Egbewole, Oloyede, others applaud Ali’s selection as Professor of Practice
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON; and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN; have joined the league of well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate the choice of Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, by the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, for appointment as a Professor of Practice.
At a reception held for Mallam Ali penultimate Sunday (February 18, 2024) at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge, these great Nigerians and distinguished scholars, in their separate remarks, said that Mallam Ali, having garnered more than 28 years experience as a lecturer, about 50 publications in reputable journals, and having attained the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, eminently deserved the appointment.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Egbewole explained the significance of celebrating the new Professor of Practice, describing him as an enigma, a quintessential gentleman, a lawyer of lawyers, and a reputable academic.
Prof. Egbewole explained that the honouree is a fantastic academic, who has been a teacher since 1998, a passionate Nigerian and lover of education who has contributed to the advancement of education in Nigeria through his philanthropic gesture, and as a legal luminary who has risen to the pinnacle of the legal profession by attaining the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, said that it is a longstanding tradition among universities all over the world to bring experienced individuals into their institutions in order to enhance academic excellence.
While explaining that there are exceptionally talented individuals in various industries who can enrich the university system and contribute to elevating students to become national treasures, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University, Malete, commended the authorities of FUOYE for embracing this tradition of bringing in experts into the academic world.
Speaking on Mallam Ali, Prof. Na’Allah acknowledged the significant contributions of the legal luminary to both the university system and the legal profession. He praised Mallam Ali’s commitment to Nigeria’s education, citing his impactful role as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Osun State University.
Also at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, highlighted the innovative thinking that led to the appointment of Mallam Ali.
Prof. Fasina stressed the importance of bringing distinguished professionals into the academia to impart practical knowledge to students. He affirmed the success of this approach, citing his personal observation of Mallam Ali’s class and his positive impact on students and the university system.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, expressed his delight at the honour granted Mallam Ali.
He expressed his conviction that Mallam Ali would do well as a Professor of Practice as he explained that recognising the expertise of professionals in various professions would not have adverse consequences but positive impact on the products of the university system.
Chief Fagbemi commended FUOYE for having the courage to take this significant step and asserted that Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali unquestionably meets the presented criteria, expressing confidence that the senior lawyer would not disappoint in his new appointment.
Adding insight into the concept of a Professor of Practice, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, said that an investigation conducted by three Vice Chancellors of reputable universities in Nigeria proved that Mallam Ali is the most qualified among the 19 Professors of Practice that are currently available in Africa by any standard.
Prof. Oloyede admonished the National Universities Commission (NUC), to come up with regulations and criteria before Nigerians begin to appoint unqualified persons as Professors of Practice.
The JAMB Registrar said that the essence of appointing Professors of Practice is for such honoured individuals to replicate themselves in the University.
He expressed the conviction that before the end of Mallam Ali’s tenure, he must have modeled, mentored and created his replica in that institution so that at the end of his tenure it will be possible for him to say “I have delivered”.
In her remarks, a quintessential University Administrator and first female University Registrar in Nigeria, Chief Moji Ladipo, mni, expressed her expectation that first-generation universities would lead in appointing Professors of Practice.
Chief Ladipo, who served as the Registrar and the Secretary to the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan, commended the admirable initiative of FUOYE, in embracing the challenge of appointing a Professor of Practice.
According to her, there used to be Fellows in Residence and Scholars in Residence where individuals who have demonstrated scholarship, professionalism, and erudition were invited to contribute as distinguished fellows, in order to aid research endeavours that benefit society.
Responding, the honoree thanked all those who attended the event for the honour done to him with their presence as he also thanked Prof. Egbewole for organising the event.
He also expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the Senate of FUOYE for finding him worthy of the prestigious appointment.
The event was attended by dignitaries from far and near including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Folorunsho Ambali; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Ag. Bursar, Mr Abdulbarki Oba; the Director of COMSIT, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh; and Vice Chancellors of KU8 Universities.
The event was also attended by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun; and the Director of Works, Engr Ramoni Kolawole Amao, among several others from far and near.