Onireti tasks academics on enduring legacy

Onireti tasks academics on enduring legacy

The Director of the Centre for International Education (CIE), University of Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibraheem, has charged academics to always try to make a positive impact wherever they find themselves.

Prof. Onireti stated this last Wednesday (October 9, 2024) in his remarks at the send forth organised in honour of Prof. Usman A. Aribidesi from the Arizona State University, United States of America, who recently completed his Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Ilorin.

He described Prof. Aribidesi as a brilliant and intelligent scholar who has left an imperishable impact at the Centre and the University at large.

The Director said that the Centre and the University were extremely impressed with the contributions of the honouree towards the progress and development of the University.

He added that Prof. Aribidesi’s stay at the University was exciting, meaningful, and impactful.

Prof. Onireti, who is an expert in Arabic and Islamic literature, said that every effort shall be made to internationalise the University, assuring that the institution would always ensure that it engages in more international collaborations and attract more scholars from across the globe.

Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin, Prof. Lere Adeyemi, commended the Director of the CIE for working very hard to attract distinguished global scholars such as Prof. Aribidesi

Prof. Adeyemi said that the honouree, who is a distinguished archeologist, added a lot of value to the Faculty and most especially the Department of History and International Studies.

In his goodwill message, the Head of the Department of History and International Studies, Dr Justus Aboyeji, described Prof. Aribidesi as a hardworking scholar and a man who is endowed with exceptional human relations skills.

In his paper at the event, entitled “Embracing Global Opportunities: The Fullbright Experience”, Prof. Raymond Ogunade the Director of the Centre for Cultural Studies and Creative Arts urged academics to always explore opportunities that may be available anywhere in the world.

Prof. Ogunade, who was represented by Dr D. O. Adetitun of the Department of Microbiology, charged academics not to relent in their efforts, saying that they should keep on with the efforts of trying to acquire more knowledge and collaborations.

He added that in some cases, travel may not be involved as they can attract grants at their places of work and invariably attract career progression.

Responding, the honouree said that he was happy throughout as he felt like remaining at the University.

Prof. Aribidesi thanked the Director of the CIE for giving him the opportunity to be at the University and providing him with an enabling environment to discharge his responsibilities.

He promised to continue to offer his support to the University as he assured guests that he would keep in touch with the Centre and the University.

Others who attended the event were the Deputy Director, CIE, Dr Bilikis Abiola Lawal; Prof. Peter Folorunsho Adebayo of the Department of History and International Studies, and Prof. Bola Simi Fayomi, a visiting scholar from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, among others.