Professor Ayodele Falase turns 81st today and his twin brother and soul mate, Professor Abiodun Falusi, 80. I knew both of them intimately but in different circumstances; Professor Falase had been my mother’s physician well before I was admitted to the University. Details of my relationship with him were well rendered when he turned 80th last year. Both of them were children of clergymen and were raised in the vineyard. They are extremely brilliant and successful in their chosen professions; Medicine and Agriculture, respectively, and outstanding families and raised their children in the best and honourable ways.
They both played campus politics and mentored many generations of younger colleagues. Each also wholeheartedly supports the ambition of the other. I remember in 1989 when Professor Falase ran for the post of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Falusi was fully on the campaign trail for his ‘elder’ twin brother. When in 1991 the same Professor Falase was in the race for Vice Chancellorship, again Falusi was there for him. In fact, it was rumoured that Professor Falase was far away in Saudi Arabia to make money, yet Professor Falusi was the person that submitted the application and was running around on behalf of Candidate Falase. The third attempt to be VC by Professor Falase in 2000 was also with his full backing. Professor Falusi’s office virtually became a clearing office for whoever wanted to be anything in the University of Ibadan between 2000 and 2005!!! I recall when a particular person had declined to be paired with another person for a particular post it didn’t take much time to find an equally suitable replacement all through the efforts of Professor Falusi.
I rejoice with the spouses of these academic giants on these auspicious occasions. Now that both of them are on the eighth floor of life, may God Almighty spare their lives and give them good health and long life; ire o. Amen.
Dr Adeniran is a retired Lecturer, Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, writes from Ajangboju, Akobo, Ibadan.Professors Ayodele Falase and Abiodun Falusi: Birthday Salutation To Two Jolly Friends By Gani Adeniran
Professor Ayodele Falase turns 81st today and his twin brother and soul mate, Professor Abiodun Falusi, 80. I knew both of them intimately but in different circumstances; Professor Falase had been my mother’s physician well before I was admitted to the University. Details of my relationship with him were well rendered when he turned 80th last year. Both of them were children of clergymen and were raised in the vineyard. They are extremely brilliant and successful in their chosen professions; Medicine and Agriculture, respectively, and outstanding families and raised their children in the best and honourable ways.
They both played campus politics and mentored many generations of younger colleagues. Each also wholeheartedly supports the ambition of the other. I remember in 1989 when Professor Falase ran for the post of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Falusi was fully on the campaign trail for his ‘elder’ twin brother. When in 1991 the same Professor Falase was in the race for Vice Chancellorship, again Falusi was there for him. In fact, it was rumoured that Professor Falase was far away in Saudi Arabia to make money, yet Professor Falusi was the person that submitted the application and was running around on behalf of Candidate Falase. The third attempt to be VC by Professor Falase in 2000 was also with his full backing. Professor Falusi’s office virtually became a clearing office for whoever wanted to be anything in the University of Ibadan between 2000 and 2005!!! I recall when a particular person had declined to be paired with another person for a particular post it didn’t take much time to find an equally suitable replacement all through the efforts of Professor Falusi.
I rejoice with the spouses of these academic giants on these auspicious occasions. Now that both of them are on the eighth floor of life, may God Almighty spare their lives and give them good health and long life; ire o. Amen.
Dr Adeniran is a retired Lecturer, Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, writes from Ajangboju, Akobo, Ibadan.
