…fingers Wrong Government Policy, People’s Attitude

A Professor of Yoruba Language and Dialectology, Temitope Olumuyiwa, has lamented that the Yoruba language is becoming endangered due to government’s failure to implement the National Policy on Education as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as well as the attitude of Yoruba people who stigmatise the use of the language.

He described the situation as worrisome, warning that if urgent steps are not taken, non-Yoruba people might eventually become the ones teaching the language in schools. 

He noted that, paradoxically, there is now a growing number of non-Yoruba, including foreigners, who are learning and embracing the Yoruba language and culture.

Prof. Olumuyiwa made this known on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, while delivering the 47th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, entitled “Changing the Change: Yoruba Language and Dialectology in a Changing Society.”

The inaugural lecturer identified several challenges confronting the Yoruba language, including the non-implementation of key aspects of the National Policy on Education, which recommends the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction from early childhood through the six years of primary education. 

The policy also advocates the establishment of universities whose medium of instruction should be Nigerian languages, and the inclusion of local languages in General Studies courses in higher institutions.

He stressed that the derogatory labelling of Yoruba as “vernacular” at various levels of education, conflicting theories on the language, and the negative attitudes of some teachers towards students of Yoruba have worsened the decline. 

These, he said, have contributed to the low enrolment of students in Yoruba-related courses in tertiary institutions.

“It is unfortunate that the younger generations are drifting away from the Yoruba language in preference for foreign tongues,” he said. “Parents abhor speaking their dialects and discourage their children from doing so, not realising that their culture is gradually going into extinction.”

Prof. Olumuyiwa further decried the waning interest of publishers in producing Yoruba books, attributing it to poor economic returns and declining reading culture. He also noted that the lack of interest in the language has led to abysmally low standards of orthography both in schools and in public spaces, as reflected in the wrong spellings of Yoruba words on billboards and in films.

According to him, “The reasons for this are not far-fetched. Some of those teaching the language are neither trained nor qualified. It is therefore unsurprising that they are unfamiliar with the symbols and conventions of Yoruba writing. This deficiency impacts the students’ mastery of spelling conventions, which in turn undermines their writing skills.”

He called on Yoruba parents to take responsibility for preserving the language by teaching and speaking it to their children. “Every Yoruba parent must cultivate the habit of teaching and speaking Yoruba to their children, while also developing a positive attitude towards the study of the language,” he urged.

Highlighting its international recognition, Prof. Olumuyiwa observed that Yoruba has become a global language, citing the establishment of the BBC Yoruba channel (online, print, and broadcast), and the requirement by London’s Metropolitan Police for recruits to speak a second language, including Yoruba. He added that Yoruba was recently among 34 languages into which the Arafat sermon was translated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, described inaugural lectures as platforms for academics to share the results of years of rigorous research and scholarship. 

He commended Prof. Olumuyiwa for his invaluable contributions to knowledge, pedagogy, and the University community.

A Professor of Yoruba Language and Dialectology, Temitope Olumuyiwa, will on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, deliver the 47th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. His lecture is entitled “Changing the Change: Yoruba Language and Dialectology in a Changing Society”.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event. The lecture will take place in the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 p.m., with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.

Prof. Olumuyiwa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Yoruba Studies in 1988 from the former Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University); a Master’s degree in Yoruba Language in 1991 from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State; and a PhD in Yoruba Language in 2006 from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.

He joined the service of Adekunle Ajasin University in 1991 as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Linguistics and Languages and rose through the ranks to attain the distinguished position of Professor in 2016.

Prof. Olumuyiwa, who is the current Dean of the Faculty of Arts, has served the University in various capacities, including three terms as Head of Department; Director, Linkages and International Programmes Office; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Arts and Education; and Sub-Dean, Postgraduate School.

He has published 13 books, contributed chapters to seven others, and edited one, in addition to having more than 30 scholarly articles published in reputable journals.

He has also attended and presented papers at over 30 local and international conferences, including those held in South Africa.

Prof. Olumuyiwa, who is the incumbent President of the Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria and Chairman of the General Committee on Yoruba Orthography of the Yoruba World Centre, also serves as an external examiner for postgraduate dissertations and theses at Ọbáfẹ́mi Awólọ́wọ̀ University and Ekiti State University.

He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Linguistics Association of Nigeria, the Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria, and the West African Linguistic Society.

A Professor of Toxicology and Environmental Biochemistry, Professor Augustine Olusola, has called for stringent and concerted efforts against food adulteration, which he said causes chronic diseases affecting the liver, kidneys, blood, and reproductive tissues. He also affirmed the efficacy of local herbs while advocating stricter tests, validation, and regulation of herbal concoctions with the same rigour applied to synthetic drugs.

Prof. Olusola made this known while delivering the 46th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.

 The lecture was entitled From a Biochemist to a Toxicologist: My Odyssey. To mitigate the rising cases of food adulteration, Prof. Olusola recommended measures such as stronger enforcement of food safety standards, increased public health education, greater support for compliant producers, continuous research and monitoring, and strict penalties for offenders.

He said, Agencies like NAFDAC and SON must enhance surveillance in open markets, focusing on retail points where adulteration is prevalent. Awareness campaigns are also needed to empower consumers to identify adulterated products and understand associated health risks, while promoting direct purchases from reputable sources may reduce exposure and risks.

He further noted, Economic incentives and certification programmes for small-scale producers who adhere to safety standards could foster healthier market competition. Continued scientific investigation is equally needed to track trends, refine detection methods, and evaluate long-term health impacts, just as rigorous legal enforcement against offenders is essential to deter this dangerous practice.

Referencing recent research conducted by him and others, the Don observed that most markets in the state, particularly in the Central Senatorial District, are flooded with adulterated products, with serious health implications.

In the same vein, the Inaugural Lecturer called for a reinvention of medical frontiers so that ancient herbal knowledge and modern science can converge to combat contemporary diseases. He highlighted the curative potential of a local herb, Clompanus pubescens, in the treatment of diabetes.

According to him, In the hands of indigenous healers, Clompanus pubescens has been used for fatigue, memory loss, and stress-symptoms that closely resemble those found in diabetic patients suffering from cognitive decline, a condition now recognised as diabetic encephalopathy.

He explained that laboratory tests showed that rats treated with Clompanus pubescens exhibited improved memory and learning behaviour, as well as marked improvement in symptoms associated with diabetes.

Prof. Olusola stressed, I advocate for a new scientific movement-one that tests, validates, and regulates natural compounds with the same rigour applied to synthetic drugs. This is especially critical in Nigeria, where natural products hold the key to low-cost, culturally accepted therapies. While conventional medicine undergoes rigorous testing, traditional remedies often bypass biochemical scrutiny.

He added that despite its long use in Nigeria and Cameroon for symptoms overlapping with neurodegeneration, Clompanus pubescens remains poorly studied and therefore offers a new frontier for research by academics and scientists.

Speaking while introducing the Inaugural Lecturer, the Chairman of the event and Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Olugbenga Ige, noted that Inaugural Lectures provide an opportunity for professors to share their research findings for the benefit of society. He expressed his profound appreciation to Professor Olusola for his invaluable contributions to the University.

The newly commissioned Specialist Hospital for the rehabilitation of drug addicts, Minds Medica, Ondo City, will soon have a supporting foundation through which funds for the treatment of indigent and neglected mental patients will be accessed.

Speaking to newsmen at the facility complex at No. 11, Avenue 13A, Road 13, Funbi Fagun Estate, Ondo City, the founder, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye, said the vision behind the establishment of the hospital was essentially to ensure that “men and women, boys and girls are of sound mind,” so they can be useful to themselves and to society.

Dr Adeyeye noted that although the management of the hospital would maintain strict operational protocols, it would still remain affordable to people across all socioeconomic strata.

He explained that besides admitting patients throughout the period of their treatment and rehabilitation, the hospital would also provide them with meals at an affordable cost.

“Our primary focus is to rid our society of any form of abuse in what our people consume, and to restore to normal life those who are already addicted to drugs or any form of illicit substance.

Minds Medica is not for profit-making, but it must be run sustainably. In fact, very soon, the Minds Medica Foundation will be inaugurated to help source the needed funds to care for patients who are indigent or neglected,” he declared.

Also speaking, the co-founder of the hospital, Professor of Medicine Olufunke Adeyeye, said her family would continue to invest in the development of the people and the uplift of humanity.

She called on religious organisations, families, and well-meaning individuals to join hands with Minds Medica in campaigning against the consumption of illicit drugs and substances that are destroying the lives of Nigerian youths.

“We must bring our youths back to sanity if our country must make progress. As we all know, it is when a person is of sound mind that he can be productive,” Professor Adeyeye added.

Similarly, the State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Nanzing Daniel Sallah, said his command would continue to make dealings in illicit drugs and substances an unprofitable business for perpetrators.

A US-based psychiatrist, Dr Dute Gbadehan, commended Dr Jibayo Adeyeye and his wife for their continued dedication to the wellbeing of the people of Ondo City and beyond.

The Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Dr Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, also praised Dr Adeyeye and his wife for their unwavering commitment to the development of Ondo and humanity at large.

The royal father, who is also a medical practitioner, assured that the palace would support Minds Medica in its campaign against drug abuse and illicit substance consumption.

In the same vein, the Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rev. Stephen Adeniran Oni (PhD), enjoined the people to honour God in how they use their bodies and in “what they do and what they eat.”

He assured that the Church would not relent in guiding the people towards righteousness and sanity.

The Chairman of Ondo West Local Government, Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin, equally commended Dr Jibayo Adeyeye, who, according to him, has consistently made available his wealth of experience as a medical doctor and his influence as an astute politician for the benefit of the people of Ondo City and beyond.

Earlier in his lecture titled The Burden of Mental Health Disorders and Drug Addiction, Dr Dokun Adedeji said drug-induced illnesses were fast destroying the economic fabric of Nigeria and called for collaboration with the management of Minds Medica.

He stated: “In Nigeria, mental health disorders affect a significant portion of our population, with estimates suggesting that about 25% to 30% of Nigerians experience some form of mental illness. This translates roughly to about fifty million Nigerians.”

In his remarks before commissioning the facility, Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commended the founder of Minds Medica, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye, for his bold and remarkable initiative, which he said would redefine mental healthcare and drug addiction rehabilitation in Ondo State.

“The establishment of Minds Medica is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye. His personal encounter and subsequent research have led to the creation of this magnificent institution, which promises to redefine mental healthcare and drug addiction rehabilitation in our state,” the governor said.

Several dignitaries from different sectors, associations, and groups attended the commissioning of Minds Medica Specialist Hospital, the first mental health rehabilitation facility in Ondo State.

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday, August 22, 2025, officially commissioned the Minds Medica Specialist Hospital and Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Ondo City.

The facility, courtesy of Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, founder of Minds Medica, is located at No. 11, Avenue 13A, Road 13, Funbi Fagun Estate, Ondo.

In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the commissioning of Minds Medica Specialist Hospital and Drug Rehabilitation Centre as “a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of providing holistic healthcare to the good people of Ondo State and beyond.”

The Governor commended the founder, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, for what he called a gigantic initiative that would help redefine mental healthcare and drug addiction rehabilitation in the state.

“The establishment of Minds Medica is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founder, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye. His personal encounter and subsequent research have led to the creation of this magnificent institution, which promises to redefine mental healthcare and drug addiction rehabilitation in our State,” he said.

Highlighting the hospital’s mission, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that its advanced infrastructure and team of professionals would have a profound impact on the lives of many.

“Minds Medica’s mission to provide accessible, affordable and high-quality mental health services is a bold commitment to preserving the values and total well-being of our people in body, mind and spirit,” he added.

The Governor stressed that the commissioning was more than just opening a new facility but also about changing public perception of mental health.

“As we commission Minds Medica today, we are not only opening the doors to a new healthcare facility; we are also sending a powerful message about mental health matters. We are saying that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We are affirming that every individual deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their background or socio-economic status,” the Governor declared.

He expressed confidence that the centre would serve as a beacon of hope for many individuals and families who have been affected by mental health issues and drug addiction.

The Governor pledged his administration’s collaboration and support for investors in the health sector, assuring that his government would continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“To the good people of Ondo State, I urge you to take advantage of the services offered by Minds Medica. Let us break the stigma surrounding mental health and drug addiction. Let us seek help when we need it and let us support those who are struggling,” he urged.

Earlier in his remarks, the founder of Minds Medical, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for living up to the expectations of the people through his administration’s commitment to health and social development.

Adeyeye explained that the inspiration behind establishing the facility was borne out of a personal encounter. He recalled how he once came across a mentally unstable woman who had roamed the streets for over 10 years. Out of compassion, he took the woman in for treatment.

“After just one month of medical care, she began to regain her memory and even remembered her relatives. Over time, she fully recovered. That experience made me resolve to establish a mental health facility that would look after people who are mentally unstable and help those addicted to drugs live drug-free lives,” he said.

The founder added that the centre has engaged specialists from across the country and outside the country to ensure excellent healthcare delivery. 

According to him, the hospital is fully equipped to handle specialist medical needs as well as provide holistic rehabilitation services for individuals battling drug addiction, with the aim of restoring hope and dignity to many families.

The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, in his goodwill message, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for the various developmental projects across the state. He also thanked Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye for setting up the hospital and rehabilitation centre, noting that the initiative would greatly benefit the people of Ondo.

The ceremony was rounded off with an inspection of the facility by the governor, accompanied by traditional rulers and other dignitaries. 

In attendance were: Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Otunba Wale Akinlosotu, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, members of Ondo State House of Assembly, Local Government Chairmen, among others.

* As Gov Aiyedatiwa commissions first private mental health and drug rehabilitation hospital in Ondo State

An expert in drug addiction and rehabilitation, Dr. Dokun Adedeji, has raised alarm over the rising cases of drug-induced mental illness among Nigeria’s productive population, warning that the trend is destroying the country’s economic fabric.

He made this known while delivering a lecture at the commissioning of Minds Medica Specialist Hospital, the first private facility dedicated to mental health and drug rehabilitation in Ondo State. The hospital, located in Ondo City, was established by medical practitioner and politician, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, and his wife, Professor Olufunke Adeyeye, a professor of medicine.

Dr. Adedeji, who spoke on the topic “The Burden of Mental Health Disorders and Drug Addiction”, described mental health as an often-overlooked but vital aspect of overall wellbeing. He cited alarming statistics showing that about 25–30% of Nigerians, roughly 50 million people, suffer from some form of mental illness.

“The global average prevalence of drug use is 5.6%, but Nigeria’s rate stands at 14.4%. Even more worrisome is the fact that one out of every four drug users in Nigeria is female. The South-West records the highest prevalence at 22.4%, with Lagos leading at 33% and Ondo State at 12.3%,” he stated.

He lamented that many Nigerians battling mental disorders appear outwardly fine but are struggling silently due to stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate access to treatment.

“Despite the increasing number of people affected by drug-induced mental conditions, treatment facilities remain grossly inadequate. Only a small fraction of patients have access to professional care,” he added.

Dr. Adedeji, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Compassionate Care Recovery Initiative (CCRI), applauded the establishment of Minds Medica, describing it as timely and historic. He noted that the facility would help reduce the burden on government-owned hospitals while offering patients dignity and access to proper treatment.

He also praised the pioneering work of the late Dr. Thomas Adeoye Lambo, the first Nigerian psychiatrist and former Deputy Director-General of the World Health Organisation, who established the Aro Mental Hospital in Abeokuta 71 years ago.

In his remarks, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye said the hospital would leverage technology and telehealth innovation to provide evidence-based, specialised mental health services, aimed at “restoring lives and renewing minds.”

The Ondo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Nanzing Daniel Sallah, pledged the agency’s continued fight against illicit drug trade, while a U.S.-based physician, Dr. Dute Gbadehan, commended the founders for their commitment to the wellbeing of the people.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa later commissioned the hospital, praising the initiative as a milestone in the fight against drug abuse and mental health challenges in the state.

A professor of Toxicology and Environmental Biochemistry of the Department of Biochemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Augustine Olusola, will, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, deliver the 46th Inaugural of the Institution, titled, “From a Biochemist to a Toxicologist: My Odyssey.”

The Chairman of the University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, said, in a statement, that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event. The lecture will take place in the University Multipurpose Hall, commencing at 2:00 pm, with guests urged to be seated by 1:30 pm.

Prof. Olusola earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, and bagged a Ph.D in Biochemistry {Biochemical Toxicology} all from University of Benin, Benin City, Edo Sate, in 1998, 2003, and 2010, respectively.

Joining the services of AAUA in 2001 as a Graduate Assistant, Olusola soared through the ranks to achieve the revered position of a professor in 2020.

Prof. Olusola has served the University in several capacities, at one time or another, including Acting Head of Department of Biochemistry, Acting Director, Centre for Distance Learning, and Director, Centre for Research and Development.

His academic career is proven by publishing of over 80 articles in learned journals. Prof. Olusola, who serves at an external examinaer to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Federal University of Technology, Akure; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnics, Owo, has supervised many undergraduates and postgraduate students, including 14 master and 13 Ph.D. candidates.

He has attended and presented papers at over 20 local and international conferences, including in Kenya, South Africa, the Republic of Benin; and United Arab Emirate.  

He is a member of a number of professional bodies, such as Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB); Nigerian Society of Experimental Biology (NISEB); International Research and Development Network; American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB); American Association for Science and Technology (AASCIT); Chartered Institute of Environmental and Public Health Management of Nigeria; a Fellow of Strategic Institute for Natural Resources and Human Development (FRHD); and Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria (FIIA).

Prof. Mary Banke Omoniyi has challenged the deep-seated cultural norms of gender-based discrimination, calling for immediate and multi-sectoral action to end the injustice.

She made the call on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, while presenting the 45th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, titled “Sentenced by Anatomy: The Dilemma of the Nigerian Woman.”

Prof. Omoniyi, who declared that, “Discrimination against women begins even before birth,” listed practices such as “hating the birth of a girl child, vilifying a woman, violating her, and discriminating against her in terms of gender, affinity, marital status, and beauty” as lingering social ills that continue to undermine women’s potential in Nigeria.

Drawing on decades of studies, Omoniyi described Nigerian women as “an endangered species and victims of their biological make-up,” whose societal contributions were often ignored.

She lamented, “Women have always tried their best but with limited success. Their efforts are scarcely recognized even when they make sacrifices and go out of their way to do things. This has resulted in many setbacks economically, politically and psychologically for the women folk.”

The counselling expert warned that without reform, Nigeria’s development would remain stunted. “Since being born as a woman was not by choice but by nature’s design, women should be afforded the opportunity complementary to their role in society and should not be underrated as second fiddle in any sphere of life,” she emphasised.

Prof. Omoniyi called for a “cognitive reorientation for both genders” to dismantle patriarchal norms, gender equality education in schools, compulsory free education for girls up to secondary level, and a constitutional provision reserving at least 30% of political positions for women.

She also urged the establishment of counselling centres, microfinance programmes for women, a national sex offenders register, and strict enforcement of laws against verbal and psychological abuse, saying. “The society should cease to see women from the prism of commodity, and recognize them as proper partners in progress with their male counterparts in national development.”

She added, “The Nigerian police and other law enforcement agents should be legally bound to seriously take gender violence and discrimination against the female folks more seriously and desist from treating such with levity regarding it as “private and family affairs.”

Prof. Omoniyi noted, “Despite the recent increase in the wages of Nigerian workers, many families still find it difficult to make ends meet; men alone can no longer shoulder the family responsibilities. It is therefore counselled that the number of children should no longer be seen as “given” by God as the number of children in the home plays a significant role in stress experienced by mothers. Therefore, family planning should be encouraged to alleviate these pressures in order to achieve a more balanced family life.”

Citing global commitments, she reminded Nigeria of its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), ratified in 1992.

She warned, “Implementation cannot be delayed if we are serious about sustainable development. The international laws on the elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women adopted since 1979 and ratified in 1992 by more than 100 member states of United Nations including Nigeria should be implemented fully without delay. Moreover, Nigeria as a prominent United Nations member, should be actively involved in the implementation of the various UN resolutions, calling for the integration of women into the mainstream of national development as a tool for sustainable development.”

In his Opening Remarks, the Vice Chancellor and Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, eulogised Prof. Omoniyi’s dedication to scholarship and the academic endeavour. He extolled her outstanding contributions to the body of knowledge, particularly in the field of guidance and counselling, noting that her research and academic engagements have not only advanced intellectual discourse but have also provided practical solutions to real-life challenges.

All is now set for the 45th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, as Professor Mary Banke Omoniyi, an accomplished academic in Guidance and Counselling, prepares to deliver the Lecture, titled, “Sentenced by Anatomy: The Dilemma of the Nigerian Woman.”

The lecture, which will hold on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, is scheduled to take place at the University Multipurpose Hall, with the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, presiding as Chairman. 

According to a statement signed by the Chairman, University Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the event will begin at 2:00 p.m., while guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 p.m.

Prof. Omoniyi began her academic journey with a B.Sc in Microbiology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1981. She obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Master’s degree in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Benin in 1989 and 1993 respectively. Her academic pursuit culminated in a Ph.D in Guidance and Counselling from the former Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) in 2001.

Joining AAUA in 2004 as a Lecturer II, Prof. Omoniyi steadily rose through the academic ranks, becoming a Professor in 2017. Her contributions to the university community have been both extensive and impactful, having served in over 70 academic and administrative capacities, including Acting Director of the Students’ Work Study Scheme, Head of Department of Guidance and Counselling, and Dean of the Faculty of Education.

A widely travelled scholar, Prof. Omoniyi has participated in over 40 academic conferences, both local and international, in countries such as Benin Republic, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, and Canada. Her research output includes a published book and more than 50 scholarly articles in reputable journals. She has also mentored numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, successfully supervising six master’s and three doctoral theses.

She holds membership in several notable professional organisations, including the Ondo State Counselling Association of Nigeria, Forum for African Women Educationists (FAWE), Counselling Association of Nigeria, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, as well as international bodies such as the American Psychological Association, Professional Women Biographical Institute, and the Strategic Institute for Natural Resources and Human Development.

A university don, Dr Akin Oluwadayisi, has called for adequate compensation for judges upon retirement in recognition of their labour in writing judgments. He recommended that a tax be imposed on legal publishers of case reports as a source of funding.

Dr Oluwadayisi, a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, made the call while delivering a paper at the All Universities’ Law Librarians Workshop/Conference, organised by the Council of Legal Education at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, on Wednesday, July 20, 2025.

According to him, although court judgments are for public consumption and can be published under the doctrine of “fair use,” the economic and labour theories of intellectual property rights suggest that this principle should be applied more equitably.

He argued that private firms that publish law reports often benefit financially from the venture without adequately compensating the judges who authored the judgments.

Dr Oluwadayisi drew attention to the considerable labour and effort that goes into writing judgments, sometimes spanning thousands of pages. He noted that private firms often “repackage” these judgments and profit from them without contributing to the welfare of the judges.

He recommended that such companies be required to contribute a percentage of their profits from legal publishing to a fund that would support the welfare of retired judges and the judiciary at large. He suggested a contribution rate of 3–5% of profits, similar to the model used by companies contributing to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Nigeria.

Dr Oluwadayisi also expressed concerns about the impact of electronic law report publishing on legal research, particularly for undergraduate long essays, master’s dissertations, and PhD theses that are subjected to plagiarism checks such as Turnitin. 

He lamented that judgments written by judges, who are public officers, are increasingly being treated as the “copyright” of electronic law publishers rather than that of the court, especially when legal writings are made to pass through plagiarism detection software.