Faculty honours Oriola for contributions to environmental awareness
By Isaac Lewu and Bashir Dawodu
The Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, penultimate Thursday (July 4, 2024) held its 3rd Valedictory Lecture for the retiring Prof. Emmanuel Okunlola Oriola, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental awareness and academic excellence.
The event, held at the institution’s Social Science Lecture Theatre, celebrated Prof. Oriola’s distinguished career and profound impact on both the University and the society at large.
In the Valedictory Lecture, titled “The Environment and You: A Rethink”, Prof. Oriola lamented the shift from merit-based practices to nepotism in university admissions and employment, and called for a return to the principles of fairness and excellence.
He highlighted critical issues affecting education and the environment, calling for measures to combat pollution, promote tree planting, and improve irrigation techniques to uplift local farmers.
Emphasising the dangers of noise pollution and improper waste disposal on public health, Prof. Oriola called for renewed environmental ethics and awareness campaigns.
He stressed the need for a conducive academic environment to enhance educational quality, expressing concern over the pressures faced by educators today.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), commended Prof. Oriola’s exemplary career and advocacy for environmental sustainability.
Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) Prof. Suleiman Funsho Ambali, further commended Prof. Oriola’s dedication and leadership, while also recognising his advocacy on environmental sustainability and his unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
In her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. J. A. Omede, acknowledged Prof. Oriola’s significant contributions to the University and expressed gratitude for the Vice Chancellor’s support in organising the event.
She added that the ceremony, marked by reflections on Prof. Oriola’s achievements, underscored the role of the academia in shaping a sustainable future.
On his part, the immediate past Dean of the Faculty, Prof. I.P. Ifabiyi, said that the event was not only to celebrate Prof. Oriola’s illustrious career but also served as a call to action for environmental responsibility and educational integrity, resonating as a guiding beacon for future generations.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho; the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the University Librarian, Dr Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. B.S. Alabi; the Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Omojasola; the immediate past Registrar of the University, Dr. Modupe F. Olowoleni; and her husband; the Vice Chancellor, Al-Hikmah University, Prof. Noah Yusuf, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akasoro; the former Vice Chancellor, Al-Hikmah University, Prof. Abdullateef Oladimeji; Oba D. S. Oyerinola, Alada of Adanla and staff members and students of the University. of Ilorin.