- Prof Oloyede*
The Nigerian Academy of L e t t e r s ( N A L ) h as commended the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for the transformations he has brought to public service, particularly in the running of JAMB.
The commendation was made at the first biennial conference of NAL held recently at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, according to the latest edition of JAMBulleting, made available on Sunday to The State Online, by JAMB Head of Media, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
The newsletter said the President of NAL, Prof. Francis Egbokhare, pointed out that, “NAL recognizes and supports JAMB especially with respect to the drive and motivation of the current Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who is a worthy fellow of the Academy in his untiring efforts to serve the nation with dignity and integrity”.
On the conference, Prof. Egbokhare said “The reason for the conference is the need to find an alternative narrative in place of the usual social narratives in defining “Nigerianess” especially by identifying the interfaces, convergences and pathways as enduring legacies for future generations”.
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, OAU, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, lauded the initiatives ofthe fellows of the Academy for organizing the maiden conference that attracted men and women ofsubstance in the literary sphere of the country to discuss critical issues bordering on “Nigerianess.”
Similarly, in a keynote address, Profess r E m e r i t u s O l a j i d e Oshuntokun, who was represented at the occasion by Prof. Tayo Adeshina of OAU, examined the concept of Nigeria f r o m t he period of Independence through the phases of transformations and constitutional development processes leading to independence, crisis management and current situational analysis.
Prof. Adeshina in his presentation also recommended possible alternatives to the present system and organization of government and governance for a more stable and united Nigeria.
The event, which was well attended by eminent scholars witnessed the presentation of four papers, namely “Defining Nigerianess: Interfaces,Convergences and Pathways; Nigeria National Integration in a Pluralistic Country” by Professor Emeritus O l a j i de O s h u n t o k u n ; “ F r o m Colonization to Post-Colonialism: Historicising the Nature and Development of the Nigeria Health System” by Prof. Adeleke Adeoke (USA).
Others were, “Cultural Values as Identity” by Prof. Asabe Kabir Usman of the Uthman Danfodio University, S o k o t o a n d “ W o m a n h o o d , Existentialized Challenges and Negotiated…” by Dr. (Mrs.) U. Mfon, University of Calabar. The event was graced by Professor Emeritus Ayo Banjo; Professor E m e r i t u s B a m g b o s e ; P r o f . Oshuntokun; Prof. Ayo Kehinde; Prof. Sunny Ododo and Prof. Andrew Haruna.
Others were Prof. Ademola Da-Saliva, Prof Asabe Kabir, Ademola Adeoti, Prof. Francis Egbokhare and Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, among others.
The delegates from JAMB were led by the Director, Psychometrics, Dr. Omokunmi Popoola. Others were, Director, General Services, Hajia Karimatu Abubakar; Ag. Director, Legal Services, Barr. Mohammed Safiyi; Ag. Director, Audit, Mr. Patrick Obilor; and Deputy Director, Test Development, Mr. Ibrahim Kawu.
Also in the delegation were the Deputy Director, Special Duties, Mrs. Gloria Anyaegbu; Deputy Director, Quality Assurance, Mrs. Regina Oluchi; Asst. Director, Admissions, Mr. Magaji Abdullahi and Asst. Director, ITS, Mrs. Funmilola B. Usman.