Ex-FUTA Registrar urges leaders to lead with wisdom
By Boye Oyeyemi –
The immediate past Registrar of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Mr Richard Adeyinka Arifalo, has retired from public service with a call on leaders to embrace wisdom, humility, and sound judgement in leadership.
Delivering his valedictory lecture titled “Don’t Be Stupid” recently, Arifalo said the topic was inspired by his experience as an administrator.
He explained that many leaders make poor decisions out of selfishness or pride, which often leads to crises.
He noted that stupidity does not mean lack of intelligence but “refusal to do what is right, responsible and wise even when one knows better.”
According to him, “When those in authority ignore sound counselling, refuse to learn from history and past mistakes, allow pride or ego to becloud good judgement or prioritise personal interest over collective good, then they are plainly being ‘stupid’.”
Arifalo urged leaders to cultivate humility and critical thinking, saying, “Fight stupidity with humility, with courage to question and with willingness to listen, learn and change. Leadership is not about being popular but being principled.”
He also advised administrators to respect institutional rules, value people at all levels, and remember that “leadership is influence.” He appreciated mentors who shaped his career, especially Dr Ayorinde Ogunruku, former Registrar of Obafemi Awolowo University.
FUTA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, represented by her deputy, Prof. Sunday Oluyamo, congratulated Arifalo for his meritorious service, describing him as “an indefatigable builder of men and a lover of education.”
