Uni Ibadan VC eulogises retiring Prof. Onuka at 70

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, has has showered encomium on Prof. Adams Onuka of the university’s Institute of Education for contributing to the growth of education in the country.

Adebowale made the commendation on Saturday in Ibadan at the 70th birthday and retirement ceremony of Onuka held at the Chapel of Resurrection in the university.

Adebowale said that Onuka, a Professor of Research, Evaluation, Business and Management Education had over 180 scholarly publications to his credit before his retirement.

He said that his publications if monetized, would be more than enough to procure a presidential nomination form at N100 million or any other position in any political party.

“I played it down in my mind and concluded that N100 million would require Prof. Onuka saving his earnings for 20 years,” he said

Adebowale noted that the retirement of Onuka would leave a void in the academia, adding that the professor served UI and the nation faithfully and diligently.

He, therefore, called for improved remuneration for lecturers for their intellectual contributions to the Nigerian education system.

In his remarks, a Professor Emeritus, Pai Obanya of the Institute of Education, University of Ibadan also eulogised the virtues of the retiring professor.

“In life you do not retire, you ‘re-fire’. So, this is the time to bring out the best in you to the service of God and humanity,” he said.

Responding, Onuka who celebrated his retirement age alongside his grandson, Eleazer Odikayor who clocked 11 years and the presentation of one of his books called for qualitative education in the country.

“It is not about apportioning blames but it is in everyone doing his part to make education work.

“We want every stakeholder to know what it means to have a quality education,” he said.

Earlier, Bishop Joseph Olusola of the Anglican Diocese, Ijesha North, urged the congregation to live their lives with eternity in view.

“Build a better capacity with prayer and the word of God, and reaching out to the world,” Olusola said.

Our correspondent reports that the programme was celebrated alongside Onuka’s Golden Jubilee wedding anniversary and the inauguration of his organisation, “The Barnabas Network.”

The books titled “Quality Assurance in Education and “Quantum Grace and Mercy” was reviewed by Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, represented by Prof. Peter Olapegba, a UI council member.