Professor Fola Lasisi’s story is a testament to the power of education, hard work, and unwavering integrity. From his humble beginnings in a small village to leading prestigious universities and the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, his journey is an inspiration to aspiring engineers and academics across Nigeria.
Born on February 23, 1943, in Odosenlu Alaro, Ogun State, Lasisi’s early life was shaped by the values instilled by his parents. His father, a cooperative society secretary, emphasized the importance of education, while his mother, a disciplinarian, instilled in him a strong moral compass. These foundational principles would guide him throughout his remarkable career.
Speaking about his background, “My mother was a very tough woman. She is a disciplinarian. Of course, my father was always traveling, my father is simple going but focused and principled. He said you have to go to school and this is what you need to do. My Father always pay my school fees. Some of my siblings, who didn’t stay in school, became the looser at the end. Women always make impact on your children and I realise it from my experience later in life, my mother was so firm. She was the third wife of the four.. She recalled.
Lasisi’s educational journey began in his village primary school and continued through technical school, where his exceptional academic performance earned him a life-changing scholarship to the United States.
“I went to technical school and by final year, I had a very good result and one of my teachers was the younger brother to one of the ministers in the western region then and wanted me to enrol into in Kings College.I wrote the exam and came first but the principal said no we don’t give scholarship to non-indigenes and so I didn’t continue there. But within the year, I got fellowship to the United States and within three years, I had gotten my first degree so my life was transformed in Lagos. That is why till today, I spend large part of my life in that city.” he told Victor Gbonegun in an interview years ago.
He got to the U.S at the age of 19 to study civil engineering at the University of Washington Seattle, and graduated in 1966. he was awarded Master’s degree in Civil Engineering of the same university, on fellowship. He later proceeded to the University of Wisconsin, Madison sponsored by the university of Ife and USAID in 1972 where he acquired Ph.D. degree in Agricultural engineering in 1974. Thereafter, he became a professional engineer in Wisconsin USA and a registered engineer in Nigeria in 1974.
Returning to Nigeria, Lasisi embarked on a distinguished academic career at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated teacher and researcher.
However, his vision extended beyond the academic realm. He recognized the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice in the built environment. He actively sought collaborations with consulting firms in Lagos, taking on projects that allowed him to apply his expertise to real-world challenges. His innovative work on road design, particularly his focus on durable solutions like the use of kerbs, showcased his commitment to quality and lasting impact.
“My constant journey to Lagos changed my outlook. By the time the second Vice Chancellor got there and learnt of what I was able to do, he just started giving me consultancy work and with that I didn’t have to come to Lagos. When they wanted to build a petrol station, he asked me to make input. I told him, I would design it and contact specialists in building forms. We also started looking at how to improve roads by putting kerbs. I designed road, which has been in existence for 50-years and still solid because we put kerbs and so it doesn’t wear out. I produced the kerbs about three or four thousand of them. We were able to build three roads for the university and with that you could get to the university because the university is an expansive area where you could access depending on which area you were coming from. Once they paid me for my service, I took my wife and children and went for vacation and from there, my life became exciting but you will always meet trials no matter how your life is interesting.From the beginning, I had already selected my mentors who were engineers and that helped me a lot in life.”
Lasisi’s leadership potential became evident as he assumed administrative roles within the university. His commitment to integrity and fiscal responsibility, instilled by his mother, shaped his decisions. He later served as Vice-Chancellor of both the University of Uyo and Crescent University, Abeokuta, demonstrating his dedication to academic excellence and institutional growth. His leadership style was characterized by a focus on transparency, accountability, and the creation of a supportive environment for both faculty and students.
“When I was the V.C and the bursar was suggesting different ways we could take money, I told her that you don’t know what you’re talking about because my mother said you must never be a thief. God saved me toward the end of my term as VC, she always wanted us to do some deals but I refused.
“If I don’t have money, I buy used car and I live pedestrian with ordinary people because I don’t have the resources to live in Government Reserve Area (GRA) but I am happy with myself and the training of my children. I make my children to understand that you don’t need to be rich to have a good name. Throughout my life, I never applied to be a VC or to even work neither at Ife nor to become the president of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, they just mentioned my name somewhere and they give me the job after looking through my records and achievements.” he recalled.
His influence extended beyond university walls. He served as President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, providing guidance and direction to the engineering profession in Nigeria. In this role, he championed innovation, professionalism, and ethical conduct among engineers, contributing significantly to the advancement of the field.
Prof Lasisi urged young engineers to understand the profession, seeking mentorship, and aligning their career with their personal purpose. He encourages them to be lifelong learners, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of engineering. His insights into Nigeria’s economic challenges highlight his belief in the power of industrialization and local production. He advocates for the development of small and medium-scale enterprises, drawing inspiration from successful models in other countries.
Professor Fola Lasisi’s journey from a village school to the leadership of prominent institutions is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of strong values. His life and career serve as an inspiration to generations of engineers and academics, demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work, integrity, and a deep commitment to service.