‘Oloyede, a total Unilorite’, says Egbewole
By Tajudeen Babamale and Bashir Dawodu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has described the 8th Vice Chancellor of the University and current Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Emeritus Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, as a man who symbolises the University of Ilorin in every sense.
Prof. Egbewole made this remark last Thursday (December 18, 2025) while declaring open the maiden Prof. Emeritus Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede Annual Humanities Lecture organised by the Faculty of Arts at the Science Lecture Theatre.
The Vice Chancellor, who described the honouree as a man of many parts with an uncommon and lifelong attachment to the University of Ilorin, said the personality lecture in honour of Prof. Emeritus Oloyede was a well-deserved recognition of a scholar and administrator whose contributions to the growth and reputation of the University remain enduring.
According to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emeritus Oloyede’s deep affection for UNILORIN is evident in his thoughts, speeches, conducts, and general lifestyle, noting that he takes particular pride in the University’s achievements.
He added that the former Vice Chancellor’s passion is especially noticeable whenever he renders the University anthem, which reflects the special place the institution occupies in his life.
Prof. Egbewole stressed that academic programmes such as the Annual Humanities Lecture are vital to the mission of the University, as they help to bridge the gap between the gown and the town. He explained that academic activities must have visible impact on the wider society to remain meaningful and relevant.
The Vice Chancellor commended the Faculty of Arts for initiating the lecture as he gave special recognition to the Vice Chancellor of the African School of Economics (The Pan-African University of Excellence), Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, who, despite being on leave, remained actively involved in the initiation, planning and successful execution of the programme.
He also thanked the Faculty for its vision and commitment in honouring a scholar whose legacy continues to inspire the University community.
In his lecture, titled “Widening the Aperture: The Humanities and Global Uncertainties”, a Professor of African History, Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert, called on scholars in the humanities to deliberately engage scientific theories and interdisciplinary methods in order to meaningfully address the growing global uncertainties confronting humanity.
Prof. Albert argued that contemporary challenges ranging from economic instability, environmental degradation and technological disruption to social fragmentation are too complex and unpredictable to be resolved through single-discipline approaches. He added that addressing these uncertainties, alongside the ethical deficits that drive them, requires flexible, integrated strategies that cut across disciplinary boundaries and are sensitive to multiple, often hidden, risks.
The scholar ,who is s the founding Director of the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies (CPSS), University of Ilorin, explained that integrated research teams perform better when humanities scholars play a central role in translating between disciplinary languages and paradigms.
Drawing from history, philosophy, literature and the arts, Prof. Albert noted that the humanities provide critical frameworks for understanding change, resilience and the human condition, elements that are indispensable for developing adaptive strategies, shaping public understanding and educating diverse stakeholders.
While lamenting that policymakers across the world, particularly in developing countries, appear overwhelmed and confused by the array of problems confronting their societies, he warned that the increasing manufacture of fear and suspicion is destabilising communities, citing examples where parents now describe neighbours as enemies to their children, an outlook that shapes future generations negatively and contrasts sharply with earlier periods when people of diverse cultures, religions and traditions coexisted peacefully.
Prof. Albert, moreover, paid glowing tributes to the honouree, whom he described as a distinguished scholar and accomplished administrator whose impact on higher education in Nigeria remains profound and enduring.
Prof. Albert said that Prof. Emeritus Oloyede’s support was instrumental to his academic development and praised his transformative leadership at the University of Ilorin, where innovations such as Computer-Based Examinations helped to reposition the institution among Africa’s leading universities.
He also commended Prof. Emeritus Oloyede’s reforms at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), including technology-driven admission processes, enhanced transparency, financial accountability and inclusive policies for candidates with disabilities. According to him, the numerous honours bestowed on Prof. Oloyede reflect his lasting commitment to education, innovation and public service.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Prof. Ibrahim Abdulganiyu Jawondo, commended Prof. Emeritus Oloyede on his significant contributions to the growth and development of the Faculty and the University.
He described the honouree as an outstanding leader whose tenure brought remarkable transformation, enhanced the prestige of the Faculty of Arts, and laid a solid foundation for its sustained progress, noting that his impact as a teacher and mentor will forever be appreciated.
In their goodwill messages, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali, OON; President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaq Oladejo; the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, and the Spokesperson of JAMB, Dr Fabian Benjamin, praised the honouree’s exemplary leadership and dedication as they offered prayers for greater achievements.
Responding, the honouree, Prof. Emeritus Oloyede, expressed gratitude to the Faculty of Arts and the University community for the honour, describing the Faculty as central to shaping his service to the institution and beyond.
While saying that the recognition should be shared with members of the Faculty and all who supported his efforts, the JAMB Registrar urged participants to uphold integrity, faithfulness and sincerity for them to be remembered for good in the nearest future.
