decades to moulding lives without one day witnessing the fruits of faithful service.

As I approached the twilight of my active academic career, I found myself reflecting, not on the difficulties that had confronted me, but on the immeasurable goodness of God.

The tears had become testimonies.

The struggles had become strength.

The disappointments had become divine appointments.

The years that once seemed painfully slow had quietly woven together a remarkable story of grace, perseverance, and fulfilment.

Looking back over thirty-five uninterrupted years of service at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, I cannot help but stand in awe of what God accomplished through an ordinary village boy who simply loved teaching.

I began my journey as an Assistant Lecturer with nothing but faith, determination, and an unwavering desire to impact lives.

By the grace of God, I retired as a Chief Lecturer, the highest academic rank within the Polytechnic system.

That achievement was never merely a personal victory.

It became a testimony that integrity, diligence, and unwavering trust in God still produce lasting rewards.

One of the greatest blessings God gave me throughout my career was the privilege of mentoring young minds.

Every lecture delivered represented an opportunity to shape a future engineer.

Every practical class became an opportunity to inspire creativity.

Every project supervised became another investment in the next generation.

Teaching was never simply about completing a syllabus.

It was about building people.

Over the years, countless students passed through my classroom.

Many arrived uncertain of their abilities.

Some struggled academically.

Others lacked confidence.

Many came from humble backgrounds similar to mine.

Yet, through patient instruction, encouragement, discipline, and God’s grace, they gradually discovered their potential.

Today, many of those former students have become accomplished engineers, lecturers, professors, researchers, entrepreneurs, industrial managers, and respected professionals both within Nigeria and abroad.

Whenever I meet them at conferences, airports, ministries, universities, industries, or churches, my heart overflows with gratitude.

Nothing gives a teacher greater joy than witnessing the success of his students.

Their achievements have become my greatest certificates.

Their testimonies have become my greatest awards.

Their excellence has become my greatest legacy.

Beyond the classroom, God also opened extraordinary doors in academic research.

What began as a desperate effort to overcome years of stagnation gradually developed into a lifelong passion for scholarship.

Research ceased to be merely an academic requirement.

It became a ministry of knowledge.

Every publication represented a contribution toward solving practical engineering challenges.

Every article reflected countless hours of reading, investigation, experimentation, writing, revision, and prayer.

By the grace of God, my scholarly works eventually exceeded one hundred publications in reputable national and international journals.

More than eighty percent appeared in respected international journals, bringing visibility not only to my own career but also to my institution and my nation.

Many younger lecturers sought my guidance on research methodology, journal publication, academic writing, and professional development.

I considered it a sacred responsibility to assist them.

Knowledge grows stronger when it is shared.

Experience becomes meaningful when it is transferred.

One candle loses nothing by lighting another.

Throughout my career, I also had the privilege of participating in numerous national and international conferences.

These gatherings broadened my understanding of engineering education, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and global academic collaboration.

Each conference enriched my perspective.

Each interaction sharpened my thinking.

Each presentation strengthened my conviction that Nigerian scholars possess enormous potential when given adequate opportunity.

One of my greatest aspirations has always been to see African researchers contribute meaningfully to global scientific advancement.

Our continent possesses abundant intellectual resources.

What we require is greater commitment to quality research, ethical scholarship, and continuous innovation.

I have always encouraged younger academics to see research not merely as a pathway to promotion but as a lifelong commitment to solving human problems.

Engineering exists because society has challenges.

Research exists because humanity seeks solutions.

Our responsibility as scholars is therefore not merely to accumulate publications but to improve lives.

Looking back, I am particularly grateful for the many opportunities I had to contribute to departmental development.

From accreditation exercises to curriculum development, from laboratory improvements to mentoring younger colleagues, every assignment became another opportunity to leave the department stronger than I met it.

By God’s grace, the Department of Mechanical Engineering witnessed remarkable growth during my years of service.

New programmes emerged.

Facilities improved.

Academic standards advanced.

Professional recognition increased.

Watching the department expand from its humble beginnings into a vibrant academic community remains one of my greatest sources of satisfaction.

I rejoice even more knowing that many of the younger lecturers who now sustain the department were once my students.

There is no greater fulfilment than seeing those you once taught become your colleagues and continue the work you began.

This is the true meaning of legacy.

Legacy is not measured by buildings bearing your name.

It is measured by people carrying your values.

As retirement approached, many people congratulated me for reaching the peak of my profession.

While I appreciated their kind words, I quietly reminded myself that titles eventually pass away.

Chief Lecturer is an honourable rank.

But character remains a higher title.

Academic achievements are commendable.

But faithfulness is even greater.

Professional success is admirable.

But service to humanity is eternal.

If future generations remember me, I hope they will remember more than my publications.

I hope they will remember my integrity.

I hope they will remember my consistency.

I hope they will remember my uncompromising commitment to excellence.

I hope they will remember that I never sold marks.

That I never sacrificed truth for convenience.

That I believed every student deserved fairness.

That I trusted God above every human system.

These are the values that outlive careers.

As I reflect upon the goodness of God, one truth becomes unmistakably clear:

Success is never achieved alone.

I remain profoundly grateful to my beloved wife, whose unwavering support, prayers, sacrifices, encouragement, and understanding sustained me through many difficult years.

Behind every successful man often stands a faithful partner who quietly bears burdens unseen by the public.

I remain grateful to my children, whose patience and encouragement strengthened my resolve.

I appreciate my colleagues who believed in me, collaborated with me, and encouraged me.

I appreciate my students whose eagerness to learn continually inspired me to become a better teacher.

Above all, I give eternal praise to Almighty God.

Without Him, none of these achievements would have been possible.

Every honour belongs to Him.

Every success belongs to Him.

Every testimony belongs to Him.

As I closed one chapter of active academic service, I did not see an ending.

I saw another beginning.

For I have come to understand that a meaningful life is not measured by how long one lives, but by how deeply one serves.

My classroom may no longer be filled with daily lectures.

But my influence continues through the lives I have touched.

My voice continues through the books I have written.

My impact continues through the researchers I have mentored.

My legacy continues through the generations I have inspired.

Indeed, the harvest of faithfulness is never gathered by one generation alone.

Its fruits continue to nourish many generations yet unborn.

And for that priceless privilege, I shall remain forever grateful to God.

 

CHAPTER NINE
RETIRING TO RE-FIRE
The Beginning of Another Assignment
“Retirement is not the end of usefulness; it is the beginning of a new season of impact. A life dedicated to purpose never truly retires.”
“Even in old age they will still bear fruit; they will stay fresh and green.” — Psalm 92:14
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
“The best chapters of life are often written after the world thinks the story has ended.”
There comes a season in every professional journey when one lays aside official responsibilities and hands over the baton to a younger generation. For many people, that season is called retirement. To some, retirement signifies the end of productivity, the closing of an active career, and the beginning of a quiet life of rest.
I have never shared that understanding.
To me, retirement is not an ending.
It is a divine transition.
It is not an invitation to inactivity but an opportunity for greater usefulness. It is not “retiring from life” but “retiring into purpose.”
For this reason, I often declare with joy and conviction:
“I am not retiring; I am re-firing.”
Those words are not merely a slogan.
They are the summary of my philosophy of life.
After thirty-five uninterrupted years of teaching, researching, mentoring, supervising projects, conducting examinations, participating in accreditation exercises, and serving the academic community, I officially retired from classroom lecturing.
Yet the passion that brought me into education decades ago still burns as brightly as ever.
The fire has not gone out.
It has simply found a wider field to illuminate.
When I entered the teaching profession as a young man, I was driven by a desire to impart knowledge.
Today, that desire remains unchanged.
Only the platform has changed.
The classroom may no longer be my daily workplace, but the world has become my classroom.
Knowledge does not retire.
Wisdom does not retire.
Experience does not retire.
Only official appointments retire.
One of the greatest blessings God has given me is an unquenchable passion for research.
Even before my retirement, I had already begun working on more than fifty research topics awaiting further development and publication.
Many people asked me why I continued writing so intensely when promotion was no longer necessary.
My answer has always been simple.
I never wrote merely for promotion.
I wrote because research solves problems.
Engineering exists to improve life.
Scientific inquiry exists to advance civilization.
As long as society continues to face challenges, researchers still have work to do.
Therefore, retirement cannot silence the voice of scholarship.
By God’s grace, I remain available to collaborate with universities, polytechnics, research institutes, industries, professional bodies, and young academics who desire to contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement.
Knowledge multiplies when it is shared.
Experience becomes valuable when it is transferred.
My greatest desire is to see younger scholars surpass my own achievements.
Nothing gives a mentor greater joy than watching his students become masters.
Beyond research, retirement has also opened wider doors for Christian ministry.
Long before I became a lecturer, I belonged to God.
Long after I retired as a Chief Lecturer, I still belong to Him.
Indeed, my service to Christ remains my highest calling.
Throughout my academic career, balancing professional responsibilities with Christian ministry often demanded enormous sacrifice.
Lectures, examinations, conferences, research activities, administrative meetings, and accreditation exercises frequently competed for my time.
Yet God sustained me.
Now, retirement has provided a precious gift:
Time.
Time to study God’s Word more deeply.
Time to pray more fervently.
Time to teach biblical truth more extensively.
Time to encourage believers.
Time to preach the Gospel wherever opportunities arise.
Time to invest more intentionally in God’s Kingdom.
I consider this one of the greatest blessings of retirement.
Earthly careers eventually come to an end.
God’s work never does.
Another passion that continues to bring me great fulfilment is farming.
Many people have often been surprised that an engineer and researcher would also delight in agriculture.
To me, however, farming reflects one of God’s earliest assignments to mankind.
The discipline required in farming resembles the discipline required in academic research.
Both require patience.
Both demand hard work.
Both depend upon faith.
And both ultimately remind us that increase comes from God.
Whether I am cultivating the land or developing a research paper, I find equal joy in seeing growth.
One produces food for the body.
The other produces nourishment for the mind.
Both serve humanity.
As retirement unfolds, I remain deeply committed to mentoring younger academics.
The future of higher education depends largely upon those who are willing to invest in the next generation.
I have benefited immensely from those who encouraged me at critical moments of my journey.
Now it is my responsibility to do the same for others.
Whenever younger lecturers seek advice concerning research, publication, academic promotion, integrity, or professional development, I gladly make myself available.
My office may have changed.
My calling has not.
As I reflect upon the future, one conviction grows stronger each passing day.
Life is not measured by how much we accumulate.
It is measured by how much we contribute.
Titles eventually fade.
Positions change.
Offices become occupied by others.
But every life genuinely invested in people continues to bear fruit long after retirement.
This understanding fills my heart with profound peace.
I leave active service without bitterness.
I carry no resentment.
I hold no grudges.
I forgive everyone who knowingly or unknowingly opposed my progress.
Every challenge became a lesson.
Every disappointment became preparation.
Every delay strengthened my faith.
Looking back now, I can honestly say that God never abandoned me.
His timing was always perfect.
His grace was always sufficient.
His mercy was always abundant.
As I step into this new season, I do so with gratitude rather than regret.
I remain physically active.
I remain intellectually curious.
I remain spiritually hungry.
I remain emotionally fulfilled.
Most importantly, I remain available.
Should my beloved institution, my department, my profession, or my nation require my experience and service, I shall gladly respond according to the strength God supplies.
After all, true retirement is not withdrawal from service.
It is the freedom to serve with even greater purpose.
My prayer is that future generations will understand that retirement is not a period of decline.
It is a season of multiplication.
A season to mentor.
A season to write.
A season to counsel.
A season to build.
A season to pray.
A season to give back.
For me, the journey continues.
The pen is still in my hand.
The Bible is still open on my table.
Research papers still await completion.
Young scholars still need encouragement.
Souls still need the Gospel.
The fields still need cultivation.
The Kingdom of God still requires faithful labourers.
Therefore, with deep gratitude to Almighty God, I confidently embrace this new chapter of life.
I have retired from employment.
But I have not retired from purpose.
I have retired from the classroom.
But I have not retired from learning.
I have retired from official duty.
But I have not retired from serving humanity.
Indeed, by the grace of God,
I am retiring… to re-fire.

CHAPTER TEN

The Birth of Ogo Oluwa Schools and Ogo Oluwa Farms: Turning Vision into a Legacy

“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” — Proverbs 29:18

Every great institution begins with a dream. Behind every enduring legacy is a heart that refused to surrender to difficulties. The story of the birth of Ogo Oluwa Schools and Ogo Oluwa Farms is not merely the history of an educational institution; it is the testimony of divine direction, sacrificial leadership, unwavering faith, and an uncommon passion to transform lives.

My journey began after graduating from the University of Benin in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Like every Nigerian graduate of that era, I proceeded to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), where I was posted to a Local Government in Northern Nigeria.

It was during my service year that my eyes were opened to the enormous challenges confronting many communities. I encountered widespread poverty, unemployed youths, children roaming the streets instead of attending school, and families struggling to survive. Rather than complain about the situation, I sought God’s wisdom on how to become part of the solution.

Moved with compassion, I paid a visit to the Emir of the community and shared my desire to contribute to the development of the people. With his encouragement, I began teaching young people practical vocational skills. I discovered that many of them possessed remarkable intelligence and creativity but lacked opportunities.

One particular experience changed my understanding of community development forever. As I walked through the local market one day, I noticed many able-bodied men standing idle because there were no jobs available. I also observed that yam tubers were selling cheaply. I purchased them in bulk, rented several shops, and employed these unemployed men and women to sell them.

When they returned with the proceeds, I simply collected my initial capital and instructed them to keep the profits and continue the business for themselves. Their joy was indescribable. Many could not believe that someone would empower them without expecting personal gain.

That simple initiative restored hope to many families. Crime reduced significantly, economic activities increased, and the Local Government authorities as well as the Emir appreciated my humanitarian efforts. At the completion of my NYSC service, the Emir personally travelled in search of me and persuaded me to return. I accepted an appointment as a Level 8 Step 2 officer in the Local Government and worked for about four months.

However, God had placed another assignment in my heart. I knew I had to return to the Southwest and establish a model that could later spread across Nigeria.

Upon returning home, I noticed similar social challenges among young people. Together with like-minded believers, we committed ourselves to fervent prayers, asking God for direction. Soon afterward, I secured employment as a lecturer at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.

Around the same period, I got married to my beloved wife, a Civil Engineer and graduate of the University of Ife. We both shared a common burden for humanity. She envisioned creating a financial institution that would empower the poor, while I dreamed of establishing an orphanage where vulnerable children could receive education alongside vocational training.

As we prayed together, God redirected our vision. Instead of an orphanage, He instructed us to establish a school that would combine sound academic excellence with practical vocational education. That divine instruction became the foundation of Ogo Oluwa Schools.

The beginning was extremely humble. My monthly salary was barely enough to sustain our family, while my wife also earned a modest income. Yet faith compelled us to move forward.

We employed seven teachers.

Only three pupils enrolled.

One of them was our own daughter.

Many questioned our decision. Some considered the vision unrealistic. Even the teachers became discouraged. Nevertheless, I assured them that God would honour our labour and that we would personally shoulder every financial responsibility.

We rented a modest room and parlour, converted them into classrooms, and commenced academic activities in 1998. By the end of the first year, enrolment had increased to twenty pupils. Encouraged by God’s faithfulness, we moved into an uncompleted building and proudly erected the signboard bearing the name OGO OLUWA SCHOOLS.

Every kobo we earned was reinvested into the vision. Through prudent savings from my salary and income generated from farming, I bought a bicycle, which became my means of transportation to Rufus Giwa Polytechnic. Later, I purchased a motorcycle valued at ₦10,000.

More importantly, we acquired seven hectares of land, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Ogo Oluwa Farms and our vocational training centre.

The farm was never established merely for commercial agriculture. It became an outdoor classroom where students could acquire practical agricultural skills, embrace dignity in labour, and understand that food production is both honourable and profitable. Ogo Oluwa Farms became a living laboratory where classroom theories met practical experience.

Long before computers became common in Nigerian schools, God impressed it upon my heart that technology would shape the future. Despite limited resources, we invested in computer education. That bold decision positioned our students ahead of many of their contemporaries and prepared them for the digital age.

As the years passed, Ogo Oluwa Schools continued to expand beyond academics. We introduced numerous vocational programmes, ensuring that every child graduated with practical skills capable of creating employment rather than merely seeking it. This philosophy was inspired by my own childhood experiences when I learned basket weaving and several crafts between 1968 and 1974.

Our commitment became a culture of sacrifice. For fourteen consecutive years, I deliberately suspended personal ambitions. I even declined an opportunity to pursue a PhD programme in California because every available resource was channelled into strengthening the school. I believed that building lives was a greater investment than building personal credentials.

Today, that sacrifice has yielded abundant harvests.

Many former students who studied disciplines such as Law, English, Biochemistry and Mass Communication have become successful entrepreneurs, Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers. Interestingly, many attribute their business success not merely to their university degrees but to the vocational skills acquired during their formative years at Ogo Oluwa Schools.

Their flourishing companies now employ hundreds of Nigerians, creating wealth and reducing unemployment. Seeing these remarkable testimonies remains one of the greatest rewards of my life’s work.

Our commitment has also extended to our workforce. We currently employ numerous staff members and provide accommodation for many of them free of charge. We believe that caring for those who serve alongside us is an integral part of our Christian responsibility.

One principle has remained constant throughout our journey: Ogo Oluwa Schools belongs to everyone.

Although I am a pastor, we have never discriminated against anyone based on religion, tribe or background. Students and staff from different faiths are welcomed, respected and given equal opportunities. Our mission has always been to raise responsible citizens, excellent professionals and compassionate leaders.

Looking back over more than two decades, I remain deeply grateful to God. What started with three pupils, one rented apartment and unwavering faith has blossomed into a respected institution touching thousands of lives across Nigeria.

Yet the vision remains unfinished.

There is still enormous potential to expand our vocational programmes, strengthen Ogo Oluwa Farms, establish modern agricultural facilities, and provide more opportunities for young Nigerians. Achieving this will require partnership from governments, corporate organisations, philanthropists, alumni and well-meaning individuals.

I sincerely appeal to everyone who believes in nation-building to join hands with us. Supporting Ogo Oluwa Schools and Ogo Oluwa Farms is an investment in the future of Nigeria. Together, we can continue raising generations of skilled, disciplined, innovative and God-fearing citizens who will transform our nation for the better.

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

The story of Ogo Oluwa Schools and Ogo Oluwa Farms is proof that when faith, vision, sacrifice and perseverance come together, ordinary beginnings can produce extraordinary legacies.

 

CHAPTER ELEVEN

MY CONVERSION: THE DIVINE TURNING POINT THAT CHANGED MY DESTINY

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Every life has defining moments that shape its future. Looking back over the years, I can confidently say that my encounter with Jesus Christ remains the greatest and most significant event of my entire life. Every achievement I have recorded, every soul won for Christ, every church planted, every life touched, and every vision accomplished can be traced back to that unforgettable day when the Lord found me and transformed me by His saving grace.

Like Saul of Tarsus, whose dramatic encounter with the risen Christ transformed him into the Apostle Paul, my own conversion was both drastic and life-changing. It was in the month of August, at the dawn of the 1980s, that God divinely arranged an encounter that forever altered the direction of my life. Through the instrumentality of Bro. Adewale and Bro. Ajayi Tunde, I met Bro. Akinlua, then an undergraduate of the University of Ife (now of blessed memory). With unusual boldness and deep conviction, he carefully explained to me the reality of sin, the hopeless condition of humanity without Christ, and God’s wonderful plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The message pierced my heart. I became deeply convicted of my sinful condition and realized that no human effort could save me. That day, I sincerely repented of my sins, accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour, believed in His atoning sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary, confessed Him openly, and determined never to return to my former way of life. It was truly a new beginning. The burden of sin rolled away, and the peace of God flooded my soul in a way I had never experienced before.

One of the first evidences of the genuineness of my conversion was my desire to make restitution. Interestingly, no one had taught me the biblical doctrine of restitution at that time. Yet, the Holy Spirit impressed it strongly upon my heart. Within a few hours after surrendering my life to Christ, I began making necessary restitutions wherever I had wronged others. I sought the guidance of older believers to ensure that I followed biblical principles correctly. Looking back today, I realize that genuine salvation naturally produces a transformed life.

From that day onward, the Holy Bible became my daily companion. I developed an insatiable hunger for God’s Word and devoted countless hours to studying the Scriptures. Every page opened new dimensions of God’s truth before me. My spiritual growth was rapid because I longed to know Christ more deeply and to obey His Word completely.

By October of that same year, barely two months after my conversion, I had already begun preaching, teaching, and sharing the Gospel wherever I found myself. I could not keep the wonderful experience of salvation to myself.

Whether among friends, neighbours, students, or strangers, I joyfully declared the saving power of Jesus Christ. Wherever possible, I helped establish Christian fellowships so that believers could grow together in the faith.

Although I had not undergone any formal workers’ training or baptismal class, I desired to obey every instruction of the Lord. During my stay in Ado-Ekiti, I met Bro. Jimla and requested that arrangements be made for my water baptism. The request was granted, and at Omisanjana, Ado-Ekiti, I was baptized by immersion as a public testimony of my faith in Jesus Christ. That experience further strengthened my commitment to a life of total obedience and discipleship.

More than four decades have passed since that glorious encounter with Christ, yet the fire He ignited within me continues to burn. By His grace, anointing, and power, I have travelled across towns, villages, campuses, and communities proclaiming the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord has graciously confirmed His Word through transformed lives, established churches, and countless testimonies. I remain eternally grateful that He chose me, not because I deserved it, but because of His abundant mercy and unfailing grace.

My Missionary Journey

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” — Matthew 28:19–20

My conversion marked not the end of my journey but the beginning of a lifelong divine assignment. From my earliest days as a Christian, I discovered that God’s call upon my life was to preach the Gospel, disciple believers, and plant churches wherever He sent me.

By God’s grace, I served as one of the pioneer Campus Coordinators of the Deeper Life Campus Fellowship at The Polytechnic, Owo (now Rufus Giwa Polytechnic) between 1983 and 1984. I later became the pioneer Off-Campus Coordinator at Ekosodin, University of Benin, where I ministered from 1985 to 1989.

The Lord later led me to Northern Nigeria, where I pioneered the Second Branch Location of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Zing, then Gongola State (now Taraba State), between 1989 and 1990.
On 26 February 1992, I received another significant assignment as the pioneer District Pastor of Emure-Ile District. By God’s grace, I faithfully served there for sixteen memorable years. Subsequently, the Lord directed my ministry to Oke-Ogun, Irekari/Idoani, Ute, Uka, Ijebu, Uselu, Campus Ministry, Ipele, and presently Amurin. Every station has provided fresh opportunities to witness God’s faithfulness and to see lives transformed through the preaching of His Word.

My Mission Base at Emure-Ile
One of the most memorable chapters of my missionary life began when I arrived in Emure-Ile on 26 February 1992. I came quietly as a local missionary to pastor a small congregation at Okeleru. There was no ceremony, no public recognition, and no special reception. I simply came to serve.

I believed that if I was to minister effectively to the people, I had to identify genuinely with them. Besides preaching the Gospel and teaching the Scriptures, I continued with two of my favourite occupations—farming and hunting. These activities helped me to relate naturally with the people, understand their daily struggles, and earn their confidence. Gradually, I became part of the community, and they embraced me as one of their own.

Within five years, by God’s abundant grace, the work expanded beyond Emure-Ile into Uso, Amurin, Isuada, Ogbodu, Oshowo, Ogudu, Ago-Paanu, and several neighbouring villages and settlements. Emure-Ile became the district headquarters, and I had the privilege of serving the district continuously for sixteen years. Those years remain among the most rewarding periods of my ministry.

As I reflect on this journey, I remain humbled by God’s faithfulness. He has enabled me to serve as an engineer, teacher, educationist, author, researcher, pastor, missionary, preacher, farmer, and even a hunter. Each role has enriched my understanding of life and strengthened my conviction that true greatness lies in faithful service to God and humanity.

If there is one lesson my life has taught me, it is that God delights in using ordinary people who are fully surrendered to Him. Every accomplishment I have recorded is a testimony to His grace alone. To Him be all the glory.

“Looking back over the years, I can boldly testify that the greatest decision I ever made was to surrender my life completely to Jesus Christ. Everything else that followed has been the unfolding of His divine purpose for my life.”

 

CHAPTER TWELVE

A LIFE THAT TOUCHES HEARTS: MY SOCIAL LEGACY AND THE NAMES LOVE GAVE ME

«”A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” — Proverbs 22:1»

Beyond professional accomplishments, ministerial exploits, educational innovations, and agricultural achievements lies another precious aspect of my life’s journey—the relationships I have built with people. I have always believed that true greatness is not measured merely by titles or possessions but by the positive impact one leaves in the hearts of others. Wealth may fade, positions may change, but the love, respect, and goodwill earned through genuine service remain an enduring legacy.

By God’s grace, I have endeavoured to live a life marked by humility, simplicity, sincerity, and compassion. Though naturally gentle, quiet, and reserved, I have always found joy in welcoming people with warmth and kindness. I strive to be approachable, accommodating, hospitable, and considerate in my dealings with everyone, irrespective of status or background. My guiding principle has always been to combine friendliness with wisdom, compassion with integrity, and humility with unwavering conviction. I have learned that one can be loving without compromising values, caring without losing discipline, and approachable without sacrificing principles.

Over the years, diligence, commitment, consistency, and faithfulness have opened many doors of honour and affection. Rather than seeking recognition, I simply dedicated myself to every assignment God placed in my hands. Remarkably, the people around me responded by giving me names that reflected the various roles I have played in their lives. These names are not official titles conferred by institutions; they are heartfelt expressions of appreciation from communities, colleagues, friends, and associates whose lives intersected with mine.

Within the Polytechnic community, where I devoted many years of service to the Department of Mechanical Engineering, I became fondly known as “Ojo Mechanical” or simply “Ojo Mech.” The name reflects my unwavering passion for engineering, my dedication to teaching, and my commitment to raising competent professionals. Among my colleagues and students, both at the University of Benin and the Polytechnic, many affectionately referred to me as “Ojo the Professor,” not because of an academic title, but because of my passion for knowledge, research, mentoring, and excellence.

When God called me into missionary work in Emure-Ile, another beautiful identity emerged. My fellow ministers lovingly addressed me as “Ojo Emure,” a name that reminds me of the divine assignment entrusted to me in that community. It symbolizes not merely a geographical location but a season of sacrifice, evangelism, discipleship, and unwavering commitment to God’s kingdom.

Agriculture has always occupied a special place in my heart. Farming, to me, is not merely an occupation but a divine partnership with the Creator. It teaches patience, perseverance, faith, and hope. Consequently, fellow farmers affectionately call me “Baba Agbe” or “Baba Farmer.” Likewise, my passion for hunting—a cherished traditional pastime requiring courage, patience, and endurance—earned me another respected nickname: “Ojo Ode” or “Baba Ode,” meaning Ojo the Hunter.

In Bolorunduro Community, Emure-Ile, where I had the privilege of becoming the pioneer landlord, the residents graciously honoured me with the traditional title of “Baale Bolorunduro.” This recognition carries profound significance because it reflects not only leadership but also trust, responsibility, and community service. It reminds me that true leadership is measured by selfless service rather than authority.

Perhaps one of the names dearest to my heart is “Ojo Ogo Oluwa” or “Baba Ogo Oluwa.” This name arose from my commitment to nurturing children, empowering youths, and establishing the Ogo Oluwa Training Centre. Watching countless young people acquire education, vocational skills, moral values, and hope for a brighter future has been among the greatest joys of my life. Whenever I hear this name, I am reminded that the greatest investment anyone can make is in the lives of people.

Looking back over the years, I do not see these names as personal achievements. Rather, I regard them as testimonies of God’s grace working through an ordinary man who simply chose to serve faithfully wherever he was planted. Every name represents a story, every title reflects a relationship, and every recognition speaks of lives touched through God’s enabling power. They remind me that a person’s reputation is built gradually through consistent acts of love, integrity, diligence, and faithful service.

No account of my social life would be complete without expressing profound gratitude for the woman whom God graciously gave me as my life partner. My beloved wife, Engr. (Dr.) Olajumoke Olayemi Ojo, is a remarkable woman of virtue, wisdom, humility, compassion, and unwavering faith. She has stood beside me through every season—times of joy and moments of challenge—with steadfast love, uncommon patience, and sacrificial commitment.

She has been far more than a wife; she has been my confidant, counsellor, prayer partner, encourager, and dependable companion in ministry, education, agriculture, and family life. Her intelligence, professional excellence, nurturing spirit, and deep reverence for God have strengthened our home and enriched every vision God entrusted to us. Together, we have shared the privilege of serving humanity, raising children, mentoring young people, and advancing the Kingdom of God.

As I reflect upon my social journey, I remain deeply grateful to God for every friendship, every relationship, every community, every colleague, every student, every church member, and every family whose lives have become intertwined with mine. If my life has inspired even one soul to pursue excellence, embrace integrity, serve humanity, and honour God, then I consider my earthly journey richly worthwhile.

The names people lovingly call me are not merely labels; they are enduring reminders that a life lived for others leaves footprints that time can never erase.

 

CHAPTER 13

WHEN DEATH STOOD NEAR, GRACE STOOD NEARER

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” — Psalm 27:1

Life has never been a journey without storms. Every meaningful destiny is often tested by fierce battles, unexpected trials, and terrifying moments that reveal the mighty hand of God. Looking back over the years, I can boldly testify that I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death on several occasions, yet the unfailing mercy of God has preserved my life. The footprints of divine intervention are written across every chapter of my existence. Many times when death stretched out its hands toward me, the Almighty stretched out His own hand and pulled me back into life.

There were countless occasions when I escaped fatal motor accidents. Several times, vehicles conveying me suddenly developed dangerous mechanical faults while speeding along expressways. Humanly speaking, such incidents could have ended in unspeakable tragedy. Yet, in every situation, the Lord proved Himself to be my divine Shield, preserving my life beyond human understanding. His angels continually encamped around me, turning what could have become obituary headlines into fresh testimonies of His faithfulness.

One of the most unforgettable encounters occurred along the Owo–Benin Road when I was attacked by heavily armed robbers. Without mercy, they opened fire, releasing several bullets toward me. In the confusion that followed, my vehicle somersaulted violently. Every natural expectation suggested that no one could survive such a horrifying incident. Yet, by the miraculous intervention of God, I emerged from the wreckage without a single wound. It was a living demonstration that when God says a life shall be preserved, no weapon fashioned against it can prevail.

The battles did not end there. Wicked men repeatedly plotted evil against me. Threats arose from different quarters, while unseen enemies sought to terminate the destiny that God had ordained. But every conspiracy collapsed before the power of the Almighty. Time after time, the Lord frustrated the devices of the crafty, proving that His covenant of protection never fails.

In March 2018, another severe trial confronted me. I was diagnosed as a confirmed Lassa fever patient at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo. My condition became so critical that I was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit and placed in complete isolation between Sunday, the 4th of March, and Sunday, the 11th of March, 2018. Medical expectations were discouraging, and many feared the worst. Yet, the Great Physician, whose power transcends medical science, intervened. The God who raises the weak restored my strength, silenced the voice of death, and brought me out alive to declare His praises.

Barely a few months later, another frightening chapter unfolded. Between the 3rd and the 8th of October, 2018, I was kidnapped and held captive by a group of armed bandits. Those dark days remain unforgettable, but even in captivity, I experienced the comforting presence of God. The Lord who delivered Joseph from prison and Peter from chains also remembered me. Against every expectation, He orchestrated my release and returned me safely to my family and divine assignment.

Again, on the 7th of June, 2019, I miraculously escaped an assassination attempt. Death came knocking once more, but heaven refused to open the door. The Lord preserved my life and disappointed those who rejoiced too soon. Every evidence surrounding the incident testified that it was not human wisdom but divine intervention that granted me another opportunity to fulfill my purpose on earth.

As though that was not enough, on the 9th of October, 2019, I fell into the hands of unknown assailants. I was brutally attacked, macheted, bruised, and seriously wounded. The pain was intense, and the injuries were severe, yet the mercy of God proved stronger than the cruelty of men. He healed my wounds, renewed my strength, and once again transformed sorrow into songs of thanksgiving.

The journey continued with another challenging season when I underwent a major surgical operation on the 14th of September, 2020. Every surgery carries uncertainty, but I entered the operating theatre with unwavering confidence in the God who holds life in His hands. He granted wisdom to the medical team, preserved my life throughout the procedure, and blessed me with complete recovery. Once again, I discovered that God remains the ultimate Healer.

Indeed, time would fail me to recount every dangerous adventure, every hidden battle, every midnight cry, every conspiracy, every persecution, and every miraculous escape that has marked my life’s journey. Both friends and foes became instruments through whom my faith was tested, but in every season, God’s grace proved more than sufficient. The closer I came to the age of sixty, the more intense the spiritual battles appeared. Yet every attack only magnified the greatness of God, who continually declared me victorious.

Today, as I reflect upon these extraordinary experiences, my heart overflows with gratitude. My survival cannot be explained by human intelligence, physical strength, medical expertise, or personal caution alone. It is the undeniable manifestation of God’s covenant mercy. Like the Psalmist, I joyfully proclaim:

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side… then they had swallowed us up quick.” — Psalm 124

Every scar on my body tells a story of survival. Every breath I take proclaims the goodness of God. Every new day reminds me that I am alive for a divine purpose. My life is an enduring testimony that God still protects, still delivers, still heals, and still preserves those whose times are in His hands.

To Him alone be all the glory, honour, thanksgiving, and everlasting praise. Ebenezer! Thus far, the Lord has helped me.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

 

THROUGH THE FIRE TO THE THRONE: HOW ADVERSITY BECAME THE LADDER TO MY DESTINY

 

«”Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” — Psalm 34:19»

 

When I look back over my thirty-five years of service at The Polytechnic, Owo (now Rufus Giwa Polytechnic), my heart is filled not with bitterness but with gratitude. This chapter is not written as a petition against anyone, neither is it intended to reopen old wounds. Rather, it is a sincere testimony of God’s faithfulness through seasons of trials, disappointments, opposition, and painful experiences. My prayer is that anyone passing through similar situations will discover that there is hope in God, that He never abandons His own, and that no conspiracy of men can overturn the destiny that God has ordained.

 

Throughout my career, I encountered circumstances that could have discouraged an ordinary man. There were moments when I was misunderstood, resisted, delayed, and unfairly treated. Yet every challenge became another opportunity for God to display His awesome power. I learned that human beings may attempt to frustrate God’s plans, but Heaven always has the final say. Destiny belongs to God, not to men.

 

One experience remains unforgettable. I was due to sit for my COREN professional examination in Abuja, a crucial requirement for my career progression. I had been eagerly expecting my examination notification. Unknown to me, the letter was removed from my departmental pigeonhole and hidden. When I visited the department on Thursday before the examination, the departmental secretary handed me another piece of mail but not the examination letter. I asked whether there was any other correspondence because I was expecting my COREN invitation. I was told there was none.

 

The following Monday, I returned to the department. The secretary suddenly remembered that there had actually been two letters. She apologized and handed me the second envelope. The moment I saw the COREN logo and the words “Very Urgent,” my heart skipped. I quickly opened it only to discover that the examination had been scheduled for 8:00 a.m. that very Monday in Abuja. It was already around 10:00 a.m. There was no possibility of getting there. For a moment, my world seemed to collapse. I wept before God because I knew how important that examination was to my promotion.

 

Yet, when man disappoints, God appoints.

 

I immediately wrote to COREN, explaining truthfully that I had only received the invitation on the very day of the examination. I humbly requested another opportunity if possible and pleaded that any future notification should come through text message rather than by post. By the mercy of God, my request was granted. Within a few days, I received an SMS rescheduling my examination for the following week. I told no one. I simply thanked God and intensified my preparation.

 

Those days became one of the most disciplined periods of my life. Every evening from about 6:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m., I buried myself in books. My dear wife became concerned about my sleepless nights, but I knew what was at stake. Alongside rigorous study, I committed myself to fervent prayer. I carefully assembled every material I might need—calculators, mathematical sets, writing materials, reports, receipts, invitation letters, and every relevant document. I left nothing to chance because I believed preparation is one of God’s instruments for success.

 

One decision I made proved to be divinely inspired. Before travelling to Abuja, I decided to complete the marking of my students’ examination scripts. It had always been my habit to submit results promptly. While preparing the marking scheme for Fundamentals of Engineering Design (MEC 301), I carefully developed the solution to one particular topic—Design Process. Unknown to me, that very topic would appear almost exactly in my COREN examination. As I sat in the examination hall in Abuja, it felt as though I had personally prepared the questions. The answers flowed naturally because they were still fresh in my memory from the scripts I had marked only days earlier. At that moment, I smiled within myself. God had turned what appeared to be a setback into a divine advantage.

 

The journey to Abuja itself was another testimony. I had never travelled there before and knew virtually nothing about the city. Yet God had already gone ahead of me. A former student who lived in Abuja welcomed me into his home, accommodated me, and personally drove me to the examination venue. Once again, I saw the invisible hand of God making crooked paths straight.

 

That experience taught me one unforgettable lesson: when God delays a journey, it is often because He is preparing a greater testimony. What looked like an enemy’s victory became one of the greatest victories of my professional career.

 

My academic journey also had its own seasons of stagnation. For almost seven years, I remained on the rank of Lecturer I because I lacked the required academic publications for promotion. Looking back, I can now say those years were painful but profitable. Sadly, some unpublished research works into which I had invested countless hours found their way into the hands of colleagues who published them under their own names. While they advanced, I remained where I was. Humanly speaking, it was heartbreaking.

 

But God had not forgotten me.

 

One day, my Regional Overseer, Architect Akingbohungbe, saw one of my unpublished manuscripts. With fatherly wisdom, he advised me never again to leave valuable research unpublished. I immediately obeyed that counsel. I immersed myself in serious academic writing, travelled extensively in search of research materials, visited libraries across the country, attended conferences, collaborated with fellow researchers, and invested a substantial portion of my salary into research and publication.

 

Before long, three quality papers were accepted and published in reputable international journals, even though I needed only one for my promotion. Those who had concluded that I would never move forward suddenly became amazed. The promotion that once appeared impossible became a reality. Some members of the promotion panel reportedly sought me out immediately after the meeting to congratulate me. The God who had lifted me had done so publicly.

 

From that moment onward, everything changed. Colleagues who once overlooked me began seeking my assistance in research and publication. I willingly helped them because I had made a covenant with myself never to repay evil with evil. I understood that knowledge grows when it is shared.

 

By God’s grace, I retired not as a frustrated lecturer but as a fulfilled scholar, having authored and co-authored well over one hundred scholarly journal articles, the vast majority appearing in reputable international journals. Even at the point of retirement, I still had more than fifty research topics awaiting completion. My passion for knowledge has not diminished because retirement does not mean the end of usefulness.

 

I often say, “I am retiring to re-fire.”

 

I may have retired from classroom lecturing, but I have not retired from learning, research, mentoring, innovation, writing, or serving humanity. Engineering remains my calling. Research remains my passion. Ministry remains my life. I still look forward to collaborating with younger academics, supporting research initiatives, solving engineering problems, and contributing to national development. Whenever my institution calls upon me, I shall gladly offer whatever wisdom and experience God has entrusted to me.

 

Looking back over the years, I also remember many frightening spiritual battles that only God could have delivered me from. There were occasions when strange occurrences surrounded my family, my ministry, my farm, and my environment. Time after time, I witnessed God’s mighty hand preserving us. Those experiences deepened my confidence that no weapon fashioned against God’s children shall prosper when they remain under His divine covering.

 

As I conclude this chapter, I hold no bitterness against anyone. Like my Lord Jesus Christ, I choose to forgive. He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” That remains my own prayer. Some of those who opposed me are no longer alive, while others have long left the institution. I derive no joy from anyone’s misfortune. Instead, I thank God because He used every obstacle as a stepping stone to my destiny.

 

Today, I can boldly declare that I did not merely climb to the top of my profession—I grew into it. Every delay developed my patience. Every disappointment strengthened my faith. Every injustice refined my character. Every battle built my resilience. Every opposition pushed me closer to God.

 

If my life teaches any lesson, it is this: Never allow the actions of men to determine the direction of your destiny. Trust God, remain diligent, forgive freely, continue to develop yourself, and refuse to give up. In God’s own time, your light will shine, your voice will be heard, and your destiny will speak louder than the opposition.

“My foes unknowingly propelled me forward. My friends encouraged me onward. My family stood faithfully beside me. But above them all, it was God who carried me from every valley to every victory. To Him alone be all the glory.”

CHAPTER

WHEN GOD DISARMED THE POWERS OF DARKNESS

(My Testimonies of Divine Intervention Over Evil Devices)

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.” — Isaiah 54:17
Throughout my life’s journey, I have witnessed many occasions that convinced me beyond every shadow of doubt that God still answers prayers and that His power is greater than every work of darkness. I do not present these experiences to glorify the devil or to magnify evil. Rather, I share them to exalt the supremacy of Almighty God, whose light has never failed to overcome darkness.
The Christian life is not merely a confession of faith; it is a daily experience of God’s protection, guidance and victory. There are battles that human wisdom cannot explain, situations that science cannot easily define, and occurrences that only God’s intervention can overturn. Whenever such moments confronted me, I learnt to do one thing above every other—I prayed.
One unforgettable incident occurred shortly after my marriage in May 1994.
Unknown to me, an object suspected to be a charm was secretly presented to me with the sinister claim that whoever touched it would die within seven days. According to the information later revealed, the evil intention was that I should die before having the privilege of raising a family.
But God, who sees the secrets of men, frustrated that wicked counsel.
For reasons I could not explain at the time, I never touched the object. It remained untouched until two weeks later when my wife eventually handled it without any harm. We immediately reported the matter to our spiritual father, Architect Akingbohungbe, who instructed us to destroy the charm through prayer and fire.
The charm was burnt.
However, I retained the empty calabash container, praying over it as a personal reminder that no weapon fashioned against God’s children shall prosper.
Not long afterwards, a huge tree suddenly crashed and smashed the calabash into pieces.
Standing there, I reflected deeply. Had the evil intention succeeded, perhaps that tree would have symbolized my own destruction. Instead, God allowed the container—not my life—to receive the blow.
More than three decades have passed since that incident.
The marriage they wished to terminate has flourished.
The children they hoped would never be born are living testimonies of God’s covenant.
Indeed, what the enemy designed for death became another memorial of divine preservation.
In later years, particularly from 2023 onward, I experienced several unusual occurrences around my residence, school environment and farm. These happenings challenged my faith and drove me closer to God in prayer.
Among them was the appearance of a strange goat that wandered into our premises with an unusual rope tied around its neck. For many months no owner came forward to claim it.
Its behaviour was unlike that of ordinary livestock. It exhibited strange and disturbing patterns that left everyone around it puzzled. Losses among other animals followed during that period, creating fear and concern.
Rather than surrendering to anxiety, I committed the matter to God in prayer.
As I sought the face of the Lord, I became convinced that the rope tied around the animal represented a spiritual burden rather than an ordinary ornament. Acting in faith and after earnest prayer, I removed the rope.
From that moment, the strange pattern that had troubled the surroundings began to cease.
The goat itself later settled into normal behaviour, eventually conceived, and in due course gave birth to healthy twin kids. What had appeared mysterious became ordinary once the object associated with it was removed.
To me, that experience was another reminder that prayer has the power to break invisible chains.
Not long afterwards, another unusual goat appeared, almost replacing the previous one. Once again, I chose not fear but faith.
Prayer remained my greatest weapon.
On another occasion, an unusual monkey entered our environment. Around its waist was an object that appeared strange. Its activities caused fear among residents as it damaged property, frightened animals and created confusion wherever it went.
Instead of responding with panic, we organised prayers.
Within a short period, the monkey disappeared completely from the area.
Likewise, strange birds, unusual nocturnal creatures appearing in broad daylight, monitor lizards around strategic locations, and other disturbing occurrences repeatedly reminded me that the believer’s greatest security is not physical strength but divine covering.
Each time such events arose, my response remained unchanged.
I prayed.
I declared the Word of God.
I dedicated my home, my family, my school and my farm to the Lord.
Again and again, peace returned.
These experiences strengthened my conviction that there is tremendous power in the name of Jesus Christ. Darkness may threaten, but it cannot prevail where the light of God reigns.
Looking back today, I do not celebrate the battles; I celebrate the victories.
I do not magnify the attacks; I magnify the God who delivered me.
The greatest miracle is not merely that danger came and departed. The greatest miracle is that throughout every season, God’s faithfulness never failed.
Many people know me today as an engineer, an academic, a researcher and an educationist. Yet behind every visible achievement lies an invisible altar of prayer.
Before every promotion came prayer.
Before every breakthrough came prayer.
Before every victory came prayer.
And after every victory came thanksgiving.
I have discovered that the safest place for any child of God is not the absence of battles but the presence of God.
As I close this chapter, my testimony is simple:
The God who protected me still protects His people.
The God who frustrated evil devices still reigns over every power of darkness.
The God who preserved my life, my family, my ministry and my career remains faithful forever.
To Him alone be all the glory. Amen.

CHAPTER 1
A MAN OF HONOUR
Crowned with Excellence: The Golden Harvest of Awards, Honours and Professional Distinctions

“A man’s greatest honour is not the applause he receives, but the lives he transforms. True recognition is the inevitable reward of faithful service, unwavering integrity and relentless pursuit of excellence.”
As the years unfolded, the Almighty God continued to crown my labour with honour. Every stage of my journey—whether in engineering, education, ministry, administration or humanitarian service—became another opportunity for excellence to find expression. Consequently, many institutions, professional bodies and reputable organizations, both within Nigeria and internationally, found me worthy of recognition.
I have always regarded every award as a reminder that greater responsibilities accompany greater honour. They are not ornaments for display but divine encouragements to continue serving humanity with humility, diligence and unwavering commitment.
Looking back over the decades, I am overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness. From the classrooms where I excelled as a young student to the engineering profession, from educational leadership to community development and kingdom service, every recognition tells a story of perseverance, discipline, sacrifice and divine grace.
The certificates displayed on my walls may testify to academic accomplishment, but the greatest certificate remains the countless lives transformed through education, vocational empowerment, mentorship, spiritual guidance and selfless service. Awards may glitter, but impacting humanity shines even brighter.
Academic Qualifications
The solid foundation of my professional journey was built upon sound academic training, which includes:
Primary School Leaving Certificate.
West African School Certificate (WASC/GCE Ordinary Level).
National Diploma (Upper Credit) in Mechanical Engineering.
Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Mechanical Engineering.
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Design and Manufacturing Engineering.
These qualifications became stepping stones to greater accomplishments and lifelong learning.
Professional Memberships and Distinguished Fellowships
My commitment to professional excellence earned me membership and fellowship of several respected national and international organizations:
Corporate Member, Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE).
Corporate Member, Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MNIMechE).
Corporate Member, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
Chartered Engineer and Registered Licensed Practising Engineer.
Corporate Member, Institute of Capacity Building, South Africa (MICAB).
Member, International Association of Engineers, United Kingdom (MIAENG).
Member, European Centre for Research Training and Development, United Kingdom (MECRTD).
Fellow, Strategic Institute of Natural Resources and Human Development (FSINRHD).
Member, International Research and Development Institute (MIRDI).
Member, Research and Development Network.
Member, Nigerian Academia.
Special Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Each of these professional affiliations represents years of dedication to ethical practice, competence, innovation and continuous personal development.
Academic Excellence from an Early Age
Long before professional honours came my way, God had already planted in me a passion for excellence.
One of my earliest recognitions was emerging as the Best Mathematics Student of Notre Dame College from 1978 to 1981, receiving several prizes and commendations for exceptional academic performance. Those youthful achievements became the foundation upon which many greater accomplishments would later be built.
Awards, Honours and Distinguished Recognitions
By the grace of God, I have been privileged to receive numerous awards in recognition of my contributions to engineering, education, leadership, community development and nation-building.
Among these are:
South-West Pillar of Nation Building Institute Award (2010).
Distinguished Academic Icon Award (2010).
Icon of Education in Nigeria Award, presented by Democrat News Magazine.
Distinguished Leadership in Cocoa Merit Award, presented by Democrat News Magazine.
Icon of Model in Education Award, presented by Focus Magazine.
Ondo State Couple of the Year Award, presented by Focus Magazine.
These honours are precious milestones that remind me that faithful service never goes unnoticed.
The Greatest Honour of All
Beyond plaques, medals, certificates and trophies lies a far greater reward—the privilege of touching lives.
Seeing former students become professors, engineers, medical doctors, entrepreneurs, ministers of God, public servants and distinguished leaders across Nigeria and beyond remains my greatest joy. Watching young people acquire vocational skills, become financially independent and positively influence society gives me immeasurable fulfilment.
If my life has inspired even one soul to dream bigger, work harder, trust God more deeply and serve humanity more faithfully, then I consider myself richly rewarded.
Indeed, every honour I have received belongs first to God Almighty, whose grace has sustained me throughout my life’s journey. To Him alone be all the glory.
“Honour is not bestowed merely by medals or titles; it is earned daily through integrity, excellence, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Such is the enduring legacy of a man whose life has become a blessing to generations.”

 

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

THE FOOTPRINTS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE: A CHRONOLOGICAL JOURNEY THROUGH MY LIFE

“I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” — Psalm 77:11

Every life is a story, and every story is woven together by the invisible hand of God. As I reflect upon the journey of my life, I see not a random sequence of events but a carefully designed masterpiece orchestrated by the Almighty. Every season carried its own lessons; every challenge refined my character; every achievement testified to God’s faithfulness. Looking back over the years, I can confidently declare that the Lord has ordered my steps from childhood to this present moment.

11 October 1961 – A Divine Beginning

I was born on 11th October 1961 at Igbole-Ekiti in Ido-Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Unknown to me, God had already written the script of my life long before my arrival into this world. My birth marked the beginning of a divine assignment that would unfold gradually through His grace and mercy.

1968–1974 – Building the Foundation

My formal education began at Community Primary School, Igbole-Ekiti, where I attended from 1968 to 1974. These formative years laid the foundation for discipline, diligence, and the love of learning that would later define my academic and professional life.

1976–1981 – The Years of Preparation

I proceeded to Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti, where I received my secondary education between 1976 and 1981. Those years shaped my intellectual development and strengthened my determination to pursue excellence. The values of discipline, integrity, and hard work became deeply rooted in my life.

August 1980 – My Greatest Miracle

Among all the milestones of my life, none compares with my conversion to Jesus Christ in August 1980. It was the turning point that changed my destiny forever. I surrendered my life completely to Christ, and from that day onward, my priorities, ambitions, and purpose took on an entirely new meaning. The old life passed away, and a new life of service to God began.

October 1980 – My First Steps in Ministry

Only a few months after my conversion, I began preaching the Gospel, teaching the Word of God, and establishing Christian fellowships wherever I found myself. The passion for soul-winning that God ignited in my heart has remained alive ever since.

1982–1984 – Polytechnic Education

My higher education commenced at The Polytechnic, Owo (now Rufus Giwa Polytechnic), where I studied Mechanical Engineering between 1982 and 1984, graduating with a National Diploma (Upper Credit). Those years opened my eyes to the beauty of engineering and prepared me for a lifelong career in technology and education.

1983–1984 – Pioneer Campus Coordinator

While still a student, God entrusted me with leadership responsibilities as one of the Pioneer Campus Coordinators of the Deeper Life Campus Fellowship at The Polytechnic, Owo. It was during this period that I discovered the joy of combining academic excellence with spiritual leadership.

1985–1989 – University of Benin

I proceeded to the University of Benin, where I obtained my Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Mechanical Engineering. Simultaneously, I served as the Pioneer Off-Campus Coordinator of the Deeper Life Campus Fellowship at Ekosodin, ministering to students and residents within the university community.

1989–1990 – Mission to Northern Nigeria

Immediately after graduation, God sent me to Zing in Gongola State (now Taraba State), where I served as the Pioneer Second Branch Pastor of the Deeper Life Bible Church. It was a season of pioneering work, sacrificial service, and complete dependence upon God’s grace.

1991 – Beginning My Academic Career

In 1991, I joined The Polytechnic, Owo as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology. It marked the beginning of an academic journey that would span thirty-five fruitful years, culminating in my retirement as a Chief Lecturer.

26 February 1992 – A New Mission Field

On 26th February 1992, I was posted to Emure-Ile as the Pioneer District Pastor. What began as the shepherding of a small congregation eventually blossomed into a vibrant district with numerous branches across surrounding towns and villages. By God’s grace, I served there faithfully for sixteen memorable years.

1994 – A Test of Faith

The year 1994 brought one of the greatest spiritual tests of my early married life. On the very day of my wedding, an evil charm intended to destroy my future was secretly presented. Through divine wisdom, fervent prayers, and God’s mighty intervention, every evil plan failed completely. Instead of sorrow, God established my home in peace, and our first child fittingly bears the name Peace, a lasting reminder of God’s victory.

2004–2005 – Advancing My Knowledge

Believing that learning never ends, I returned to the University of Benin, where I obtained my Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Design and Manufacturing. This achievement further strengthened my professional competence and enriched my contributions to engineering education.

Years of Research and Professional Growth

Over the years, God granted me grace to devote myself passionately to research, innovation, publication, and academic mentorship. What began as a difficult journey eventually blossomed into a fruitful academic career. By His grace, I published well over one hundred scholarly articles, with most appearing in reputable international journals, while presenting papers at numerous national and international conferences.

Years of Pastoral Assignments

My missionary journey continued through several pastoral assignments, including Oke-Ogun, Irekari/Idoani, Ute, Uka, Ijebu, Uselu, Campus Ministry, Ipele, and Amurin. Every posting became another opportunity to preach Christ, nurture believers, plant churches, and witness God’s transforming power.

2025 – Continuing to Impact Society

Even toward the close of my active service, I remained deeply involved in public lectures, research presentations, and national discussions on engineering, agriculture, climate change, and sustainable development. Retirement never diminished my desire to contribute meaningfully to society.

2026 – Retiring to Re-fire

After thirty-five uninterrupted years of dedicated service, I retired honourably as Chief Lecturer. Yet, I do not see retirement as the end of my usefulness. Rather, it is a transition into another season of greater impact. I often say with conviction:

“I am retiring to re-fire.”

My passion for research remains alive. My commitment to mentoring younger academics continues. My love for engineering endures. Above all, my calling to preach the Gospel burns brighter than ever before.

As I journey into this new chapter of life, I do so with profound gratitude to God. Every milestone has been a testimony of His grace. Every achievement has been an expression of His mercy. Every victory has been the result of His unfailing love.

When I connect the dots of my life—from a little boy in Igbole-Ekiti to an engineer, educator, missionary, researcher, author, pastor, farmer, and mentor—I see only one signature written boldly across every page:

THE HAND OF GOD.

“The dates recorded in this chapter are more than milestones on a calendar; they are monuments of divine faithfulness. Each one reminds me that God never wastes a season. He prepares, preserves, promotes, and perfects those who trust Him. My story is not merely a record of years lived—it is a testimony of grace experienced.”

Additional Chronological Milestones

1981 – Excellence at Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti

I completed my secondary education at Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti, where I distinguished myself as one of the outstanding students in Mathematics. The discipline, academic excellence and moral training I received during those years became a solid foundation for my future career. My love for Mathematics, which had started in my primary school days, continued to flourish and later influenced my choice of Mechanical Engineering.

1982 – Admission into The Polytechnic, Owo

A new chapter of my life began when I gained admission to study Mechanical Engineering at The Polytechnic, Owo (now Rufus Giwa Polytechnic). It was here that God began to shape me academically, spiritually and professionally for the future He had prepared for me.

1983 – Emerging as a Student Leader

While pursuing my studies, God entrusted me with leadership responsibilities as one of the pioneer coordinators of the Deeper Life Campus Fellowship. Balancing academic excellence with Christian leadership taught me discipline, integrity and servant leadership at an early age.

1984 – Graduation with National Diploma

I graduated with an Upper Credit in Mechanical Engineering. This achievement was particularly significant because it came through perseverance despite financial challenges. Every success reminded me that determination, coupled with God’s grace, can overcome difficult circumstances.

1985 – Beginning University Education

I proceeded to the University of Benin to pursue my Bachelor of Engineering degree. These years broadened my academic horizon and strengthened my determination to become a lecturer rather than an industrial engineer.

1986–1989 – Building Capacity

My university years were devoted not only to lectures but also to extensive personal study. While many students limited themselves to lecture notes, I spent countless hours in libraries, searching for additional knowledge. I became a regular visitor to the John Harris Library of the University of Benin and other libraries, laying the academic foundation that later distinguished my teaching career.

1989 – Graduation with Bachelor of Engineering

I successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering). Several opportunities opened for me in industries and companies, but my heart remained fixed on becoming a teacher. I deliberately declined more lucrative career opportunities because I believed my assignment was in the classroom.

1989–1990 – Teaching in Zing

I accepted appointment as a Mathematics teacher in Zing, then in Gongola State. My passion for teaching went beyond the classroom as I organised extra coaching classes that greatly benefited students. At the end of my service, the Emir of Zing desired that I should remain because of the impact my teaching had made on the community.

1990 – A Divine Change of Direction

Although I was offered permanent employment in the North and there were prospects of overseas sponsorship for further studies, God redirected my steps to the South. Looking back today, I recognise that this divine guidance positioned me for the greater purpose He had prepared for my life.

1991 – Appointment as Assistant Lecturer

God answered the desire of my heart when I was appointed Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Polytechnic, Owo. It was the fulfilment of a dream I had nurtured from childhood. My journey as an academic had truly begun.

1991 – A Prophetic Vision

Shortly after resuming at the Polytechnic, while standing in the office of my Head of Department, the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart that one day I would occupy that very office. Humanly speaking, it seemed impossible because I neither possessed a Master’s degree nor had the financial means to pursue one. Yet I treasured the vision and trusted God.

1992 – Divine Settlement at Emure-Ile

On 26 February 1992, I accepted my posting as a missionary pastor to Emure-Ile. Unknown to my pastor, I had already seen the village in a divine revelation. When I arrived, I recognised it immediately. That experience strengthened my confidence that God truly orders the steps of those who trust Him.

1994 – Divine Preservation

During the early days of my marriage, God miraculously preserved my family from an evil plot intended to terminate my life. What the enemy planned for destruction became another testimony of God’s faithfulness.

1996 – The “Ekiti Must Go” Crisis

I witnessed one of the most difficult moments in the history of the Polytechnic during the “Ekiti Must Go” crisis. Like many others, I suffered intimidation and humiliation, yet God preserved my life and my career.

1999 – Becoming Head of Department

The prophetic word spoken years earlier came to fulfilment when I became Acting Head of Department. It was a humbling experience to discover that God had fulfilled what seemed impossible. I learned that divine promises may tarry, but they never fail.

1999— Odunwo Panel

I am one of the very few people found without blemish and declared free of corruption and shaddy practices.

2004–2005 – Master’s Degree

I returned to the University of Benin to obtain my Master of Engineering degree in Design and Manufacturing. By God’s grace, I graduated with an outstanding academic performance that remained a benchmark for many years.

2009 – Birth of JADT Journal

Driven by my passion for research and academic development, I founded the Journal of Advanced Technology (JADT). Although the journal faced numerous challenges, I remain grateful that it contributed to scholarly development and encouraged research beyond my institution.

2011–2026 – Years of Recognition

The final fifteen years of my career brought remarkable changes. The values and principles for which I had once been criticised gradually became appreciated. Former students became colleagues, junior academics became leaders, and many openly acknowledged the impact of my mentorship. God turned criticism into commendation.

2026 – Thirty-Five Years Without a Query

By the grace of God, I completed thirty-five years of uninterrupted service without a single disciplinary query. From Assistant Lecturer to Chief Lecturer, every promotion came through diligence, integrity, patience and divine favour.

2026 – A Legacy of Scholarship

At retirement, God enabled me to leave behind more than one hundred scholarly journal publications, the majority appearing in reputable international journals. I also left numerous conference papers, public lectures, research collaborations and over fifty ongoing research projects, proving that retirement is not the end of productivity but the beginning of another phase of impact.

“As I review the milestones of my life, I see more than dates and events. I see the footprints of God’s grace, the evidence of His unfailing promises, and the fulfilment of His divine purpose. Every year added another chapter to the story of His faithfulness.”