Adedoyin Honoured at OAU

Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Eyitope Ogunmodede (left) and Dr. Ramon Adedoyin 

 It was indeed like homecoming for the renowned educationist and Chancellor of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu. His Royal Eminence Dr Ramon Atobatele Adegoke Adedoyin as he was received as the Special Guest of Honour at the 3rd Annual Conference organised by Fafunwa Educational Foundation in conjunction with the Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Different speakers at the event spoke glowingly about him describing him as a source of pride not only to the Faculty but to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and encouraged the students to emulate the business mogul.

Speaking at the occasion, The Maye of Yorubaland narrated how he initially had the dream of studying Medicine or Mechanical Engineering but was denied admission by the University of Ibadan and The Polytechnic, Ibadan and later had to settle for Mathematics Education at the then University of Ife,now Obafemi Awolowo University not knowing that God already had a divine plan for him.

He disclosed how as an undergraduate in the Faculty of Education, he was invited by one of the lecturers to be tutoring his child in Mathematics and how other lecturers followed suit such that by the time he graduated, he had a sizable number of candidates to start a Tutorial Centre.

Giving glory to Almighty God, Dr Adedoyin noted that the small tutorial centre of the 80s is what has given birth to The Polytechnic, Ife, Oduduwa Polytechnic, Lagos, Oduduwa University,Ife and others around the world.

The event which was attended by academic juggernauts from within and outside the institution with the theme: Integrating Anti-Corruption in Nigeria’s Educational System- Policies and Strategies was facilitated by the former Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Prof. Dibu Oderinde and a former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof Peter Okebukola.

In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof Eyitope Ogunmodede described the late Prof. Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa as unique educationist who devoted his life to the improvement of education at all levels especially with his indigenous language project where he advocated that students would learn better if they were taught in their indigenous languages.

While noting that the essence of life is to leave something positive behind to be remembered for after death, he challenged the Fafunwa Educational Foundation to ensure that works of the late former minister of education do not die
Earlier in welcome speech, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Ademola Adeleke had disclosed that the organisers of the event decided to pick the theme in view of the attention the government is given to anti-corruption matters and the need to explore ways by which educational institutions can assist the government in the fight against corruption.

Mr Tanmola Fafunwa (right) and Dr. Ramon Adedoyin 

The representative of the Executive Governor of the State of Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Festus Olajide also described Prof Fafunwa as God’s gift to Nigeria whose works in the field of education will remain indelible for a long time.

He identified selfishness as the major cause of corruption stating that selfish people always try to acquire wealth at all cost even at the detriment of other people and the society at large.

The Governor stressed the need for the children and youths generally to be fully involved in the fight against corruption in the country as they constitute over 60% of the population of Nigeria.

The governor also advocated the integration of anti-corruption into the curriculum at all school levels stating while identifying the different ways the state government is promoting anti-corruption practices among the State of Osun Inhabitants.

These include the introduction state anthem which has many verses which encourage responsible and patriotic lifestyle as well as dignity of labour, the encouragement and promotion of the ethos and virtues of ‘Omoluabi’ by all and sundry and the inculcating of good and responsible parenting as the home Is major place where informal education takes place.

According to him, it is not enough for children to be brilliant and smart, but good education must also build the character of the youths.

Dignitaries at the event included, the former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof Modupe Adelabu, the representative and son of the late Prof Fafunwa’s family, Mr Tanmola Fafunwa, a former classmate and friend of the Chancellor of Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu and former Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof Kayode Alao, among others.