The ancient town of Ibadan witnessed unusual human and vehicular traffic over the weekend as people from different walks of life trooped out to honour an excellent achiever, renowned academic and multiple award winner.
The crowd of eminent Nigerians that converged on the prestigious BON Hotels, Ibadan, was to honour Prof. Olutayo Charles Adesina, a professor of History and former Director, Centre for General Studies, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, for the successful completion of a two-year sabbatical leave at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the celebration of excellence with respect to the 2023-24 British Academy Global Professorship Award bestowed on him.
The crowd of eminent Nigerians that converged on the prestigious BON Hotels, Ibadan, was to honour Prof. Olutayo Charles Adesina, a professor of History
In his opening remarks, the Registrar, JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said Adesina
holds a special place in his heart and that of the Board. He pointed out that Prof. Adesina’s impact during his sabbatical period left an indelible mark on the Board, courtesy of his exceptional performance. “As a versatile individual, he made significant contributions to the remarkable achievements of JAMB-Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), rendering of tangible support towards the actualization of paperless regime in the Board, editing of various papers and publications including annual reports, representing the Registrar at many high-power meetings as well as being instrumental to the successful establishment of the Board’s Archives Unit.
“Adesina is my unpaid Counsellor and Special Adviser, a man of humility, sincerity, focus, devotion and selflessness.
His many roles including being a Fellow, Nigeria Academy of Letters, among other considerations, led to the conferment of the Prestigious £900, 000, British Academy Global Professorship Award on him.
“Prior to this, he has been a recipient of several distinguished international visiting fellowships and awards such as the Charles Warren Centre, Harvard University (1998), USA and Fellow, Salzbury Seminar, Austria,” he said.
Furthermore, the erudite scholar said Adesina was a key participant in the STEAM Education Driving Committee representing the Board while working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) noting his tireless contributions ranging from his many investigative committees and several research work, which he led to the standardisation of the Quality Assurance Department of the Board. The Chairman of the occasion, Professor Emeritus Olu Obafemi, described Adesina as a hardworking, resourceful and accomplished academic, who has made his mark in his chosen field.
He said, “I have had the pleasure of working closely with Professor Adesina during his tenure as Secretary of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, and I can attest to his versatility, innovativeness, and industry. He is a deserving honoree, and I commend Professor Oloyede for organizing this event. Thank you, and please join me in celebrating Professor Adesina’s achievements.”
Goodwill messages were taken from the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife; Prof Olufemi Bamiro, former Vice- Chancellor, University of Ibadan and the President of Academy of Science and Academic of letters and others.
An elated Adesina in his remarks, thanked the Registrar and the management for all the support given to him while on sabbatical leave.
He reiterated his determination to continue to deliver research work that would improve humanity and look forward to a more robust collaboration with JAMB.
At the occasion were Prof. Braide Ekanam, former, Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar and Lafia; President, Academy of Science; Prof. Sola Akinrinade, President Academy of Letters; Vice-Chancellors of Redeemers University, University of Ilorin, University of Lagos, OAU, Ife and that of University of Medical Sciences lla-Orangun.
Others were the Director of Admissions, JAMB, Mohamed Ahmed Babaji; Director of Test Development, Mr. David Akanbi; Director, Quality Assurance, Doom lortyom; Director, Information Technology Services, Mrs. B-Usman; the IT Consultant, Mr. Dami Bamiro.
Also at the event were Mr. Gani Abdulrahim, Deputy Director, Corporate Compliance and Oversight Services( CCOS); JAMB; Public Communication Advisor (PCA), Dr. Fabian Benjamin; Assistant Director, Registrar Office, Mr. Ashura Abdullahi, members of the Academia, as well as family and
friends of Professor Adesina. Highlights of the occasion included the presentation of gifts and appreciation notes from the Registrar, JAMB.
