The academic and alumni community of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Saturday held a special get-together to celebrate the recent appointment of Prof. Siyan Oyeweso as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university.
The event was held at Obafemi Awolowo International Conference Center.
The appointment, made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marks a significant milestone in Prof. Oyeweso’s illustrious career as an university don.
The event, organized by the 1978 alumni set of the University of Ife (now OAU), was a grand affair that brought together notable figures from various walks of life, including academia, politics, and business.
In his opening speech, Femi Kehinde, Chairman of the Planning Committee, reminisced about the shared experiences of the alumni during their time at Ife.
He highlighted the profound impact the university had on their lives, particularly the influence of internationally renowned scholars like Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who were part of the university’s faculty during their years as students.
Barrister Kehinde also unveiled plans by the Ife alumni network to support the current management of their Alma mater in key areas such as water supply, power generation, and the physical development of the university’s infrastructure.
This initiative, he noted, is a testament to the alumni’s enduring commitment to their alma mater.
The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Banire, in his address, described Prof. Oyeweso’s appointment as a tremendous blessing for the university.
He lauded Prof. Oyeweso’s deep connection to the institution as an alumnus and praised his proven leadership skills and understanding of managing large academic establishments.
Prof. Banire commended the 1978 alumni set for their remarkable unity and for organizing such a thoughtful event. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the alumni in the past and called on other alumni to emulate their example by giving back to the university.
Prof. Akin Alao, a close friend and classmate of the honouree, delivered a heartfelt speech that traced the trajectory of Prof. Oyeweso’s life and career. He fondly recalled their time together at Ife, emphasizing Prof. Oyeweso’s infectious enthusiasm and active participation in various student bodies, including the Student Representative Council, Student Judicial Council, and the Muslim Students Society. Prof. Oyeweso was also a key member of the Oyo State Student Union, where he played a crucial role in securing bursaries for Ife students from their freshman year to graduation. His academic excellence was recognized early on when he received the prestigious Oyo State Scholarship.
Prof. Alao also reminisced about the outstanding faculty who shaped their academic journey, mentioning scholars like Prof. I.A. Akinjogbin, Prof. E.O. Oloruntimeyin, Prof. Kola Folayan, and Dr. Joseph Woyira, among others. He credited these educators with providing a rigorous academic foundation that prepared them for global challenges. Prof. Alao urged the university’s council and management to invest in areas where OAU has a comparative advantage, particularly in Yoruba Cultural Studies, to further enhance the university’s unique offerings.
Among the various goodwill messages presented, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, extolled OAU as a beacon of radical thinking, progressive academics, and fearless scholarship. He expressed confidence in Prof. Oyeweso’s ability to navigate the complexities of leadership, policy, and politics at OAU with finesse and success.
In his response, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso expressed deep gratitude to the organizers for the honor bestowed upon him. He described his appointment as an act of divine providence and a call to service, reaffirming his commitment to advancing the university’s mission.
Among his classmates who were present includes Prof. Akin Alao of the Department of History, Prof. Kayode Alao of the Department of Guidance and Counseling, Barr. Femi Kehinde, Mr. Bola Bolawole, former editor of the Punch newspa among others
The event also featured cultural performances by the Department of Music, OAU, and the Imodoye Cultural Troupe, adding a vibrant touch to the celebration.
Some of the attendees are Prof. Taiwo, Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic, Ede; Prof. Sola Akinrinade, Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University and President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; and Prof. Adebayo Simeon Banire, Vice-Chancellor of OAU Ile-Ife, among others.
