Celebrating Professor Oladele Awobuluyi, Unilorin’s Enduring Visionary

As the University of Ilorin, affectionately known as the “Better by Far” University, gears up for its momentous 50th-anniversary celebration in 2025 – a testament to its establishment in 1975 – it’s crucial to cast a spotlight on one of its true luminaries: the esteemed Professor Oladele Awobuluyi.

More than just the first inaugural lecturer, Professor Awobuluyi stands as one of the veritable founding fathers of the University of Ilorin. His profound vision and unwavering dedication played a pivotal, instrumental role in meticulously shaping the nascent institution into the academic powerhouse it is today.

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In its foundational year, the University of Ilorin commenced operations with three pioneering faculties: Arts, Education, and Science. It was within this crucial period that Professor Awobuluyi, a distinguished linguist and erudite scholar, assumed the mantle of the Pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Arts (1976-1980). His leadership extended further as he also served as the Pioneer Head of the Department of Linguistics, a department that would later evolve into the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages.

Professor Oladele Awobuluyi etched his name into the university’s history by delivering its first inaugural lecture on February 15, 1979. His seminal address, titled “The New National Policy on Education In Linguistics Perspectives,” set a high academic standard for all subsequent scholarly presentations.

A truly heartwarming and poignant moment occurred recently, on May 22, 2025, when Professor Awobuluyi, 46 years after his own historic lecture, graced the university’s 282nd inaugural lecture. The occasion was made even more significant as the lecture was delivered by Professor Bolanle Elizabeth Arokoyo, the very first female professor to emerge from the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages. His presence was a vivid reminder of the enduring legacy he established, and it was evident that “Baba” (a term of endearment for an elder) genuinely rejoiced in witnessing this momentous achievement.

The entire University of Ilorin community remains profoundly grateful for his continued presence and invaluable contributions to its ongoing success.