It was a day of heartfelt appreciation and celebration at Yakubu Gowon University (formerly the University of Abuja) as the institution honoured two outstanding personalities whose dedication and generosity have quietly strengthened its academic foundation.

At a ceremony held at the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies (SMIPLDS), Major General Mobolaji Koleoso (Rtd) and Dr Akeem Adedeji were presented with Special Recognition Awards for their selfless and pro bono contributions to teaching and mentorship at the Institute.

For Major General Koleoso, service has never been a passing phase; it is a lifelong calling, guided by a compass that has always pointed towards duty, discipline, and nation-building. Anchored in a life defined by consistent sacrifice, Koleoso, alongside Dr Akeem, has spent the past five years lecturing at the Institute without remuneration, mentoring young scholars and promoting the values of leadership, peace, and civic responsibility. Together, they have helped to strengthen the Institute’s academic base and advance its mission to raise leaders driven by integrity and service.

Presenting the awards, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mathew Adamu, praised the honourees for their passion and generosity, describing them as shining examples of selfless contribution to education and humanity.

“We must recognise people who give back to society,” he said. “It is one of the biggest challenges we face as a country — people often think giving back must be about money. But there are intangible contributions that carry far greater value. What Major General Koleoso and Dr Akeem are doing through teaching and mentorship is priceless. They are building a better society.”

In his remarks, the Director of the Institute, Professor Mohammed Yelwa, lauded the honourees’ consistency and commitment, noting that their voluntary service had significantly enriched the Institute’s programmes and enhanced its credibility.

“Your unwavering commitment and the pro bono services you have rendered over the years stand as a testament to your belief in academic excellence, community service, and nation-building,” Yelwa said. “You have strengthened the Institute’s capacity to deliver on its mandate, and your influence continues to inspire others.”

Speaking on behalf of both awardees, Major General Koleoso, who also holds a PhD, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the University and the Institute for the recognition, describing it as both personal and collective — an affirmation of shared values.

“We are deeply grateful for this honour,” he said. “This recognition is not just about us; it reflects the values we hold dear — service, integrity, and nation-building. Teaching here has never been about reward but about impact. Seeing our students grow into responsible leaders is our greatest fulfilment. This gesture reminds us that service truly matters and encourages us to keep giving more of ourselves.”

Koleoso, a seasoned military officer, peace advocate, and leadership mentor has distinguished himself during a stellar career in the Nigerian Army, where he served in key command and administrative positions before retiring with honours. Beyond his military service, he has continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment to education and civic development. As a PhD holder in Strategic Studies, he has contributed to advancing scholarship in peacebuilding and leadership training, helping to shape the next generation of Nigerians with a focus on ethical leadership and national unity.

As the audience rose in applause, it was clear that the moment went beyond ceremony. It was a salute to a man whose journey — from the battlefield to the classroom — continues to prove that true greatness lies not in titles or rank, but in the selfless act of shaping lives and building a better nation.