The Faculty of Social Science, University of Lagos (UNILAG) has celebrated its current Dean, Professor Adelaja Odukoya with a public lecture as he marked his 60th birthday anniversary.
The event was held on Thursday, May 9. 2024 at the FSS Lecture Theatre, UNILAG under the Chairmanship of Professor Adele Jinadu, Adjunct Professor, Department of Political Science, UNILAG/former Executive Director, Centre for Advanced Social Science (CASS. It was witnessed by a diverse audience of academics Royal fathers and professionals drawn from within and outside the University, including Professor Odukoya’s mentors, friends, colleagues, old coursemates, mentees and students.
Massive Turn-out, Avanlanche of Tributes!
Dignitaries who turned up to celebrate the Dean’s contributions as an academic and activist with heartfelt tributes included the University’s management team led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS; immediate Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe; Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale and Professor Peter Olamakinde Olapegba; renowned Political Scientist, Professor Cornelius Alaba Ogunsanwo; former Director, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization, (CBAAC), Professor Olatunde Babawale; Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Dr. Ademola Azeez among others.
In his remarks at the event which provided a platform for intellectual discourse on national development issues, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Lucian Obinna Chukwu who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS congratulated and applauded Professor Adelaja Odukoya for his passion for Nigeria’s developmental issues.
He described Prof. Odukoya as a pillar of support to the institution’s leadership, noting that his brilliance which is without doubt is evident in his unwavering contribution to knowledge and various developmental studies. Professor Chukwu added that his contributions to the field of Political Science which are immeasurable have been impactful to generations of students, colleagues and scholars.
His words “Today, we gather to celebrate a rare and remarkable milestone, the Diamond Jubilee of our Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Comrade Professor Adelaja Odukoya. 60 years of life, learning and leadership is a testament to his enduring spirit, wisdom and dedication to the pursuit of knowledge”.
Similarly, Chairman of the occasion, Professor Adele Jinadu defined the celebrant as a successful academic, prolific writer, seasoned university administrator, prodigious researcher and exemplary intellectual in politics. He averred that Professor Odukoya continues to provide a beautiful illustration about the pre-eminence of eagerness over procrastination.
Several other guests also lauded Professor Odukoya’s commitment to excellence and his unwavering support for educational development.
Public Lecture: Nigeria’s Developmental Challenges: Which Way Forward
The highpoint of the event was the delivery of a thought-provoking lecture on Nigeria’s Developmental Challenges: Which Way Forward, by a distinguished Professor of African History, Peace, and Conflict Studies, Faculty of Multidimensional Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert.
Prof Albert who specializes in conflict analysis, peace process planning, implementation, and evaluation had opportunity to shed light on critical issues facing Nigeria’s development trajectory and proposed strategic solutions to navigate these challenges effectively.
His lecture sparked insightful discussions and reflections on the country’s developmental challenges and potential solutions. His position was that for Nigeria to be great, it must be able to thrive on three important pillars: sustainable policies, robust democracy and good governance.
Who is Professor Adelaja Odukoya?
Born on May 9, 1964 in Ijebu-Igbo, Professor AdelajaOdukoya is a renowned academic and activist.
Professor Adelaja’s quest for western education began in 1969 at All Saints Primary School, Montgomery Road in Yaba, Lagos. He transitioned to Ilusin Grammar School, Ijebu-Waterside, from 1975 to 1980. Fuelled by an insatiable hunger for intellectual growth and nourishment, Adelaja embarked on his Advanced level and Cambridge studies at the prestigious Ogun State Polytechnic (now known as MoshoodAbiola Polytechnic) in Abeokuta from 1980 to 1982.
A thorough-bred alumnus of Department of Political Science, UNILAG where he earned his Bachelor’s degree, Master’s and Doctoral degrees, Comrade ’Laja as he is fondly called, joined the staff of his alma mater on August 2, 2004 as an Assistant Lecturer, after what he described as an “experimental sojourn” in the private sector.
The distinguished scholar in the field of Comparative Political Economy is the current Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNILAG and Chairman, Joint Board of Studies at the Administrative Staff College in Topo, Badagry, Lagos State. He is the former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNILAG Chapter.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Favour Meghara
