University don highlights development pathway for Nigeria as friends, OAU Political Science celebrate Prof. Dipo Kolawole
The Nigerian society will not attain the desired standards in the lives of the people and infrastructure until decision makers begin to place the highest premium on knowledge-driven, purposeful and deliberate route to development; so says a professor and Head, Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan, Victor Adefemi Isumonah. Prof. Isumonah spoke on the title ‘Chance or Planned Development? Interrogating Nigeria’s Development Process’ at a pre-retirement luncheon and lecture in honour of a former Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Dipo Kolawole. The programme, organised by Committee of Friends of Professor Kolawole and the Department of Political Science at Obafemi Awolowo University, held at the institution’s Faculty of Social Sciences boardroom.
Professor Isumonah located Nigeria’s lethargic state of development as resulting from an indicting lack of a deliberate and strategic development process. He emphasised the need for intellectually driven planning processes at all levels to help achieve sustainable improvements in the living standards of the Nigerian people and in public infrastructure. Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, OAU, Professor Peter Ogunjuyigbe eulogised the sterling qualities of Prof. Kolawole, describing him as ‘a builder of men and institutions as well as an enabler and simplifier of processes;’ the Dean pointed at several testimonies from people who had been impacted by Prof. Kolawole in the course of decades of meritorious services as an erudite academic and administrator.
Other speakers at the event, including the Head, Department of Political Science OAU, Prof. Olajire Bamisaye, Professor Sat Obiyan also of the Department of Political Science, and Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Edward Olanipekun, all extolled the virtues in Prof. Kolawole, pointing to his scholarship, capacity for mentoring and serving as a bridge to advance peaceful coexistence. In addition to serving as External Examiner to various departments at OAU throughout his career, Prof. Kolawole was Visiting Professor in the Department of Political Science from 2011 to 2014.
In his speech, the honouree, Prof Kolawole appreciated the organisers of the programme, expressing his gratitude to the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and OAU where, according to him, he found a sanctuary and abode of love when occasions demanded. He emphasised the need for leadership that places premium on impact and influence as critical to advancements in all spheres.
Highlights of the occasion included the presentation of an award plaque to the honouree and testimonies from several of Prof. Kolawole’s mentees and proteges. The occasion was graced by academics from different institutions including OAU and EKSU, students and family members of Prof. Kolawole including his children and grandchildren.
Prof. Kolawole is due to retire from the services of EKSU in February, 2020.
Temitayo Odeyemi, ICT