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Pastor Isaac Kehinde Adeosi, a former staff of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, has shared an inspiring account of his life journey – from humble beginnings as a Office Messenger to his rise as a Senior Executive Officer.
In this candid interview with Abu-Satar Hamed of StarTrend Int’l Magazine and Online, Pastor Adeosi speaks about his career, personal trials, and ultimate triumph. Excerpts.
Could you briefly share the story of your life’s journey?
I was born in 1960 into the family of a peasant farmer, Pa Olajuwon Jonah Adeosi, in a remote village called Wasimi Ikorodu via Ihunbo in Ipokia Local Government Area, here in Ogun State. I started elementary school at the age of 12, in 1972. I later moved to Ilaro for my secondary school education, which I attended from 1980 to 1985.
You officially retired from the service of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro on Friday, June 13, 2025. Can you take us back to how it all began – your entry into the institution, your experiences over the years, and how the journey led to your retirement?
My desire for a white-collar job made me write applications for seven years before I was eventually employed at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. By God’s grace, I started as a Messenger in 1993.
Later, I gained admission into the Business Studies department of the institution. After another seven years, I applied for an HND in Business Administration. That qualified me to be upgraded and promoted up to the cadre I remained in until my retirement on Friday, June 13, 2025.
To God, I give all the glory and honour. My appointment at Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro was purely by God’s mercy. I realized in life that where there is no God, nothing can be possible or easily achieved. It was so difficult for me that I was even asked to change my Christian name, Isaac, to Isa—an Islamic name—which I turned down.
Later, the Lord used one of my spiritual fathers in the Rectory Division, Pastor M.A. Akinwunmi. I resumed at the Building Department as a Messenger and was later redeployed to the School Office, School of Management Studies.
From there, the former Registrar, Mr. C.A. Adeosun, requested that I be redeployed to his office as a Clerical Officer. I worked with him for 10 years and later followed him to the office he was assigned to until he retired.
How did the retirement ceremony unfold? Could you describe how the day went?
The day was wonderful. Though it wasn’t an elaborate event, people came around from the Polytechnic, my former office, my in-laws, the people in my community, church members, and some key leaders from the Deeper Life Bible Church. The ceremony ended with a surprise gift – a Camry car – from my children. To God be the glory.
Who were the key figures from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, who coordinated the programme and those who attended to honour your retirement?
Firstly, our amiable Registrar, Mrs. F.A. Babatola; Mr. M.J.O. Fatunmbi (DRS); Mr. Sola Abiala and Prince Adebayo from the Establishment Office; Mr. Kehinde Bashiru, Head of the ERT Unit; and others from various departments of the FPI. My wife, children, grandchildren, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers were also present.
What message of appreciation would you like to share with everyone who supported you during your years of service and came to celebrate your retirement?
I want to use this opportunity to give glory to God for sparing my life till today—not only to witness my retirement but to celebrate my 65th birthday as well. I give God all the glory and adoration.
I also deeply appreciate my wife and children who stood by me through the thick and thin of life, including my brothers and sisters. I thank you all for your love and understanding.
As the Lord helped me to perform my duties diligently in various offices, with the cooperation of both my seniors and juniors, I ended the journey in praise. I say, thank you so much. Eyin na yio so layo o.
After spending 30 years in service at FPI, what are the most significant lessons and takeaways you’re leaving with?
My 32 years felt like yesterday, full of life lessons. First, my entry into the Polytechnic taught me to be humble, regardless of your qualifications or position. Even with my WAEC qualification, I was supposed to be employed as a Clerical Officer in USS 3. But without a godfather, I was employed as a Messenger – which I humbly accepted.
That humility earned me favour and respect from colleagues. Even today, many still call me Baba with affection.
How do you envision spending your retirement years?
By God’s grace, I plan to dedicate my retirement years to serving God more than ever. I’m a Pastor over a district church in my organization, the Deeper Life Bible Church.
Reflecting on your life from birth to your 65th birthday, what would you say about your journey and the most valuable lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Life was tough from the beginning. I didn’t start primary school until I was 12 years old. Out of seven children,
The most valuable lessons I’ve learned are that education is a legacy every parent must give their children, humility is essential, hard work and faithfulness in every relationship matter.
For instance, I worked with the former Registrar for 10 years. When it was time for him to move to a new office, he was asked to choose one of two officers to go with him.
He said, “I want Adeosi.” I spent another three years with him before he finally retired. Please, learn to be humble and contented in any position you find yourself.
Lastly, who is Mr. Isaac Kehinde Adeosi?
Mr. Isaac Kehinde Adeosi was born on June 12, 1960, in Wasimi-Ikorodu, Egbado South, Ogun State.
I began and completed my elementary school at U.A.M.C, Wasimi-Ikorodu in Ipokia Local Government of Ogun State, between 1971 and 1977. I later gained admission into Oronna High School, Ilaro, where I obtained my West African Examination Council (GCE) certificate in 1986.
I joined the service of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro as a Messenger in the Registry Division on May 7, 1993.
On November 1, 1994, I was redesignated from the Messenger Cadre to the Clerical Cadre, rising to the position of Chief Clerical Officer by January 1, 2004.
Determined to improve my, I enrolled in the FPI’s National Diploma (ND) programme in Business Studies in 2011 and later obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration & Management in 2021.
Consequently, after earning additional qualifications, I was redesignated as Assistant Executive Officer on December 12, 2013, and rose through the ranks to become a Senior Executive Officer until my retirement on June 12, 2025.
I’m a member of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Ilaro Chapter, and known for my diligence, responsibility, and commitment to service.
After dedicating 32 years, 1 month, and 5 days of meritorious service to the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, I retired on June 12, 2025, but did the official ceremony on June 13, 2025 because of the Democracy Day in Nigeria.
