Falola hosts reception honoring UI’s Professor Aguoru, Director of CETeL

Eminent scholar and foremost historian, Professor Toyin Falola, who is the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities, Professor of History, and University Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, has hosted a reception in honor of Professor Adedoyin Aguoru, Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETeL) at the University of Ibadan, following her recent elevation to the rank of full Professor of English.

The reception, which was held at the Polo Club, Eleyele, Ibadan, on Wednesday, brought together academics, associates, loved ones, and well-wishers to celebrate Professor Aguoru’s academic achievements. Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Falola described Aguoru as an outstanding scholar whose intellectual contributions continue to impact both national and global academic spaces.

“I have known Professor Aguoru for quite some time now,” Falola said. “While she specializes in Literature, I am a Professor of History. Although on the surface, our disciplines may seem distinct, we share a deeper intellectual foundation that conditions us to undertake rigorous academic engagements for quality knowledge production.”

He lauded Aguoru’s intellectual depth and contributions to academia, emphasizing that her status in the academic world was well-earned. “I have known Professor Aguoru enough to know that her stature in academia is intimidating—a stature earned through relentless academic undertakings,” he stated. “It is often assumed that geography and discipline create barriers in academic interactions, but the reality is different. In academia, our names and reputations precede us, making it easier to connect with scholars of great intellectual substance like Professor Aguoru.”

Speaking on her remarkable contributions to literary and interdisciplinary scholarship, Falola highlighted her ability to critically engage with complex themes. “She is an individual with an uncommon capacity for critical thinking,” he said. “Her ability to objectively analyze events of the world using literary productions as data demonstrates her mastery of her field.”

He further praised her creativity, stating, “Professor Aguoru is an embodiment of creativity. Her work not only critically challenges assumptions and stereotypes but also explores new possibilities that showcase the boundless reach of the human mind. It is, therefore, no surprise that she has established herself as one of those authors I look forward to reading, drawing deeply from her immense well of knowledge.”

Expressing gratitude for the honor, Professor Aguoru shared her surprise and appreciation for the gesture, emphasizing how much it meant to her. “It is a very pleasant surprise indeed!” she said. “I have participated in and attended Professor Falola’s hosting of such receptions in honor of his friends, but I never thought he, his kind and amiable wife, and his close associates would bestow such an honor upon me. It means a lot.”

She reflected on her academic journey and the influence Falola has had on her intellectual development. “Baba TF, as I fondly call him, is a mentor of sorts to me. Even though I met him in 2008, I began to closely observe his style and relate with him when I was appointed Secretary LOC as well as the conference administrator for TOFAC 2013, a conference annually held in his honor,” she noted. “Professor Falola’s brain cells move consistently, and it is impossible to relate with him without catching the bug.”

Aguoru described Falola’s mentorship style as both challenging and rewarding. “TF’s strategic tool for grooming is by asking direct or indirect probing questions,” she said. “I have had to think and rethink my research interests and strategies for execution. I have had to answer brutally posed questions on Japanese Studies, Biographical Studies, Gender Studies, intellectual focus, and identity as a playwright. Prof. Falola can be a ‘Father Christmas’ or a ‘Hard-Nosed Critical Senior Colleague.’”

Falola, while explaining the reason for celebrating Aguoru, emphasized his commitment to supporting the happiness and success of those who make significant contributions to academia. “When you look at life, especially after attaining the age that I have, you realize that the only thing humans truly seek is happiness,” he stated. “Regardless of race or class, everyone wants to be happy. My happiness, however, lies in the number of lives I touch and impact maximally.”

He noted that his family shares this belief and saw Aguoru as a scholar who exemplifies intellectual excellence. “My family duly believed—and still does—that Professor Aguoru is one of the current generation of academics who would continue to make intellectualism worthy of its salt, and for that reason, she deserves to be celebrated,” he said. “This honor not only acknowledges her outstanding achievements but also inspires greater participation in academic discourse, motivating others to uphold the standards she has set.”

Falola further stated that the recognition serves as a means to amplify Aguoru’s scholarly work and bring it to the forefront of intellectual discussions. “The ripple effects of such recognition are far-reaching, no doubt,” he said. “More than that, this honor will help her amplify her works by bringing them to the forefront of academic discussions, where they rightly belong and deserve to flourish in multiple dimensions.”

The event reinforced Falola’s dedication to mentoring and celebrating outstanding scholars, further cementing his role as a key figure in shaping intellectual culture within and beyond Nigeria.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE