Underwriters hail outgoing CIFM’s pioneer rector for sterling feats
Underwriters of the Nigerian insurance industry have commended Dr Yeside Oyetayo, the outgoing Rector of the College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM), for her exceptional contributions to the development and advancement of the institute.
They gave their commendation during the send-forth event in her honour at the college’s campus in Asese area of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday.
Mr Edwin Igbiti, President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), commended Oyetayo as a trailblazer and acknowledged her lasting legacy.
Igbiti emphasised Oyetayo’s significant impact, crediting her with elevating the college to an admirable stature.
The CIIN president said that he respected her decision to pursue other aspirations and wishing her success in all future endeavors.
He said: “Much as I would have loved to continue to have you as the rector, I respect your desire to go back to the university and pursue your dream.
“I believe you are still part of the college and indeed the CIIN, and I wish you all the best that you truly deserve in your future endeavors.”
Similarly, Sir Muftau Oyegunle, Past President of CIIN, expressed gratitude to Oyetayo for her efforts in building the college, recognising the immense dedication and expertise required to establish an organisation from scratch.
He highlighted Oyetayo’s pivotal role in the college’s growth and extended well-wishes for her continued success in the future.
Oyegule said: “I was not part of the team that recruited Oyetayo, but I can confidently say that they did a good job for CIIN and that is why it wasn’t easy getting a successor for her job.
“To build an organisation from ground zero means you must have the knowledge, experience, commitment and passion to see the growth.
“Oyetayo built the college, and we are grateful for this. She is still young, so we wish her more success in life.
Commenting, Mrs Yetunde Ilori, Chairman, CIFM, said that the selection of Oyetayo about ten years ago for the job of the rector was not difficult.
According to her, Oyetayo “stood out” among familiar professionals known to be high performers.
Ilori, also Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association(NIA), stated that the outgone rector put in her best to ensure the college became what everyone is proud of today.
She explained that the outgone rector’s dedication, passion, hard work and commitment to all tasks and projects executed during her tenure, significantly contributing to the success recorded by the college since inception.
“Your ability to provide the needed leadership has not only exceeded our expectations, but has also set a commendable standard for your successor and the team.
“Thank you for your hard work and commitment. We look forward to witnessing your continued success and contributions to the insurance industry, while wishing you well in your future endeavor,” Ilori said.
The current CIFM’s Rector, Dr Chizoba Ehiogu, said Oyetayo’s work and experience with various stakeholders speaks volume about her unwavering positivity, due to her vision, leadership, dedication and sheer hard work.
“The college, its staff, students and the wider community will be proud of a wonderful servant, an inspiring leader and a unique colleague,” she said.
In her valedictory speech, Oyetayo appreciated the boards and councils of CIIN, CIFM, the National Insurance Commission(NAICOM) and various stakeholders of the industry for the opportunity and support given to her to serve and thrive.
She thanked God for helping the college to grow from operating under the training directorates in CIIN Secretariat to a full fledge college.
According to her, CIFM also moved from an annual income of N20 million in 2014 to about N290 million in 2022 and from three unfurnished buildings to seven fully furnished accommodation and office space, including a 1,500-seater hall.
“I am so proud of the academic development of the college rising from two programmes in 2014 to five in 2015 and 12 in 2022, which speaks to the training needs of all cadres within the insurance industry.
“We also have training programmes offered jointly with international organisations such as the International Labour Organisation(ILO), GIZ and Actuaries Without
Borders(AWB).
“The college is one of the top three insurance colleges in Africa, going by our achievements, and the quality of our services and training,” she said.
Oyetayo said she had no regret taking up the job of the college rector, as the platform afforded her the opportunity to impact positively on the African continent.
She said this was done through her membership with the African Association of Insurance Educators and Trainers (AAIET) and the African Insurers Organisation(AIO) book review committee.
The pioneer rector expressed fulfilment of leaving a solid legacy that would endure a long time, as she proceeds to pursue her dream of becoming a professor.
Oyetayo congratulated the current leadership of the college, noting that CIFM has the potential to expand the scope of its services beyond Africa in the next five years.
According to her, it can also grow into the global insurance college of choice, envisioned to be.
The celebrant’s husband, Mr Oladipupo Oyetayo, children, family former students, staff, colleagues and friends also eulogised the former rector for her exceptional performance and qualities.
