prof. Osundare's picture
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, has congratulated this year's sole winner of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) award, Professor Niyi Osundare, whom he described as a foremost African poet. The VC said that the conferment of the prestigious award, on the poet laureate, is a testament to his excellence in literary creativity and exceptional human rights activism. Professor Adewole also noted that Professor Osundare is an academic with excellent credentials and an exceptional international reputation, an amiable mentor, humane teacher and astute administrator, who contributed to the enviable status of UI's Department of English, which he served as Head. According to the VC, Professor Osundare served as Head, Department of English, Faculty of Arts, with distinction and agreed with the Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM), Professor Etim Essien, that, Professor Osundare had proved his worth in literary, academic and sundry human spheres. Professor Adewole said, "On behalf of Council, Senate, Congregation, Management, Staff and Students of the University of Ibadan, I warmly felicitate with you. Ibadan is proud of you as a great academic, compassionate administrator and worthy alumnus. UI says you have upheld the traditions of excellence, discipline and forthrightness laid by the founding fathers of our institution as a golden legacy. You are a role model and an inspiration, both to younger colleagues and to students. You are the quintessential UI icon! Keep up the good work.