Ede agog for LAUTECH don’s professorial chair

Family and friends from across the country on Sunday flooded the ancient city of Ede, Osun, to join the fiesta marking the grand professorial chair of LAUTECH don, Professor Lukman Adekilekun Jimoda at Western Sun International Hotel.

Professor Jimoda, a distinct son from Adekilekun dynasty in Ede was recently elevated to coveted position of professor of Chemical Engineering by the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.

The fiesta involves various activities with several people making different remarks about the celebrant while artists exhibit some cultural styles to entertain people.

The event which witnessed a mammoth crowd had in attendance the Timi of Ede land, HRM. Oba (Dr) Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Adeleke and other eminent personalities in both Osun and other states.

Other dignitaries at the event include the LAUTECH Vice Chancellor, Professor Fisayo Ologunde ably represented by Professor Ogunleye from Chemical Engineering department, the Rector Polytechnic Ibadan—Professor Adebiyi, LAUTECH Former Deputy Dean of Management sciences, Professor Remi Aworemi, LAUTECH Dean of Students Affairs— Dr Azeem Ige, ASUU Chairman—Dr Abiodun Olaniran, JAC Chairman, Comrade Alesinloye, postgraduate and undergraduate students to mention but few.

Professor Jacob Ademola Sonibare of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, delivered a public lecture at the occasion titled; “Sustenance of Academic Focus and Societal Revolution on Attainment of Professorial chair in Nigerian Universities” in honour of the LAUTECH don.

Sonibare in his presentation expressed his concern about how: “an academic can easily stray away from the core research area on attainment of professorial chair and the need for every academic to remain determined amidst daily exerts of heavy pressure in the academic community pushing us out of what they know how to do.”

The OAU don urged Professor Jimoda to be a problem solver especially now that he’s been elevated as Professor.

According to him, the best thing to happen to a scientist is using the acquired knowledge to positively influence the society in which he or she operates.

He said the professorial chair is the best time to get closer to the people. It is time to daily search for research fund so that postgraduate students can be attracted to your laboratory.

“This is the time to get closer to the students— both undergraduate and graduate— so as to know what challenges they pass through and how they can be assisted”, he concluded.

While congratulating Professor Jimoda for the remarkable feat, the LAUTECH Vice Chancellor Representative, Professor Ogunleye said Professor Jimoda is someone that can be trusted.

“I met Jimoda in July 4, 2005. One thing I know about him is that he is someone that can be trusted and reliable. That’s the kind of person he is.”

“Apart from being a learnered perosn, he is well trained, brought up and has native intelligence.”

“So many things can be said about him but the interesting part is that he has a listening ears.

“Professor Jimoda is a mentor and deserve to mentor others. So, use your position well”, Ogunleleye concluded.

In his remarks, the Dean of engineering, Professor Jekaifa said Professor Jimoda is a modest man. He is not fanatical when it comes to religion.

Jekaifa further said that in the company of Jimoda, you can discuss anything. And in fact, you can discuss Osun and Oyo affairs

On his part, the Dean of students affairs, Dr Ige said he got to know Jimoda when he served with him as deputy dean.

Professor Jimoda is a goal getter. He is highly loyal to whoever he is serving. Despite the situation, during the VC reign, he submitted totally to the former Vice Chancellor.

Ige reiterated that Professor Jimoda don’t harbor grudges. He said that Ede people should have gone for Professor Jimoda when the town was in search of Rector of the town polytechnic.

“Jimoda is a rare gem. A reliable man. He’s a practicing Muslim. And as such, any position he occupies, he will deliver,” he said.

The Ibadan Poly Rector, Professor Adebiyi described Jimoda as a man of humility and highly committed to superior authority. “Whatever he won’t do, he won’t say it.”

He concluded by praying for him as he said he has reached zenith of his career.

Both the union leadership of Ladoke Akintola university of Technology, Ogbomoso, ASUU and JAC also made good remarks about the celebrant including staff of the institution.