By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter Olapegba, has said that the University of Ibadan remains the constituency of Late Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, saying the community would continue to honour his meritorious service to humanity and his enduring legacies.
Professor Olapegba made the remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale while receiving members of the Nigerian Academy of Letters during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office.
The DVC said Professor Ayo Banjo was the most profound Vice-Chancellor UI has had, not only because he was the longest-serving Vice-Chancellor but also due to his significant contributions to humanity and the legacies that he left behind.
He expressed happiness that the NAL would be honouring the late Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo.
Professor Olapegba said he was not surprised when the NAL President stated that UI has the largest membership in the NAL and the highest number of fellows, given that UI is the first university in the country, and many Professors of English in the country were taught by people who attended UI.
The DVC assured that UI will continue to produce outstanding individuals for the country and the world.
Professor Olapegba said, “We need to celebrate Prof. Ayo Banjo and keep celebrating him,” noting that UI had already immortalised him by naming the Vice-Chancellor’s lodge “Ayo Banjo Manor” while he was still alive.
The President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Professor Sola Akinrinade, earlier in his remarks said the UI contingent in academics is one of the largest and strongest, and it is a pride to meet with them.
He explained that the purpose of the visit was to enable NAL to celebrate the Late Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo at an International Symposium organised in his honour because he was the second President of the Academy and one of its pillars.
He appreciated UI for hosting the Secretariat of the Nigerian Academy of Letters for many years.
Professor Akinrinade said that there is a Book of Tributes for Professor Ayo Banjo that will be presented to the family.
He commended the UI community for holding Late Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo in high esteem and continuing to celebrate his legacies.
Emeritus Professor Munzali Jubril of Bayero University Kano will be delivering the keynote lecture titled “The State of the Nigerian English Art”, he added.
