Rasaki Afolabi LASISI, better known as Fola LASISI was born on 23rd February 1943 in Odosenlu-Alaro, near Ijebu-Ode, in the now Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.
Rasaki Afolabi LASISI attended Yaba Technical Institute (now Yaba College of Technology) for Secondary Education where he finished with distinction in June 1962. He was awarded the African Scholarship Programme of American Universities (ASPAU) in July 1963, when in the OND Programme at Yaba Technical Institute, with O Level in GCE to University of Washington, Seattle to study Civil Engineering.
He graduated in June, 1966. He was awarded the Masters degree in Civil Engineering Structures of the same University, on University Fellowship, in December, 1967. He later proceeded to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, sponsored by University of Ife and USAID in February, 1972, and acquired the Ph. D. degree in Agricultural Engineering in September, 1974. He became a Professional Engineer in Wisconsin, USA in 1972 and a Registered Engineer in Nigeria (COREN no: 0551) in 1974.
Engr. Emeritus Prof. Fola LASISI worked as a design Structural Engineer with Marshall, Barr & Pacquer, Inc. Seattle, Washington, July, 1966 to September, 1969. He returned to Nigeria in October, 1969, to join the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) as Lecturer II. He rose through the ranks becoming a Professor in October, 1984.
At Ife, he was the acting Head of Dept. of Agricultural Engineering: 1977 to 1981; served in many and chaired a couple of the committees, especially those involved in the physical development of the campus. He was a member of the committees that developed the Agricultural and Civil Engineering Programmes. He was Chairman, UNIFECS [Obafemi Awolowo University Consultancy Services] 1989 to 1992.
Engr. Emeritus Prof. Fola LASISI has published extensively in national and international journals covering Studies on Use of Local Materials in Construction; Structural Analysis; and Engineering Designs.
He has been Chairman of Ogun State Agricultural Development Corporation 1988 to 1991, a Member of Council of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro 1990 to 1993; and a Council member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) 2006 to 2017. He was the Chairman, Academy of Corporate Management (ACM) of the Nigerian Institute of Management [Chartered] [NIM]: 2011 to 2017.
Engr. Emeritus Prof. Fola LASISI was the Pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo: Federal, in Akwa Ibom State for two terms (1991 to 2000), and the Pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Private University: Crescent University, Abeokuta (2005 to 2007). He was the Chairman, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities 1996 to 1997.
Engr. Emeritus Prof. Fola LASISI took interest in some business activities, primarily as a professional engineer, but also in other companies as investment outlets, including Senior Consultant, ENPLAN GROUP; Chairman and now Director, PILOT FINANCE LTD,; Director, PILOT SECURITIES LTD.; Chairman, URBAN TRENDS LTD.\
Engr. Emeritus Prof. Fola LASISI has been a committee member in the establishment of some PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES including Crescent University, Abeokuta; Fountain University, Osogbo; Caleb University, Imota; Proposed University of Offa, Offa; Proposed Ibrahim Inaolaji University, Ikire; Proposed University of Warri, Delta State, Proposed City Model University, Port Harcourt.
Engr. Emeritus Prof. Fola LASISI is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers [FNSE]; Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers [FASCE]; Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers [FNIAE]; Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering [FAEng]; and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management [FNIM]. He served as chairman of academy technology village committee, honorary treasurer and later became the President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering
Engr. Emeritus Prof. Fola LASISI has been honoured: at home for helping the COMMUNITY young ONES to acquire QUALITATIVE EDUCATION. He was honoured a Chief [Obong] in UYO, with the title: IBEREDEM-UYO in 1995; also in ORON, with the title; Nta Nta ORO in 1997, both in AKWA IBOM STATE.
He was given a MERIT award by AWUJALE of IJEBU LAND in 1999 for EXCELLENCE in EDUCATION.
He is the BOBASELU of ODOSENLU ALARO, his hometown in IJEBU NORTHEAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
He was on August 27, 2015, honoured with the CHRIS ABEBE AWARD in recognition of his significant services to the PROGRESS & GROWTH of the Nigerian Institute of Management [Chartered] and more.
In 2018, he became President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering. In 2021, he was appointed Pro-Chancellor of University of Offa. In 2022, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nigerian Institute of Management. In 2023, he was conferred the title of Emeritus Professor of Agricultural Engineering in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field.
Engr. Emeritus Prof. Fola LASISI is happily MARRIED to Monica JoAnne LASISI, nee [STILLS] and BLESSED with CHILDREN.