Dr. Ariyo Oluwasanjo Okunlola is a retired Chief Lecturer and Former Deputy Rector at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
He retired from the services of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora on 5th October, 2020 at the age of 65.
He turned 70 on the 5th October, 2025. Ariyo Okunlola is from Idere, in Ibarapa Central Local Government of Oyo State.
Dr. Okunlola is one of the indigenes of Ibarapa that has done the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora proud. Special thanks to the pioneer Rector, Prof. Gabriel Olaoye Farinu who employed him as one of the pioneer staff in Forestry Department of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
In his capacity as the head of Forestry Department, he ensured planting of trees and travelling to the Eastern part of the country to get oil palm seeds for the institution. Even at retirement, he donated Banana plantation to the institution.
His visionary leadership style and commitment to peace and unity bonded him to many as they see him as a symbol of peace and unity. Many refer to him as an advocate and mediator.
Little wonder why the building built and donated by Ibarapa Staff Indigenes working in OYSCATECH was named after Oluwasanjo Ariyo Okunlola.
Working closely with the former Rector, Prof. Gbemiga Adewale, he served as Deputy Rector and Director of Academic Planning through which many achievements on accreditations and advancement of the institution were recorded in their times.
Ariyo Okunlola is one of the living legends that OYSCATECH can boast off.
To people who do not consider forestry as a career and means of livelihood, you can take a clue from Dr. Oluwasanjo Ariyo Okunlola who rose to the echelon of his career and impacted lives positively.
His love for God and the Gospel is contagious and exemplary as he chose to celebrate the 70th Birthday in low key and by soliciting support towards the donation of funds for the work of God in his church.
Dr. Okunlola, though a no nonsense man, holds tightly his faith and remains a dire hard lover of God.
As he takes reflection in numbering his days, we can only wish him a meritorious 70th Birthday Celebration in good health.
No doubt, his legacies speak on because we would only be remembered by what we have done.
Oluwasanjo Ariyo Okunlola was born on 5th October, 1955. He had his WASC O’Level in 1976 and G.C.E. A/L at the Polytechnic, Ibadan. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan for his Bachelor of Science (BSc.(Hons.) in Forestry Resources Management in 1979 and graduated in 1983.
In 1987, Ariyo Okunlola returned to the University of Ibadan for Master’s programme and he was awarded, Master of Science in Forestry Resources Management and in 2017, he bagged his PhD in Forestry Resources Management, also at the University of Ibadan.
Ariyo Okunlola started his career with the Ogun State Forestry plantation Project in 1983 during his Youth Service Corps Scheme (NYSC). Upon the completion of his NYSC programme, he was privileged to work with the Ogun State Forestry Plantation Project as Research Monitoring and Record Officer between 1984 and 1987 under the World Bank Assisted programme. He rose to become Plantation Officer between 1990 and 1991 under the ADB assisted programme.
Between 1994 and 2002, he was the Project Manager and Senior Consultant to different organizations. In 2002, Ariyo Okunlola joined Leventis Foundation LTD/GTE in Lagos. And in 2008, he joined the services of Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora, now Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora as Lecturer 1 and rose to the position of Chief Lecturer.
In the OYSCATECH, Ariyo Oluwasanjo Okunlola taught so many courses and served in various capacities, some of which include; Head, Agricultural Technology Department, Head, Forestry Technology Department, Sub-dean, School of Plant Science, Director, Academic Planning and Deputy Rector among others.
Opeyemi Olawore
Deputy Registrar, Public & Alumni Relations
Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology Igboora