By Abubakar Imam
Two former Vice Chancellors of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Adeoye Adeniyi, and Prof. Is’haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, were among ten eminent scholars and seasoned administrators that were last Thursday (October 23, 2025) formally inaugurated as Emeritus Professors by the authorities of the University.
While Prof. Adeniyi, a renowned medical scholar, headed the University from 1985 to 1992, Prof. Oloyede, a distinguished scholar of Islamic Jurisprudence and current Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), served between 2007 and 2012.
The investiture of the seasoned intellectuals, which marked the highpoint of the 40th Convocation Ceremonies of the University, took place at the University Auditorium.
Others were two former Deputy Vice Chancellors of the University, Prof. Moses Oyeleke Fawole, a specialist in Microbiology and father of the current Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; and Prof. Luke Ekundayo Edungbola, who is a globally renowned medical parasitologist.
Others were a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Musibau Adewunmi Akanji; the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. J. O. O. Abiri, and the founding father of the Department of Religions, Prof. Ismail A. B. Balogun, as well as Prof. Theophilus Olatunde Aro.
The list also includes a former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Olu Obafemi, and Prof. Olawoye Soladoye Adegboye, a distinguished statistician.
Speaking on the investiture, the Registrar of the University, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, said that the appointment of the distinguished scholars was made in appreciation of their contributions to the expansion of human knowledge.
Mr Alfanla further said that the academics who had retired from the services of the University, were appointed at various times between 2021 and 2025.
The Registrar, who is also the Secretary to the Senate, added that the appointment of the celebrated eggheads, was approved by the Senate of the University in order to encourage hardwork and academic integrity. While most of the surviving dons attended the event in person, some of them were represented by their relations who were delighted with the recognition.
