The 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Idowu Olayinka, yesterday, rejoiced with the sixth Vice Chancellor of the university, Emeritus Prof Ayo Banjo, who clocks 90 years today.
Olayinka, in a tribute made available to The Guardian in Ibadan, described Banjo as an inimitable exemplar to covet. Olayinka said: ‘’The then little bundle of joy has grown to be known as Professor Emeritus Ayo Banjo, quondam Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
“He turns 90 years old today. It is time to celebrate an academic luminary, an icon, an eminent citizen of the world and a father figure to many. His illustrious career in adult has been the rise and rise of Ayo Banjo. Anything he does not know about university administration in Nigeria is probably not worth knowing.
“I was recruited as a temporary lecturer in the Department of Geology, University of Ibadan during the first term of Professor Ayo Banjo as the sixth Vice-Chancellor of the University following the recommendation of two successive Heads of the Department of Geology.”
According to Olayinka, Banjo is easily the longest-serving vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan, serving in that capacity for the maximum of two terms allowed then by law from December 1, 1984, till 30 November 1991.
He was previously the acting Vice Chancellor from November 30, 1983, till November 30, 1984. He had at various times been Deputy Vice Chancellor and Dean, Faculty of Arts.
He has obviously paid his dues to the university where he had been a lecturer since 1966, a professor since 1975 and a professor Emeritus since 1997. He was a former Chairman, National Committee on English Language (WAEC); President, Nigerian Academy of Letters (2000-2004), among others. The 12th VC noted that beyond all Banjo’s accomplishments, the don is a very humane person.
