We Must Give to the Academics What is Due Them – UNILAG Pro-Chancellor

By Blessing Famose, Daniel Kelechi, Barakat Lawal, and Habeeba Yomi-Sikiru

The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Chief Oluwole Olanipekun SAN has decried the poor remuneration of academia in Nigeria by the government. He said this on October 31, 2024, while speaking at the launch of Professor Peter Olufemi Adeniyi’s autobiography, titled “Lifted” and Foundation at Tayo Aderinokun Hall, UNILAG.

“We are getting our priorities wrong by not giving to the academia what is rightfully theirs. Our nation should not oppress scholars and we must re-evaluate our attitude to scholarship and those at the Ivory Towers”, Olanipekun said, noting the misplaced priority of the country as a whole in terms of politics and academics.

Speaking about Prof. Adeniyi, Olanipekun described him as a “fertile prodigy, an intellectual, deep in knowledge, yet very humble” who has contributed immensely to the development of university education in Nigeria.

The Chief Launcher of the event, Chairman Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi also bemoaned the challenges in Nigerian politics, adding that these challenges have left Nigeria the way it is.

Ogunbiyi recalled his experiences while running for the office of the Osun state governor and how he was cheated in favour of another because “Nigerians like jesters as leaders”

He went ahead to appreciate Prof. Adeniyi for his assistance and contribution towards the birthing of his university which will be soon completed. He launched the autobiography, “Lifted” with the sum of five million Naira, his company, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, launched with 2.5 million, and also 2.5 million for the launching of the foundation.

UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Ayo Atsenuwa in her remarks, appreciated PPOA for the privilege to host the book and foundation launch, while subtly requesting that UNILAG be beneficiaries of all that the foundation stands for.

Prof. Ademola S. Omojola, former Head of Department of Geography noted in his welcome address that not everyone is fortunate to tell their stories. He said “As humans, we all have stories but not everybody gets to tell them.” He went further to emphasise the importance of education in enhancing meaningful contributions in society.

He said, “Without proper education, you might not be able to contribute meaningfully to society.”

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the event, Professor Ayodele Francis Ogunye advised lecturers to invest in their students as the celebrant was not only lifted by God but also by great men, students, and supervisors, among others.

The book reviewer, Professor Dipo Kolawole, described the book as “a tale of trials, tribulations, success and triumphs, and a story of grass to grace. He said further that the book is a testament to the power of education and resilience in the face of adversity.

The author, emeritus Professor Peter Olufemi Adeniyi, explained the challenges faced in the academic space in Nigeria, said: “Nigeria is operating in the dark.” he went further to appeal to the Pro-Chancellor to work hand – in – hand with the government and ensure that enough light is shone the on academics in Nigeria.

Adeniyi ended his speech by saying that the book remains three chapters on community development which he described as important to him and hopes to complete as soon as he can.

At the event are notable dignitaries including but not limited to the Pro-Chancellor, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), The Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the chairman of the event, Prof. Ayodele Francis Ogunye, Professor J.O Akintola Arikawe, Professor Iyiola Oni, Professor Ademola Omojola, Professor Rahman Bello, the Chief Launcher, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Alhaji Abimbola Onisabi, The Former VC Elizade University, Professor Olukayode Amund.