UNILAG Eulogises Late Ex-VC, Ade-Ajayi, At Special Session

The University of Lagos on Monday held a Special Senate session to
honour its third Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor, Jacob Ade-Ajayi,
who died on August 9, 2014 at the age of 85.

Ade-Ajayi, a renowned historian, was Vice-Chancellor of the University
from 1972 to 1978.

One of his legacies was his devotion to a nationalist agenda for
history in African universities as he was said to have led other
Africans, rather than foreigners, in telling the story of Africa's
history.

The current Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Rahamon Bello,
who presided over the Special Senate meeting, noted that the demise of
Ade-Ajayi had robbed the intellectual community of one of its best in
African history.

He described the late historian as "the architect of modern UNILAG",
adding that his loss would be felt by all in the university.

He said, "The University of Lagos joins the Ade-Ajayi family in
mourning the departure of our third Vice-Chancellor. Prof Ade-Ajayi
was obviously a great scholar. African history owes him an enormous
debt of gratitude for pioneering, with a few others, a nationalist
historiography.

"Many attest that he had the gift of innovative thinking, visionary
spirit and the tenacious patience required to successfully lead
meaningful reform. Such rare skills were brought to bear during his
tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos".

Bellor stated that Ade-Ajayi introduced the Faculty System, stating
that his love for the university led him to write to President
Goodluck Jonathan during the name change saga in 2012 that the action
be reconsidered.

Prof. John Pepper Clark, while delivering his tribute, noted that it
was Ade-Ajayi "who made the University to gain international
recognition".

He saluted the former VC for his stint in the world of history and
lambasted the Federal Government for excluding history from among the
subjects taught in secondary schools.

Also, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Ayodele Ogunye, who recounted
the personal relationship he had with Ade-Ajayi, described the
deceased as a "mentor".