LASU Dept of History and International Studies Honours Two Retiring Professors With Colloquium

*Photo: A group photograph taken at the Colloquium*

The Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University on Thursday, 28th March 2024, held a colloquium in honour of two retiring professors of the Department; Professor Modupeolu Faseke and Professor Oladele Adeoti.

The event was held at Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, main campus, Ojo, Lagos.

The Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Taiwo M. Salisu, who was represented by Professor Isaac Yekini-Ajenifuja, appreciated the Department for deeming it fit to honour the celebrants, describing them as people of great honour.

The Dean noted that the event was held in recognition of the hardwork of the two retiring professors who have impacted lives in the university. “…they are icons to recognise in their professions and have immensely contributed to the growth of the faculty,” he said.

The Head of Department, History and International Studies, Professor Adewunmi J. Falode, in his address, appreciated the celebrants for their work ethics and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi I. Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, for her continuous support to the Department. He expressed his profound gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for the substantial financial and material support that contributed immensely to the success of the event.

Professor Falode described the retiring historical scholars as teachers who have devoted their time to train students within and outside the university.

The first speaker at the colloquium was Professor Ademola Ajayi from the Department of History, University of Ibadan, Oyo State. He presented a paper titled ”Ezekiel Oladele Adeoti: The Career and Scholarship of a Nigerian Historian”.

Professor Ajayi took the audience through the life and career of Professor Adeoti, saying that “…there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the retiree has been actively involved in teaching, research and community service thereby contributing his bit to societal development at the micro and macro level. This colloquium has provided us with a suitable occasion to look at Ezekiel Oladele Adeoti’s career as a teacher, historian, and scholar, and in the process analyse the major issues around which his scholarship has evolved. His accomplishments in teaching, research, and community service serve as an inspiration to the old and young within and outside the ivory tower.” Prof. Ajayi said.

The second speaker was Professor Olufunke Adeboye from the Department of History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos, Akoka. She presented a paper titled “Celebrating an Amazon @ 70 : Professor Modupeolu Faseke.”

She averred that the career of Professor Faseke is a fruitful and fulfilling one that has been marked by hardwork, diligence and commitment. Her words “…it has been a career dedicated to mentoring and nurturing young people to be the best they can be and therefore fulfilling their potentials. I stand here as a testament to that,” she added.

Professor Adeboye affirmed that Professor Faseke in the course of her career has rendered selfless service to the academic, church, nigerian and global community which has attracted recognition from far and wide in terms of local and global awards.

The celebrants Professor Modupeolu Faseke and Professor Oladele Adeoti, in their responses appreciated God for His mercies over their lives and the Department as well as the guest speakers for their contributions to the success of the event.

The highlight of the well attended event was the presentation of awards to the celebrants and some senior members of staff in the Department. A former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Abolade Adeniji and Professor Jamiu Oluwatoki received the recognition awards.

The Department also recognised and appreciated the efforts and contributions of past members of the Department such as Professor Hakeem Danmole, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Dr Charles Alade, Late Professor Ogunremi, Late Professor Kunle Lawal and Late Dr (Mrs) Abosede Oguntola with awards.