50th anniversary: UNILORIN to host Yoruba Studies Conference
By Idris Alooma
The Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria has said that this year’s edition of its annual national conference would be at the University as part of its contribution to the celebration of the institution’s 50th anniversary.
This was disclosed last Tuesday(September 23, 2025) by the Co-Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Conference, Prof. Hezekiah Olufemi Adeosun, while featuring on a popular Yoruba programme, Oro ton lo a on UNILORIN 89.3 FM. anchored by the General Manager of the Station, Mr Idris Alooma.
Prof. Adeosun said that this recognition is fitting given the University’s strategic location, peaceful environment, and reputation for academic excellence.
He explained that the conference, themed “Yoruba Studies and Technology: Prospects and Challenges,” will take place from October 6 to 9, 2025 as the opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 10 am at the University Auditorium.
The Co-Chairman said that the event promises to be a groundbreaking moment in the history of Yoruba studies with renowned scholars such as Professors Oladele Awobuluyi, Bisi Ogunsina, and Ayo Bamgbose, among others, in attendance.
He added that some of these scholars will receive special recognitions for their contributions to the field.
Prof Adeosun said that the Conference would also feature a keynote address to be presented by Prof. Oyeronke Olademo while a lead paper would be presented by Dr Olalekan Olatunde Isaac, a Co-founder of “Yoruba Wikimedians Association”.
Other notable participants, being expected, according to Prof. Adeosun, are Prof. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Jawondo, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Prof Lere Adeyemi, the immediate past Dean of the Faculty while Prof. Bolanle Arokoyo, the Head of the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, will also present a paper.
He emphasised that the best papers presented at the conference would be published in the Journal of the Yoruba Studies Association, and a communique would be issued at the end of the Conference.
He stressed further that over 20 traditional rulers and other leaders, including the Speaker of Osun State, Hon Adewale Olumide Egbedun, will grace the occasion as he expressed gratitude to the University management, led by Vice Chancellor, Prof Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, the members of the Local Organising Committee, and other stakeholders for their support.
He said that the Conference would be a testament to the University of Ilorin’s growing reputation as a hub for academic excellence and research as it also promises to be a landmark moment in the history of Yoruba studies in Nigeria.
