The University of Lagos Senate, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, celebrated Professor James Bola Olaleye of the Department of Surveying & Geoinformatics, Faculty of Engineering ahead of his retirement from university service, as he clocks 70 years old on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Standing agile among other academics in the hallowed Senate Chamber, the revered Professor went down memory lane, highlighting his journey as a son of a farmer that thrived among children of professors. He expressed gratitude to God, and the University for the privilege of academic development, and career fulfillment. Professor Olaleye stressed the need for senior academics, especially those in administrative positions such as Heads of Departments, to provide mentoring and apt leadership for staff and students to thrive adequately.
In her remarks, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, on behalf of management, staff and students, congratulated the Professor Olaleye for his illustrious service to the university, and contributions to the body of knowledge. The Vice Chancellor prayed that God grants him good health, as well as longevity to enjoy the fruits of his labour.
Born on December 6, 1953 in Oyo State, Professor James Bola Olaleye holds a Higher National Certificate in Communication Engineering from Federal School of Telecommunication, Oshodi, Lagos (1976), First-Class Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Surveying (1981) and Master’s Degree in Surveying (1984) from University of Lagos as well as Doctoral Degree in Surveying Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, Canada (1992).
After a brief stint at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication, the highly sought-after registered surveyor began his career as an academic in 1982, as a Graduate Assistant at UNILAG. He became an Assistant Lecturer in 1984, Lecturer II in 1986, Lecturer I in 1992, Senior Lecturer in 1995, Associate Professor in 1999 and Professor in 2015.
During the course of his outstanding career at UNILAG, Professor Olaleye held several positions including Sub-Dean, Faculty of Engineering (1997-1999) and Head of Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics (2010 -2013). As Head of Department, he championed the renaming of the Department to Surveying & Geoinformatics.
The thorough-bred UNILAG alumnus who has authored and co-authored many publications in textbooks, technical reports, as well as local and international journals, is married and blessed with three children.
Below is a pictorial report of the celebration of the renowned Geomatics Engineer:
