Professor Adeyemi: Eulogizing a Teacher Who Teaches Without Teasing

Our world is made and ruled obviously not by boors, peasants or teasers, but by teachers who teach the world what it knows. Tributes pour in for Professor Babatunde Adeniyi Adeyemi, as a distinguished educator, scholar, mentor, and teacher, who teaches without teasing, joins the prestigious Nigeria Academy of Education. This milestone honors his exceptional contributions to the field of education, inspiring generations of students and colleagues.

With over three decades of teaching experience, Professor Adeyemi has instilled knowledge and wisdom in countless minds. His teaching philosophy embodies compassion, empathy, and understanding, breaking down complex concepts into accessible knowledge. As a Professor in the Institute of Education, Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, he has nurtured minds and fostered growth.

Professor Adeyemi’s research expertise spans Social Studies, Curriculum Studies, and Educational Evaluation. His numerous publications in renowned local, national, and international journals have significantly impacted education policy and practice, and his presentations at conferences worldwide have earned him recognition as a leading authority in his field. Notably, on Tuesday, 8th November, 2022, he presented the 366th epoch-making Inaugural Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, titled ”That I May Learn a Multidisciplinary Approach Discipline – Social Studies: Jack Of All Trade, Master Of All” at Oduduwa Hall in the University.

He is a good mentor as over a thousand undergraduate and postgraduate students have benefited from Professor Adeyemi’s guidance. His door remains open to aspiring scholars, offering valuable advice and encouragement. His legacy extends beyond the classroom, shaping educators and leaders who will continue his mission.

In the area of leadership and service, Professor Adeyemi’s administrative acumen has benefited various institutions. As Director, Institute of Education at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, he spearheaded innovative initiatives. He currently serves as Deputy Director, Centre for Distance Learning, and chairs key committees, including Chairman, Faculty of Education Accreditation Committee, Chairman, Faculty of Education Quality Assurance Committee, and Representative, University Senate on the Business Committee of Senate of the OAU, where he’s holding the stake of ensuring academic excellence and quality assurance.

His academic scholarship earned him highly respected leadership and stakeholdership, as Managing Editor, Ife Journal of Theory and Research in Education, Editor, Ife Journals of the Humanities and Social Studies (IJOHUSS), External Examiner and Assessor to several universities, Resource person, facilitator, and consultant to national education institutions, Member (leader), Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation teams, among others.

Professor Adeyemi’s affiliations with esteemed professional bodies demonstrate his commitment to education’s advancement. He is a professional member of Social Studies Association of Nigeria (SOSAN), National Association of Educational Researchers and Evaluators (NAERE), History of Education Society of Nigeria (HESN), African Sociological Association (AfSA), and Reading Association of Nigeria (RAN). Others are: Global Education Network (GEN), Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management (CIPDM), Educational Assessment and Research Network in Africa (EARNiA), Association of Behavioural Research Analysts and Psychometrician (AB-REAP) as well as Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

He is a Fellow of the Scholars Academic and Scientific Society (FSASS), a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), a Fellow of the Institute of Policy Management Development (FIPMD); a Fellow of Chartered Management Consultant (CMC); a Fellow of National Association of Pastoral Counsellors (FNAP); and a Charter Member of National Association of Artificial Intelligence Practitioners (NAAIP).

Professor Adeyemi’s novel academic profile has also earned him another trophy as his country-home, Iragbiji, in Osun State, would be conferring on him an Award of Excellence as Distinguished Scholar in Education. According to a ceremony committee set up for his Award amongst a few other worthy Awardees, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi Odundun IV, who is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) will host the event and present the award in company of the Hon. Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and other notable attendees.

Today, Wednesday, Professor Babatunde Adeniyi Adeyemi will be inducted into the Nigeria Academy of Education. His induction is a well-deserved recognition of his tireless efforts to advance education in Nigeria. His commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service serves as an inspiration to scholars and educators nationwide. As he joins the prestigious professional body today, we honor a teacher who teaches without teasing, a true icon in education, and celebrate his selfless devotion to teaching, mentorship and scholarship.

Dr. Olorede is Head, Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies at a Federal Higher Institution in Nigeria. He writes in via oloredejimoh@gmail.com.