The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has extolled the virtues of foremost Yoruba leader and elder statesman, Chief (Dr.) Reuben Fasoranti, describing his life as a moral compass replete with timeless lessons in character, leadership, service, and resilience.  

Prof. Ige made the remarks over the weekend while delivering a goodwill message titled “Lessons from the Life and Times of the Living Father of the Yoruba Nation” at a public service lecture organized by the Ondo State Chapter of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association in honour of Chief Fasoranti’s 99th birthday anniversary.  

Reflecting on the statesman’s journey, Prof. Ige noted, “The humble beginnings of Chief Fasoranti gave little indication of the greatness he would later attain.” He highlighted the centenarian’s rise to national prominence as a result of his diligence, discipline, sense of justice, resilience, and commitment to communal development.  

According to the Vice Chancellor, Chief Fasoranti’s remarkable longevity can be attributed to God’s grace, a disciplined lifestyle, contentment, healthy dietary habits, and a deliberate detachment from harmful practices, adding, “His professionalism, simplicity, and positive attitude have kept him grounded and fulfilled.”  

He offered prayers for continued strength, peace, and fulfillment for Chief Fasoranti, saying, “May God continue to bless him with sound health and a peaceful mind as he approaches a rare centennial milestone in wisdom and grace.”  

The UIAA Ondo Public Service Lecture attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Aiyedatiwa; former Governor of Ogun State and current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who served as the guest lecturer; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; keynote speaker Prof. Dipo Adamolekun; elder statesman Basorun Seinde Arogbofa; the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye III; the Deji of Akure, Oba (Dr.) Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II; Prof. Williams Aderounmu; the Bishop of Akure Diocese and Archbishop of the Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, Most Revd. Simeon Borokini; Worldwide President of the UI Alumni Association, Surv. Thomas Dabiri; and Branch Chairman of UIAA Ondo, Mr. Yinka Akinola, among others.

A globally acclaimed scholar and Professor of Environmental Chemistry, Nurudeen Oladoja, is set to deliver the 39th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, AAUA, Ondo State.

A statement by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, revealed that the 39th Inaugural lecture will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The lecture, “The Chemistry Beat: Harnessing Benign Reactions for Water Purification”, would commence at 2:00 PM in the University Multipurpose Hall. Guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 PM. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the lecture.

It will be recalled that Prof. Oladoja was one of eight AAUA scholars listed among the top 2% of global scientists in the prestigious 2024 Stanford-Elsevier global ranking, with 103 publications to his credit at the time.

His academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Ed) in Chemistry from the University of Lagos in 1991. He later obtained both an M.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry (1994) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry (2003) from the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

Prof. Oladoja joined AAUA in 2007 as a Lecturer I in the Department of Chemistry and rose to become a Professor of Environmental Chemistry in 2015. He has supervised one completed Ph.D. and four ongoing, as well as 12 completed and three ongoing M.Sc. theses, and has authored 117 scientific publications to date.

A seasoned academic leader, Prof. Oladoja has held several leadership roles in the University. He has served as Head of the Department of Chemistry and is the current Dean of the Faculty of Science.

He was a Visiting Professor (CAS-PIFI), Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China between July 2019 and 2020; Visiting Professor, Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Germany, between June 2013 and July 2015, and a Visiting Research Scientist, School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia between September 2011 and December 2011.

Prof. Oladoja is a recipient of numerous prestigious grants, awards and fellowships, including the International Foundation for Science Research Grants (2008 and 2012); the Chinese Academy of Science-Third World Academy of Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008/2009); AAUA Research Grant Award (2010 and 2013); the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship (2012, 2015, 2016 and 2023); the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Grant (2016, and 2012 – 2022); the Commonwealth Travel Grant (2017); the Chinese Academy of Sciences Presidential Fellowship (2019-20); the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund (2018-19); the British Ecological Society Research Fund (2021-22); and the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) Collaborative Research Grant (2022/23).

A renowned Professor of Industrial Sociology and Gender Relations at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Emmanuel Fayankinnu, has called for urgent reforms to protect women leaders from a subtle yet damaging form of sexual harassment perpetrated by male subordinates in the workplace.

Prof. Fayankinnu made the call on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, while delivering the 38th Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled, “Still Powerless Before Male Subordinates: Contra-Power Sexual Harassment of Women Leaders in the Workplace.”

Prof. Fayankinnu underlined the prevalence of Contra-Power Sexual Harassment (CPSH), a lesser-discussed variant of sexual harassment in which subordinates target women in leadership.

According to him, “Women leaders constitute an endangered group who suffer particular forms of CPSH while discharging their duties. These forms are often verbal and symbolic, rather than physical, making them difficult to report and prove.”

He noted that male subordinates were used to exploiting cultural and organizational gaps to commit these acts, lamenting, “The stealthy nature of these harassments, suggestive remarks, erotic symbols, and innuendos, makes them hard to detect and leaves victims without tangible proof. Even when reported, male-dominated committees seldom deliver justice.”

Emphasising disturbing real-life experiences from his research, the don recounted how male subordinates would make suggestive comments such as, “Your fitted clothes look good on you as they flatter your physique,” or boast of their sexual prowess near female leaders’ offices, with statements like, “I am a horse, and when I handle any woman, irrespective of her position, she will bow to my prowess.”

“These actions are not innocent banter. They are calculated attempts to intimidate and sexualise women leaders, maintaining male dominance despite the formal authority of these women”, he said.

Prof. Fayankinnu recommended the urgent need for policy change, calling on institutions to adopt comprehensive sexual harassment policies that clearly define CPSH and outline strict punitive measures for offenders. “Policy must cater to all genders and be enforced decisively when violations occur,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of a balanced gender composition on harassment investigation committees, saying, “It is not just about numbers. It’s about status and voice. A fair committee should have equal gender representation with parity in rank.”

The Inaugural Lecturer added that there is the need for increased awareness, trauma-informed support systems for survivors, and the involvement of NGOs and policymakers in crafting workplace reforms.

Prof. Fayankinnu also challenged aspects of Yoruba culture that indirectly support male dominance and sexual aggression. He said, “Cultural norms that encourage men to boast about their sexuality and objectify women must be re-examined and reformed. Men must be part of this conversation.”

While advocating policy and cultural changes, he also offered practical advice for women leaders. He encouraged them to “maintain formal relations with male subordinates” and to “be mindful of the type of attire they wear to the workplace,” cautioning against “provocative dressing that may invite inappropriate remarks.”

He called for collective action, noting that, “Combating CPSH is not the responsibility of women alone. It demands the cooperation of institutions, cultural gatekeepers, and society at large.”

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, who had earlier presented the Inaugural Lecturer to the audience, described Prof. Fayankinnu as a “stupendous scholar”, commending his stanch commitment to nurturing future generations of scholars and leaders.

The VC added, “I wish to express, on behalf of the University, our profound appreciation to Professor Emmanuel Abiodun Fayankinnu for his unwavering devotion to academic excellence, his invaluable contributions to the growth of knowledge, and his exemplary service to this University and the global academic community.”

A professor of Industrial Sociology and Gender Relations, Emmanuel Abiodun Fayankinnu, is set to deliver the 38th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the 38th Inaugural lecture will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

The lecture, “Still Powerless before Male Subordinates: Contra-Power Sexual Harassment of Women Leaders in the Workplace,” will commence at 2:00 PM in the University Multipurpose Hall. Guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 PM. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the lecture.

Prof. Fayankinnu earned a B.Sc. degree in Sociology from the then Ondo State University, Ado Ekiki, in 1995; M.Sc. Industrial/Gender/Development Sociology and a Ph.D. in Industrial/Gender/Development Sociology from the University of Ibadan in 1999 and 2008, respectively from the University of Ibadan.

He started his lecturing career as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Sociology of AAUA in 2001. He was appointed a Professor in 2016.

Prof. Fayankinnu has held several leadership roles in the University, including Head of Department, Dean of Faculty and Director of Institute and Centre.

Prof. Fayankinnu, who served as a Technical Aid Corps Volunteer in Islamic University in Uganda between March 16, 2022 and March 15, 2024, had also served as a visiting lecturer or an external examiner/assessor to a number of universities globally, including University of Warsaw, Poland; Polish Academy of Diplomat, Poland; Obafemi Awolowo University; Kogi State University; Federal University, Oye-Ekiti; University of Ibadan; Lagos State University; and Afe Babalola University. He has also attended conferences in countries such as Ghana, Liberia, South Africa,Tunisia, Tanzania, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Cape Verde, Seychelles, Jamaica, Poland, Sweden, and Finland.

The Inaugural Lecturer has contributed chapters to eight books and published over 40 articles in recognised journals globally. He has supervised eight postgraduate students part of whom were four Ph.Ds.

Prof. Fayankinnu is a recipient of many grants, awards and fellowships, including Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Travel Grant to Finland in 2017; TETFUND Research Grant in 2016; TETFUND Travel Grant to Finland in 2013; United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Travel Grant in 2007; and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Travel Grant in 2003.

His professional membership includes, Nigeria Anthropological and Sociological Association (NASA); the Social Science Academy of Nigeria (SSAN); International Union of African Population Scholars; and International Sociological Association (ISA), Madrid Spain.

Prof. Festus Oluwole Alabi of the Department of Educational Management, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, has called for a reconceptualisation of the roles individuals and institutions play within the school system, stressing the need for green leadership that would counter ills and usher in a sustainable and morally upright education sector.

Prof. Alabi made the call on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, while delivering the 37th Inaugural Lecture of the University, titled, The Man and the Plant in the School System: Predator or Green Influencer?

He said, The task of everyone in the school system is to ensure the realization of the purpose of the school by jettisoning predatory tendencies and embrace Green-influencer dispositions. This is because the education system is the gateway to the kingdom on Earth and all hands must be on deck to support the Green influencers to make it work.

He emphasised, The immutable truth from creation is that man and plants are the livewire of the Earth. The school system is not just a learning environment, but the cradle of civilization, culture, and sustainability.

The Inaugural Lecturer urged a return to integrity, to green influence, and to a deep, spiritual understanding of the education sector as a tool for national rebirth.

According to him, The school should be seen by every man as a microcosm of the earth in God’s creative art, and thus, should be guided and protected to avoid entropy.

Prof. Alabi described Green Influencers as individuals and institutions committed to environmental sustainability, ethical leadership, and value-driven management of educational systems. 

He said A Green Influencer is anyone who sees the planet Earth as a sanctuary, a Garden of Eden to be preserved, developed, and sustained, listing their traits to include empathy, competence, love for innovation, and high devotion to both human and plant development in the educational system.

On the flip side, Prof. Alabi noted the predators as those (corrupt officials, abusive teachers, manipulative students, and institutions that mislead or financially exploit learners) who exploit the vulnerabilities within the school system for personal gain. 

He lamented numerous scenarios depicting predatory behaviour oncluding lecturers demanding sexual or financial favours, administrators falsifying records, or institutions charging illegal fees and engaging in accreditation fraud.

He said, The education industry in Nigeria has been plagued by systemic dysfunctions largely due to selfishness, tribalism, and underfunding. While the government starves institutions of resources, it ironically institutes bodies like NUC and WAEC to accredit or disaccredit programmes based on standards it has failed to support.

He recommended that people in political leadership position should be those certified and knowledgeable in the importance of flora and fauna in the maintenance of homeostasis in the ecosystem, while school leaders from elementary schools to tertiary institutions should have a minimum qualification of Diploma in Educational Management in order to equip them with the competence required for effective and efficient management. 

He added that government should refrain from influencing the school mapping as it is essentially a techno-professionally oriented exercise, while ensuring adequate provision of funds in the national budget for the school’s overall development, and people in position of authority, planning and decision-making on educational matters should be rational, dispassionate, humane, patriotic and be guided by the fear of God in the discharge of the statutory duty of resource allocation on the basis of equity, fair play and justice for the overall good of all.

He further urged government to formulate inbuilt corrective mechanism that focuses on accountability to put the school management, staff and students on their toes and accountable to the use, misuse or abuse of the school individuals and plants, while calling on the ministry of Education officials to be more alive to their responsibility of school supervision and quality assurance.

Prof. Alabi advised school management to ensure that different types of maintenance  regular maintenance, preventive maintenance, upgraded maintenance, predictive maintenance and emergency maintenance are promptly employed as the need arises in the school community participation and collaboration in order to generate more funds and resources (human and materials) for school maintenance, progress and continuity.

In his remark, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, thanked the Inaugural Lecturer for his tireless commitment to academic excellence and outstanding contributions to educational development, and for the exemplary leadership he has continued to offer within and outside the University.

All is now set for Festus Oluwole Alabi, a Professor of Educational Management, to present the 37th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State.

According to a statement by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, the lecture will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

The lecture, “The Man and the Plant in the School System: Predator or Green Influencer?”, will commence at 2:00 PM in the University Multipurpose Hall. 

Guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 PM. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the lecture.

Prof. Alabi earned a B.Ed. degree in Religious Studies from Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, in 1990; an M.Ed. degree in Educational Administration and Planning from Lagos State University in 1992; and a Ph.D. in Educational Management from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in 2012.

He joined the services of Adekunle Ajasin University in 2005 as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Educational Management, and in 2021, he was appointed a Professor of Educational Management.

Prof. Alabi has held a number of leadership roles, including Acting Head of the Department of Educational Management, and he is presently the Sub-Dean of the Postgraduate School.

Prof. Alabi has co-authored five books, contributed to two books, and edited one. He has published over 40 articles in recognized journals globally. He has supervised 11 postgraduate students, including three Ph.D. candidates. He has attended and presented papers at about 20 conferences worldwide, including in Ghana and Georgia.

His professional affiliations include memberships in the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the Nigeria Association of Educational Administration and Planning (NAEAP), the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management (CCEAM), and the Nigerian Institute of Management (AMNIM).

Prof. Alabi, a former legislator at the Ondo State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2003, also served as a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State between 2011 and 2015.

…urges Africa to review allegiance to Jesus, charges churches to focus on social responsibilities

A Professor of New Testament at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Olu Alana, has affirmed that for Africa to overcome the enduring challenges of colonisation and neo-colonialism across various fields—education, social structures, politics, economics, and religion—it must decolonise many of the New Testament’s portrayals and narratives.

Prof. Alana made this assertion on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, while delivering the university’s 36th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Decolonising the New Testament’s Portraits and Narratives in Africa.”

He stated: “Africa and Africans must decolonise much of the New Testament’s portraits and narratives if we are to escape the ongoing predicaments of colonisation and neo-colonialism in all aspects of human endeavour, education, social structures, politics, economics, and religion. 

“I strongly believe that Christianity is a civilising agent. It is the perfect advocate of love and peace and a catalyst for all-round development. However, we owe it to ourselves to review how it is practised on our continent if we wish to maximise its benefits, first, by achieving freedom from the grip of Western powers and, ultimately, by fostering our own development.

“We must not shy away from decolonisation due to its challenges. Challenges exist in every human endeavour, but only those who confront them succeed. If decolonised, Christianity will not only become Africa’s own religion but will also usher in love, peace, freedom from neo-colonial forces, and widespread development.”

He emphasised the need to replace Anglo-American cultural frameworks with African traditions in Christian practices, clarifying, “This is not a call for an uncritical embrace of African culture. Only its virtuous aspects—of which there are many—should enrich the Gospel. Scripture itself provides examples. Dismissing our culture as incompatible with faith is both servile and absurd. A person without culture lacks identity and humanity.”

Prof. Alana argued that Africans should critically review their allegiance to the colonial missionaries’ portrayal of Jesus, stating:

“This is the right step to take now, as the colonial presentation of Jesus was a deception. The Jesus they presented lacks the power to deliver us from the grip of Western imperialists and their modern neo-colonialists. How long shall we continue to clutch the Bible after prayers while the white man continues to seize our land and our future?”

The inaugural lecturer noted that, contrary to the teachings of colonial missionaries—who depicted Jesus as gentle, calm, and peaceful—there was a significant misrepresentation in their portrayal.

“Jesus is an activist who always stands with the voiceless. He is a revolutionary who does not align with every government in power but focuses on overturning the self-serving status quo. The Jesus who was hidden from Africans is the true biblical Jesus. He is the Jesus that can free Africa and Africans from all vestiges of colonial and neo-colonial legacies.”

He urged churches to prioritise social responsibility over grandeur, stating:

“Churches must abandon vanity projects like 500,000-seat auditoriums or irrelevant universities. Such white elephants remain vacant and unsold in the West. Instead, invest in the people—feed the hungry, as Jesus did for the 5,000.”

On polygamous marriage, the don argued that colonial missionaries did not reject polygamy based on biblical teachings but rather on its perceived shortcomings.

“They merely highlighted its flaws, such as envy and rivalry among co-wives and their children, frequent disputes, and marriage failures. The colonial missionaries presented monogamy as though it were a Christian requirement for entering the kingdom of God, whereas it was not. It is merely cultural baggage.

“If it were essential, it would have been as explicitly stated in scripture as other fundamental teachings, such as always speaking the truth (Matt. 5:37) and the theme of love, which is given an entire chapter in 1 Corinthians 13. The colonial missionaries overemphasised monogamy and took it out of context in their bid to diminish Africa while glorifying their own culture—an evident case of ethnocentrism.”

Regarding the payment of tithes, Prof. Alana noted that colonial missionaries did not establish any framework for tithing within the church.

“Through their policies, they did not expect a wealthy class to emerge in Africa. Believing that Africans lacked the intelligence to create wealth or develop themselves economically, they assumed that Africans would remain forever as labourers, hewers of wood and drawers of water, for the development of their countries.

“At any rate, tithing is not a requirement in the New Testament. Jesus neither paid nor received tithes, nor did he command his followers to pay them, as he did in the case of the two-drachma temple tax (Matt. 17:24-27). However, today, tithing has become a goldmine for many churches in Nigeria. If the same effort used to emphasise tithing in churches were instead devoted to promoting love and kindness among Nigerians, there would be greater peace and coexistence in the country.”

Introducing the lecturer, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olugbenga Ige praised Prof. Alana as “a bold scholar with global influence, highly sought after for international conferences, and a recipient of prestigious research grants.”

The VC commended his lasting impact, noting his role as “a globally recognised speaker and award-winning researcher.”

Olu Emmanuel Alana, a seasoned professor of New Testament Studies, is set to deliver the 36th Inaugural Lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State.

A statement by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin.), Prof. Adebisi Daramola, announced that the 36th Inaugural Lecture will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

The lecture, titled “Decolonizing the New Testament’s Portraits and Narratives in Africa,” will commence at 2:00 PM in the University Multipurpose Hall. Guests are expected to be seated by 1:30 PM. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, will chair the event.

Prof. Alana earned a Diploma in Religious Studies with distinction, a B.A. degree in Religious Studies with First Class Honours, and an M.A. degree in New Testament Studies in 1978, 1982, and 1984, respectively, from the University of Ibadan. In 1993, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Religious Studies (New Testament) by the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

He began his academic career as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Ilorin in 1987 and became a Senior Lecturer at the same institution in 1995. In 2006, he joined Kogi State University, Anyigba, where he was appointed a professor.

Alana, who previously served as a visiting lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, during the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 academic sessions, was reappointed as a professor by the university on March 27, 2015.

At AAUA, Prof. Alana has held several leadership positions, including Head of the Department of Religion and African Culture, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Managing Editor of AMU: Faculty of Arts Journal, and Editor-in-Chief of the Akungba Journal of Religion and African Culture.

Prof. Alana has authored two books and contributed chapters to 15 others. He has edited six books and over 30 journals, and has published more than 50 articles in recognised academic journals worldwide. He has supervised 23 postgraduate students, including eight Ph.D. candidates.

Prof. Alana has also served as an External Examiner for 17 Nigerian universities, overseeing more than 150 Master’s dissertation oral examinations, over 100 Ph.D. oral examinations, and 70 professorial reviews at various universities and seminaries in Nigeria.

His professional affiliations include membership in the Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions (NASR), the Nigerian Association for Biblical Studies (NABIS), the Nigerian Association for Christian Studies (NACS), and the New Testament Society of South Africa (NTSSA).

Prof. Alana is a recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, including Best Graduating Student and Best Long Essay Student of the Year (1981/82) from the Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of Religion (FAR) by the Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions, a recipient of a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and a Meritorious Service Award from the Ondo State Students’ Union, University of Ilorin.

A renowned professor of English Language and Applied English Linguistics, Uriel Okunrinmeta, has stated that for Nigerias Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education framework to be effectively implemented, a home-grown English model that reflects the nation’s socio-cultural realities should be adopted as the medium of instruction.

Prof. Okunrinmeta stated this on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, while delivering the 35th Inaugural Lecture of the University titled, Lets Use Whats OURS to Solve OUR OWN Problems’: ADOPTING AN ENDOCENTRIC ENGLISH MODEL IN SCHOOLS”.

He said, My position here is that British English cannot reflect the cultural content that is infused into the school curriculum. Thus, to facilitate the effective teaching of STEAM in Nigerian schools, an endocentric model of English should be adopted. 

This is based on the premise that, if the role of the indigenous languages as a medium of instruction stops in primary six and English is, for one reason or the other, assigned that role from the Junior Secondary school level, the model of English to be used should be able to reflect and express effectively the concepts and experiences that the indigenous languages are capable of expressing. This is where an endocentric model of English that is embellished with the local touch of the Nigerian languages and cultures becomes relevant. 

“This endocentric model is what is referred to as Standard Nigerian English  a home-grown variety of English with a distinctive Nigerian cultural cap adorned with beautiful feathers of various metaphorically illuminating colours reflecting various aspects of Nigerias cultural life.

He argued that a well-rounded STEAM approach would foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. For our students to become all-round problem solvers, we must integrate local knowledge into the education system. This will make education more relevant and responsive to our national needs”, he said.

The Inaugural Lecturer also advocated the infusion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into the curriculum to ensure that education does not merely adopt foreign frameworks but aligns with local realities.

The professor cited linguistic scholars, including Strevens (1980) and Dadzie (2004), who have argued that localized forms of English are better suited for educational purposes in non-native English-speaking countries.

To ensure the successful adoption of Standard Nigerian English and the full implementation of the STEAM education policy, Prof. Okunrinmeta recommended that the government should demonstrate commitment to its full implementation, lamenting that, Policies in Nigeria often fail due to lack of implementation. Thus, all stakeholders must show total commitment to the successful implementation of the programme.”

He added that the government must increase funding beyond the 7.3% allocation in the 2025 national budget to meet UNESCOs 15-20% recommendation; while STEAM curriculum materials should be available in all Nigerian languages, and a register for scientific and technological terms should be created.

Prof. Okunrinmeta emphasized that educators should be retrained in STEAM-based teaching methods to cultivate problem-solving and creativity in students; while Nigerian English dictionaries must be expanded to include more localised expressions for educational purposes.

He noted the need to change the negative attitudes of Nigerian teachers towards using Nigerian English, saying. The challenges arising from the negative attitudes of teachers towards Nigerian expressions need to be urgently addressed since they, if not properly taken care of, will continue to be a threat to the effective teaching of these variations and, by extension, a setback to the endorsement and use of Standard Nigerian English as an endocentric model in schools. 

“To enhance the legitimacy of these variations within the Nigerian setting, where some teachers strongly feel that they cannot be used for educational purposes simply because they differ from what obtains in British English, there is the urgent need to update all existing Nigerian English dictionaries to reflect the variations and highlight the contexts in which they are used. Awareness campaigns should promote its legitimacy.”

He concluded, Our students must learn English not just as prescribed by British or American dictionaries, but as it is used to express our realities. By doing so, we will bridge the gap between education and national development.

In his Opening Remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, extolled Prof. Okunrinmeta, describing him as an exceptional scholar, an inexhaustible researcher, and an exemplary mentor.

Prof. Ige said, As we immerse ourselves in this enlightening discourse, let us recognize that knowledge, when properly harnessed, can shape societies, influence policies, and transform lives. It is in this spirit that we honour Professor Okunrinmeta today, not just for his achievements, but for his enduring contributions to the collective growth of academia and society.”

… VC urges discipline, excellence

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has advised all fresh students to be good ambassadors of the institution, abide by the rules and regulations guiding their studentship, and shun all forms of anti-social behaviour.

Prof. Ige gave this charge while addressing the newly admitted students at the 2024/2025 Academic Session Matriculation Ceremony, held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

The Vice-Chancellor, who noted that the ceremony marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would shape the students into capable, responsible, confident, competent, and highly sought-after individuals, also warned:” You are strongly advised to steer clear of anti-social behaviours.

“Cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, and all forms of misconduct are strictly prohibited in our university, as AAUA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for such acts.

“Your admission to AAUA is not by chance but by merit. It will interest you to know that, for this academic session, thousands of candidates applied for admission, yet only 7,300 were selected across our ten faculties. This demonstrates the competitive nature of our admission process and the privilege of being part of this distinguished institution.

“Our dear students, your time at AAUA will define the trajectory of your career and life. You must dedicate yourselves to the pursuit of excellence, knowing that this university has produced exceptional graduates who have excelled both nationally and internationally. We expect you to follow in their footsteps, uphold our values, and emerge as another generation of alumni who will bring honour to this great institution,” the VC stressed.

Speaking on the provision of adequate infrastructure to enhance students’ learning experience, Prof. Ige urged them to cultivate discipline and resilience.

“AAUA has provided the necessary infrastructure and support to nurture your intellectual and personal growth. Our modern library, well-equipped laboratories, health centre, and state-of-the-art ICT facilities are designed to offer you the best learning experience.

“Beyond academics, we encourage you to engage in extracurricular activities and student organisations, as a well-rounded education extends beyond the four walls of the classroom.

“As you settle into this new environment, I urge you to immerse yourselves in positive engagements that will enhance your character, leadership skills, and overall well-being. As you embark on this academic journey, you must cultivate discipline, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

“Your primary purpose here is to learn, develop skills, and prepare for a productive future. I implore you to take your studies seriously, remain diligent, and strive for excellence in all your endeavours,” he said.

The Registrar, Mr. Olugbenga Arajulu, administered the Matriculation Oath to the students.