Professor Adeoye’s Humble Background Inspires Inaugural Lecture

By Blessing Famose, Barakat Lawal and Glory Obasi

A professor of Economics at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Babatunde Wasiu Adeoye has disclosed the inspiration behind the theme of his inaugural lecture, “Navigating the Miry Clay, Engaging a 3 by 5 Auxiliary Gear System,” linking it to his remarkable journey, from a challenging childhood to a distinguished professor and appropriateness of policy in the economy.

He made this known during the pre-lecture interview with UNILAG Sun, Business Day, The Punch and The Guardian, at the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS), UNILAG on the 30th June, 2025.

Speaking on the theme of the lecture, the professor analysed how he was forced to leave home at the age of 10, to fend for himself due to his polygamous family background.

Reflecting on his journey, Prof. Adeoye acknowledged that he is a product of grace that was found. The challenging life he faced was reflected in the “miry clay,” which symbolises the difficult circumstances he overcame.

“I am a product of grace, someone searched for me and found me. I would have been a professional roadside Panel Beater, but I was picked up from a miry clay and was set upon the rock, and now, I am the first and only professor in my family,” he said.

He further explained that the Nigerian economy is in a “Miry Clay,” waiting to be set upon the rock, and the vision can only be birthed through definite sacrifices. He demystified the economic issues in the country, stating that the essence of his lecture was to pass a message across to the leaders and citizens of Nigeria.

“The followers should be aware that things can’t go the way they expect, but on the other hand, leaders should also know that the time to live extravagantly is over.” Prof. Adeoye said.

In conclusion, Prof.Adeoye declared that his lecture is a warning sign to the management of the economy to act fast because the 3 by 5 Auxiliary Gear, which are appropriate policy, required skill and timeliness, are the requirements for a better country.