By Tosin Adesile
Distinguished Professor Olukayode Amund,after a highly dedicated and impressive academic sojourn of over forty-five (45) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), peers, colleagues, family, friends, mentees and students rolled out the drums in grand style to celebrate his 70th birthday and retirement from the services of the University on Thursday, May 4, 2023.
At a well celebrated event in Honor of Distinguished Professor Olukayode Amund was a Valedictory/Exaugural Lecture held at the Distance Learning Institute Auditorium as well as a Grand Reception held at the Tolu Odugbemi popularly known as Staff School Hall.
The event which saw the Unveiling of Contemporary Issues of The Nigerian Petroleum Industry: A Festschrift in Honour of Distinguished Professor Olukayode Amund edited by Oluwafemi Sunday Obayeri and Mathew Olusoji Ilori.
The ceremony had in attendance a wide array of notable academics, professionals and personalities such as Former First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola as Special Guest of Honor, Former Pro-chancellor and Chairman, UNILAG Governing Council, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the Chief Launcher who was represented by Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, SAN; Founder of Elizade University, Chief Micheal Ade Ojo, the Father of Day represented by the Registrar of Elizade University, Mr. Omololu Adegbenro ; Chairman/ Managing Director of Mopson Pharmaceutical Limited, Dr. Michael Oyebanjo Paul who served as Chairman of the Occasion, Former Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Rahamon A. Bello, FAEng, among others. Distinguished Professor Dele Olowokudejo served as the Book Reviewer.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics and Research), Professor Bolanle Oboh who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, expressed delight at the indelible legacies and impactful academic inputs of Distinguished Professor Amund.
According to her, “today’s celebrant is retiring but not tired. We, at the University of Lagos, are proud of him, and heartily congratulate him as he has replicated himself in several of his products who are today Professors, Associate Professors, doctors and accomplished individuals in corporate organisations.”
In her remarks, former First Lady of Lagos State and wife of the current Minister of Works and Housing, Dame Abimbola Fashola noted that Nigeria is blessed to have such an accomplished scholar who has remained a positive influence in the lives of people.
Her words, “I have known Professor Amund whom God has blessed with good health, tenacity and brilliance, for more than a decade. His great virtues have kept him moving to this very interesting and fulfilling moment.”
He expressed gratitude to the sponsor of the event, Professor Daniel Olukoya of Mountain of life and Miracle Ministry, organisers, guests as well as members of the university community. Distinguished Professor Amund, FAS who is the current Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, appreciated the founder of the private tertiary institution, Chief Micheal Ade Ojo for the confidence reposed in him.
In response, Distinguished Professor Olukayode Amund, FAS described himself as a fulfilled man whose tenacity, commitment to excellence in knowledge, and uncompromising character had yielded great rewards.