Last Updated on February 28, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Tofunmi Adebayo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-UNAAB) Branch, today, February 25, 2025, held a Special Congress in honour of the late world-renowned expert in Biochemical Toxicology, Prof. Oladipo Ademuyiwa.
Speaking at the solemn event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde described the late Prof. Ademuyiwa as an intellectual giant, a devoted mentor, and a staunch advocate of academic integrity.
Expressing heartfelt condolences to Prof. Ademuyiwa’s family and colleagues, the Vice-Chancellor acknowledged his invaluable contributions to the University. In recognition of his legacy, Prof. Kehinde announced that the late Professor’s Inaugural Lecture, scheduled for March 12, 2025, would be published, distributed, and preserved as part of the University’s official records, ensuring that his scholarly work remains a lasting reference for future generations.
Speaking on the topic, “Scholar Activism and the Challenges of Development in a Neo-colony,” Dr. Dele Ashiru examined the role of intellectuals in today’s challenging times, distinguishing between mere university teachers and true intellectuals. He asserted that intellectuals must not only teach but also use their knowledge to address social inequalities, exploitation, and political marginalisation. He called for scholar activism that extends beyond the classroom to tackle societal issues such as poverty, unemployment, and governance failures.
Dr. Ashiru, the immediate Past Chairman, University of Lagos (ASUU-UNILAG) Branch lamented the increasing dependency of Nigerian leaders on foreign influence and the paradox of politicians seeking medical care abroad while their remains are eventually brought home for burial. He emphasised the need to decolonise education, promote indigenous knowledge, and establish a Centre for Popular Education, a hub for intellectual activism, knowledge production, and community engagement aimed at driving social change.
A longtime friend and colleague, Prof. Kayode Bamgbose, provided an extensive narrative of Prof. Ademuyiwa’s life journey, from his birth to education both at local and international – PhD in Biochemical Toxicology from Ludwig Maximilian University (now the University of Munich), and subsequently his career development from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago,-Iwoye to FUNAAB, where he rose to become a Professor of Biochemical Toxicology in 2008.
Speakers at the Congress underscored his impact beyond the classroom. The Dean, College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, drew from the Book of Corinthians, emphasising the hope of immortality and triumph over death. ASUU-UNAAB Chairman, Dr. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, reflected on the significance of academic leadership in societal transformation, acknowledging Prof. Ademuyiwa’s role in shaping intellectual discourse and mentoring future scholars. He mentioned that the late Professor was the Chairman of the ASUU-UNAAB Scholarship Committee.
Other tributes came from the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi; Prof. Justina Porbeni; and Prof. Olaniyi Olayiwola, while the National Treasurer of ASUU, Prof. Olusiji Sowande, delivered the closing remarks.
The Congress concluded with a collective acknowledgement of the void left by Prof. Ademuyiwa’s passing. However, there was also a renewed commitment among academics to uphold the values he championed, academic excellence, unionism, and the fearless pursuit of truth.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at the Congress was solemn yet deeply reflective of Prof. Ademuyiwa’s impact on academia and society. The event was witnessed by the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Omolara Ademuyiwa and some of his children, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo, and several Academic Staff who came to pay tribute to a distinguished scholar whose contributions to Biochemical Toxicology and University unionism were profound.
