Renowned Professors, sitting and former Vice-Chancellors, and national education figures were among dignitaries that converged on the University of Ibadan (UI) to honour a Professor of Geography at UI and pioneer Vice Chancellor of Covenant University, Otta, Ogun State, Prof. Bola Ayeni
Prof. Ayeni was honoured at a public lecture organised to commemorate his 80th birthday.
The public lecture evolved into a powerful testament to Ayeni’s far-reaching influence on scholarship, academic leadership, and the moulding of human capacity across more than five decades.
Former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, represented by Prof. Peter Olapegba (DVC Administration) and former UI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, were among the distinguished voices that eulogised Ayeni’s contributions.
They were joined by former LAUTECH Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin; Emeritus Prof. Kayode Oyesiku; Dean of the Faculty of the Social Sciences, Prof. Ben Ehigie; Head of the Department of Geography, Prof. Olutoyin Fashae; Prof. D. D. Ajayi; and Engineer Shola Ayeni, the celebrant’s sibling, among others.
Adeniran described Ayeni as a scholar whose legacy is defined not merely by academic accomplishments but by the enormous lives he has shaped and the intellectual values he has entrenched within the Nigerian academic community.
He urged social science scholars to ensure that their academic pursuits translate into meaningful contributions to society, emphasising the impact-driven ethos that Ayeni himself exemplifies.
Olayinka, who chaired the ceremony, hailed Ayeni as a distinguished academic whose influence would continue to echo through generations.
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Reflecting on Ayeni’s mentorship footprint, he remarked on the enduring joy of witnessing students rise to become colleagues, an experience Ayeni has enjoyed repeatedly due to his long and impactful career.
Adebowale, through Prof. Olapegba, described the celebrant as a “living legend” and commended his unwavering devotion to academic excellence, his compassion, and his enduring value within the university system.
He noted that Ayeni’s contributions to scholarship and institutional development have positioned him as a pillar of the University of Ibadan’s academic heritage.
The commemorative lecture titled: “Professor Bola Ayeni: Quantity in Geography, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” was delivered by Emeritus Professor Kayode Oyesiku, who explored the evolution and future trajectory of quantitative geography.
He projected that the discipline would become even more dynamic due to advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, immersive visualisation technologies, and integrated modelling frameworks.
Oyesiku emphasised that the geographers of tomorrow must balance scientific precision with ethical responsibility and social relevance, values he linked to Ayeni’s academic philosophy.
In a deeply personal reflection, Oyesiku lauded Ayeni’s humility, patience, and exceptional devotion to student development, recalling how Ayeni willingly repeated complex lessons until every student achieved full comprehension, describing him as a mentor whose discipline, generosity, integrity, and intellect have shaped countless academic careers.
He further highlighted Ayeni’s groundbreaking leadership as the founding Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, where he spearheaded structural reforms and established the foundation for the institution’s subsequent growth and reputation.
Responding to the torrent of accolades, Prof. Ayeni expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for granting him the privilege of witnessing the celebration in good health.
He thanked the organisers for the honour and paid emotional tribute to his mentors the late Professors Akin Mabogunje and Ojetunji Aboyade, as well as Professors Michael McNulty and Gerard Rushton of the University of Iowa, USA, whose influence, he said, shaped his journey in profound ways.
Ayeni reflected on his long career with humility, stating, “I thank God for the grace given to have been a teacher and shaper of destinies at this university for over 45 years. I thank God that I never misused this privilege for once.”