Ajayi Crowther Varsity rejoices with Prof. Ayo Banjo @88

From Ogundele Olanrewaju

The Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Professor Timothy Abiodun Adebayo, on Monday, felicitated the Chairman of Board of Trustees of the university, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo on the occasion of his 88th birthday.

In a statement from the Office of the Vice Chancellor noted that the history of the development of Ajayi Crowther University, University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, and indeed, tertiary education in Nigeria, would be grossly incomplete without the conspicuous and explicit mention of the Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo.

He described Professor Banjo, who he respectfully refers to as ‘Baba Banjo’, as an epitome of integrity, hard work, discipline and humility.

Professor Adebayo noted that Baba Banjo had given him the maximum cooperation any vice- Chancellor would ever require from the Charman of the Board of Trustees of the University.

He pointed out that the Emeritus Professor had played a pivotal role in the establishment of the University, having served as member of the implementation Committee for the establishment of the University and the Pioneering Chairman of the University Governing Council.

He said the Emeritus Professor guided the University through its teething period, and expressed gratitude to God, given the fact that the University has continued to grow and fulfil its mandate under the watch of Professor Banjo as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, currently the chairman of the Governing Board of National Universities Commission(NUC), is the longest serving Vice- Chancellor of the University of Ibadan; he occupied that office from December 1, 1984 till November 30, 1991, after initially serving in the acting capacity, in the same office from November , 1983 to November 1984.

Professor Timothy Abiodun Adebayo acknowledged that Professor Banjo had paid his dues in the University of Ibadan, which he joined as a lecturer in 1966, and later rose therein to the exalted position of Professor in 1975.

Professor Banjo, Professor of English Language, has served as Chairman Advisory Committee on Nigerian Language Centre, Chairman National Committee on English Language, President, Nigerian Academy of Letters(2000-2004), President, West African Modern Language Association, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Prestigious Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas price for Literature, Pro- Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt (2000-2004), Pro-Chancellor, University of IIorin(2005-2007), among others.Adebayo stated that Baba Banjo has availed the Ajayi Crowther University of his vast experience in the sector, and prayed God to grant him good health to continue to use his rich and enriching acumen for the good of the nation.

Adebayo said he was glad that Baba Banjo had been kind enough to put down his vast experience in his memoirs, the latest being his autobiography entitled: ‘ Morning by Morning’ which he recommended to all and sundry, especially those in the academia who wish to drink from the fountain of knowledge and experience of the Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo.

“On behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Congregation, Staff and Students of the University, Professor Adebayo wished Baba Banjo a wonderful birthday”, the VC said.