The Orangun of Oke-Ila in Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; media entrepreneur, Dele Momodu; the Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), Dr. Seye Oyeleye; serving vice-chancellors and former university administrators were among dignitaries who gathered to celebrate Professor Jide Owoeye on his 70th birthday anniversary.
The occasion, marked by a maiden colloquium held in his honour at Adeline Hall of Lead City University, attracted a cross-section of academics, policymakers, traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic and media communities, including former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University,Prof. Adeniyi Osuntogun, and others.
Chairman of the event and Chancellor of LCU, Professor Gabriel Ogunmola, described Owoeye as a distinguished scholar whose contributions have enriched academic discourse and strengthened university governance.
“Owoeye’s intellectual depth, global perspective and commitment to scholarship have left enduring footprints in higher education,” Ogunmola said.
In his remarks, Oba Abolarin commended the celebrant for his unwavering dedication to institutional development and principled leadership, noting that the strength of any university lies in the vision and integrity of its builders.
Momodu, who recalled his association with Owoeye during their days at Obafemi Awolowo University, described him as “a scholar of note and a man of uncommon discipline,” adding that his impact transcends the classroom.
The Director-General of DAWN, Dr. Oyeleye, lauded Owoeye’s role in shaping policy conversations within and beyond the university system.
Vice-chancellors from across the country also paid glowing tributes. Among them were the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Kashere, Professor Umaru Pate; the Vice-Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila; the Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Professor Oyedunni Arulogun; and representatives of Redeemer’s University and Ajayi Crowther University.
They collectively described Owoeye as an institution builder whose leadership as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council has been marked by transparency, strategic planning and insistence on due process.
Speakers at the colloquium noted that institutions are built on sacrifice, vision and sustained commitment, qualities they said Owoeye exemplifies.
The event also had in attendance representatives of the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, deans, directors, members of senate, students and family members of the celebrant.
Declaring the colloquium open, the Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Professor Kabiru Aderemi Adeyemo, said the gathering was not merely a celebration of age but of impact, scholarship and enduring relevance.
