Renowned Professor of Political Science, Professor Adele Jinadu has urged two newly appointed professors of the discipline to make teaching and research lifetime vocations, just as he also advised them not to be slaves to material things.
Professor Jinadu, a former President, African Association of Political Science (1997-1979), gave the advice in Lagos at the weekend, at a reception organised by graduates of Political Science Department of Lagos State University (LASU) for two of them who were recenly appointed Professors.
The two newly appointed Professors, in whose honour the reception was held, are: Dhikru Adewale Yagboyaju, who was recently appointed a Professor of Political Science by the University of Ibadan (UI), and Suraj Mudashiru, also appointed a Professor of Political Science by the Lagos State University (LASU). The two were former students of Professor Jinadu in LASU.
Describing Yagboyaju and Mudasiru as exemplary, Professor Jinadu said he had followed their career progress, adding that he could not be more proud of the calibre of graduates produced by the Political Science department of LASU..
He commended the Political Science alumni group of LASU for maintaining links over the years, adding that there was nothing like being in the company of old friends that one grew up together with.
Professor Jinadu, a former National Electoral Commissioner and former Director, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), also urged Yagboyaju and Mudasiru to do whatever they do conscientiously, adding they would need to be determined also, as there would always be mischief makers.
Reflecting on his time in LASU, he said “Sometimes I look back and wonder whether I should have fought the battles I fought”.
He congratulated the new Professors and also urge them to be guided by the tenets of their religion.
A former lecturer in Political Science department of LASU, Dr. Segun Johnson, who is based in the United Kingdom, also called in via video call, to congratulate the new Professors, noting that many graduates of the department have made their marks in various walks of life.
Dr. Johnson said the world is in a ‘crisis’, and needed Political Scientists at this time more than ever, to fashion out solutions. He cited the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol, and the strident call for restructuring in Nigeria as examples.
On his part, National President of the LASU Alumni Association, Maj. Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), said becoming a professor is not a child’s play, adding that Yagboyaju and Mudasiru were being celebrated just a month after three LASU graduates who were recently given professorial chairs were celebrated at the same venue.
Esekhaigbe, who was represented by a former President of the Association, Boye Kalejaiye, congratulated the two new Professors, even as he noted that there were greater heights to attain.
He thanked Professor Jinadu for making it to the event, and added “I am sure today is one of your happiest days, because your products are excelling”.
Responding, Professor Yagboyaju said in his journey in the university, he had been taught by quite a number of fantastic scholars, but added that two stood out: Professor Adele Jinadu in his undergraduate days, and Professor Oyeleye Oyediran in his post-graduate days.
He promised to continue to strive to make his family, teachers and friends proud.
Also responding, Professor Mudasiru thanked Professor Jinadu for the roles he played at critical stages of his academic career, describing him as “my academic father”.
He also narrated how, after completion of his NYSC service year, the late Professor Abubakar Momoh influenced his becoming a lecturer, against his desire then of working in the banking or oil and gas sectors.
Members of the LASU Political Science alumni group present felicitated with the new Professors. Theose present included Teju Sonoiki (who is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the LASU Alumni Association), Chief Soye Oniagba, Paul Kunle Ojeikere, Omowunmi Otuyalo Olugbenle, Biodun Durojaiye, John Akingbade, Abdulhameed Demola Danmole, Femi Babatunde, Wale Anthony, and Musiliu Aigoro.
Current Faculty memebers of the Political Science Department of LASU, led by Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine were also at the event.
