But perhaps on account of her self-effacement and probably  because she believes success usually spawns a galaxy of foes, she pleaded vigorously that I should not make a noise about her latest academic laurel, arguing that she is not the only one and she will not be the last to be promoted a Professor.

However, I insisted that becoming a professor; particularly in a university like UI, where you have to be extremely outstanding is no mean feat, hence my decision to expose this humble and respectful researcher.

I have known Prof. Adejoke Akinyele over the years. She’s one of the academics whose stories of individual accomplishments continue to hold out a fig of hope and inspiration particularly for the youth. Clearly, over the years, she has displayed a high level of discipline and willpower in her area of specialization, trading off comfort in order to arrive at this destination. This feat, therefore remains a big imprimatur of her intellectual capacity and competence.

I have known Prof. Adejoke Akinyele over the years. She’s one of the academics whose stories of individual accomplishments continue to hold out a fig of hope and inspiration particularly for the youth.

Teaching both undergraduate and post graduate students in the area of Forest Genetics and Tree Improvement, Prof. Akinyele is so committed to the pursuit and purveyance of knowledge, always seen in the laboratory, library, lecture rooms and conferences. She has visited almost all the continents of the world in search of knowledge.

A meek woman of stellar character who doesn’t mix the essential with the inconsequential is ever present in her field, fishing facts and figures in the forests of knowledge, forging ahead with steely determination and singleness of purpose. Her promotion to a professorial cadre will therefore not come as a surprise to those who really know her.

This former student of St. Louis Grammar School who is married to a  lecturer at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, believes that success doesn’t happen by happenstance, rather, according to her, “success is a product of hard work and careful planning” , hence her sheer perseverance in the face of intellectual rigourism.

We were together recently at Itesiwaju local government area of Oyo state where we worked as ad hoc staff of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collating results. Dr. Akinyele, as she was then addressed was a delight to work with. When I shouted hunger in the night, she brought out packets of biscuits from her bag and saved me from the pang of hunger. Since I knew her, she has ever been so  respectful and convivial.

Hearty congratulations to our own Professor of Tree Improvement and Silviculture.

The post EXTRA: Joy as Joke becomes a Professor in UI, By Sunday Saanu appeared first on Frontpageng.

In separate statements, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole  (2010-2015), and Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka (2015-2020) described Saanu as well deserving of the offer.

Saanu had, on his Facebook wall on Monday, announced the offer by the university, just as he displayed his excitement and determination to make the best of the opportunity.

“While I sincerely thank the ACU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Abiodun Adebayo for providing the rare privilege and honour, finding me worthy of such an amazing opportunity, I greatly appreciate the UI Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebola Babatunde Ekanola for giving me an executive approval on behalf of Appointment and Promotion Committee. I equally thank all my bosses at different levels for making it possible for me to change environment,” Saanu had enthused.

Few hours after the announcement of the offer, his former bosses, Professor Adewole and Professor Olayinka, were full of praises for him.

Said Adewole: “Saanu, I have always believed you are a talented writer. You write with all the felicities in an elegant manner, dazzling your reader with amazing striking phrases and vocabularies. Once anyone begins to read your article, the reader will be compelled to read it to the last paragraph with the way you mesmerize the reader.

“While I was the UI VC, many people keep asking me wherever I go “who is Sunday Saanu? He writes well”. I am not therefore surprised by the desire of the Ajayi Crowther University to have you on their campus for one year on sabbatical. This is the same sabbatical opportunity some Professors are looking for, and some don’t get it. This is the same opportunity given to you on account of your creativity, resourcefulness and hard work…

“You should continue to do your work with all the passion. Don’t ever listen to the noise in the market place. Forget about those who don’t like you. Not everyone will like you. It is the result that cancels out the blackmail of the traducers. Congratulations S. S. More knowledge and wisdom.”

The immediate past vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Olayinka, also shared the same view in his remarks.

“You have a knack for creating a newsworthy article from nearly every situation. We trust you will continue to display the same diligence, hardwork, passion and perseverance that one has observed in you over the last 15 years or so.

“As I have had cause to confide in you previously, a senior friend of mine who once served as the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, contacted me many years ago on his desire to offer you employment even though he had only known you by reputation. Naturally, I did not encourage him to ‘snatch’ our very good staff.”

“As the saying goes, the gold fish has no hiding place. Continue to excel while we take judicial notice from the side lines. This prophet is not without honour in his home front. A major weakness of some of us is that we recognise talents when we spot one. Best wishes at your temporary place of abode for your sabbatical year. Meanwhile, congratulations SS.”

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