Distinguished dignitaries including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, converged on Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, to honor Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN.
The event, held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, saw Prof. Ali being conferred with the esteemed “Award of Excellence in Research Practice.”
Prof. Egbewole lauded the award as “well-deserved,” highlighting Prof. Ali’s exceptional career in legal practice, academic achievements, and community service.
“Considering Prof. Ali’s trajectory of excellence, this recognition comes as no surprise,” said Prof. Egbewole.
He emphasized that Prof. Ali’s selection for the award is a testament to his significant contributions to legal scholarship and his impactful role as an OAU alumnus.
Prof. Egbewole further noted Prof. Ali’s influence extends beyond OAU, impacting numerous universities across the nation.
His contributions to legal education and infrastructure development, as well as his philanthropic efforts for indigent students, are well-recognized.
Specifically, at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Ali has served as a pro-bono adjunct lecturer in the Faculty of Law for decades and has donated several buildings, including student hostels and lecture halls.
“His life-touching interventions at the University of Ilorin also include financial and material donations to our Faculties, Centres, and Units,” Prof. Egbewole remarked, expressing profound pride in Prof. Ali’s accomplishments and wishing him continued success.
Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar and CEO of JAMB, echoed these sentiments, describing Prof. Ali as an outstanding professional who has made significant contributions both as a legal expert and an academic. “OAU made a very good choice in Prof. Ali with the conferment of this award,” said Prof. Oloyede, who also served as a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.
Prof. Oloyede emphasized that universities should celebrate individuals like Prof. Ali who have tangible contributions to offer humanity.
He encouraged academic institutions to continue recognizing and honoring accomplished individuals to inspire excellence in others. “The society should not wait for the accomplished to pass on before they are celebrated,” he added.
Oloyede expressed gratitude to the management, staff, and students of OAU for recognizing Prof. Ali’s remarkable contributions. “Since I knew him about 50 years ago, he has never disappointed,” Oloyede concluded.