From Technologist III to Dean: Dr. Idowu Akinrosoye’s Journey of Perseverance, Learning, and Academic Excellence
 |
| NEW FICT Dean, Dr. Idowu Akinrosoye. |
By Zainab Adeyemi, Samuel Akintola
For Dr. Idowu Abiodun Akinrosoye, the journey to becoming the Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT), Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, is a story built on determination, continuous self-improvement, and an unwavering commitment to academic growth.
His emergence as the newly elected Dean, according to him, is not merely a position attained overnight but the outcome of years of sacrifice, hard work, and a deliberate pursuit of excellence.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the NAMACOS Editorial Board shortly after his election, Dr. Akinrosoye reflected on his career journey, which began from a humble position as a Technologist III before rising through the academic ranks to become a Chief Lecturer and eventually the Dean of the faculty.
Dr. Akinrosoye revealed that he joined Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, as a Technologist III, where his duties were mainly centred around providing technical support to students, especially in the studio of the Department of Mass Communication.
According to him, although the technologist cadre in polytechnics has limited opportunities for progression into the academic leadership structure, his ambition to become a lecturer motivated him to seek further qualifications.
“Technologist is an academic position, but the job description was strictly to be in the studio and attend to the technical needs of students. Normally, you cannot go beyond that cadre. But with my acquisition of higher degrees and the skills I developed, I applied for conversion because I wanted to become a lecturer,” he said.
His determination eventually paid off when he was converted to the academic cadre in 2009, beginning a new phase of his professional journey.
However, the conversion was only the beginning of his academic pursuit. Dr. Akinrosoye explained that he continued to acquire more qualifications because he understood that academic growth required continuous learning.
Before his conversion, he had obtained a Professional Master’s degree in Communication and Language Arts, but he later pursued further academic qualifications, including a Bachelor’s degree after his HND and a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Olabisi Onabanjo University.
He also obtained a Master’s degree in Managerial Psychology from the University of Ibadan before eventually earning his PhD in 2023.
Dean described education as a lifelong journey that requires discipline, sacrifice, and determination.
“Whatever you want to become in life, you should be ready to acquire the necessary qualifications. If you want to be an academic, you must be prepared to pay the price,” he said.
His academic advancement also opened doors to various leadership responsibilities within the institution. After his conversion, he served as Coordinator of the Daily Part-Time Programme and later became Acting Head of Department of Mass Communication on several occasions before eventually becoming the substantive HOD.
He also served as Sub-Dean of the Faculty for two terms, where he worked with different Deans, including the late Dr. Ayobami Lawal, Dr. Ewuola Philip, and Mr. Stephen Oladoye the outgoing Dean.
According to him, administrative positions come with responsibilities, and an individual’s commitment and performance in assigned roles often determine future opportunities.
Dr. Akinrosoye explained that progression within the academic system requires dedication and consistent contribution.
“Before becoming a Dean or HOD, you must attain the highest level in the academic cadre, which is Chief Lecturer. Every position is contested periodically, and your responsibilities and activities where you are will determine your movement from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer and eventually Chief Lecturer,” he stated.
His election as Dean was his first contest for the position. The election, which was open to Chief Lecturers in the faculty, was keenly contested between him and the other lecturer, Dr. Bello G. A, whom he described as a respected colleague and strong contender.
“This is my first contest, though it has conditions. You can only become a Dean if you are a Chief Lecturer. The election was between two of us, myself and Dr. Bello G. A. He is a well-respected brother and a strong man. I believe it was Providence that decided it was my time to emerge,” he said.
Beyond his personal achievement, Dr. Akinrosoye used the opportunity to encourage students of polytechnics to believe in themselves and reject the notion that they are inferior to university students.
He noted that success is not determined by the type of institution one attends but by personal commitment, purpose, and the ability to maximise opportunities.
“We are not inferior. Your destiny is in your own hands. Some people in universities are not better than you. Find your purpose, work towards it, and allow God to direct your path,” he advised.
Dean also urged students to protect the image and peaceful environment of the institution, warning against actions that could disrupt academic activities or damage the reputation of the polytechnic.
Speaking to graduating students, Dr. Akinrosoye stressed that certificates alone do not define success. According to him, certificates only serve as evidence of knowledge acquired, while skills, values, and personal development remain important factors in achieving success.
About oluwablesscreative
No comments