The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, has urged young scholars to emulate the virtues of diligence, integrity, and reliability that the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) in charge of Administration of the institution, Prof. Olusola Ezekiel Ayoola, is reputed for throughout his years in the university.

Adebowale made the call while declaring open the 46th Annual Quantum Probability Conference (QP46) 2025 in honour of Professor Ezekiel Olusola Ayoola on his 70th birthday and retirement from the service of the university.

The event, which was held at the Digital Park of the university, attracted many scholars from far and wide, family members, wife and children of Professor Ayoola, including Dr. Olufunmilayo Ayoola (wife), Oladayo Ayoola, Dare Ayoola, Mrs. Alaba Ehindero, and others.

The VC, who was represented by the DVC, Administration, Prof. Peter Olapegba, described Ayoola as an icon, community leader, and towering intellectual.

The VC said, “Prof. Ayoola served the university, the Council, and this community diligently. Professor Ayoola is diligent, reliable, and honest. One can go and sleep if you give him an assignment. I urge young scholars to emulate his virtues of honesty, reliability, and diligence.”

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof. Ibrahim Adebayo Oladosu, described Ayoola as a renowned scholar, mentor, and teacher, saying his immense contributions to the global mathematical community in research and teaching must be celebrated.

In his remarks, the Head of Department (HOD) of Mathematics, Dr Murphy Egwe, lauded the contributions of Ayoola to the development of young scholars, academic leadership, research, and mathematical sciences.

“He has been my teacher from undergraduate to master’s levels. He has represented our department. He is diligent and active in research. He led by example,” the HOD said.

Egwe, who is an Associate Professor of Functional Analysis, urged the government to fund mathematics in order to engender the much-needed change in the country.

Also speaking, the celebrant, Prof. Ayoola, thanked those present at the conference.

The Professor of Mathematics said the conference was meant to showcase the latest developments in quantum probability and other related areas, as well as encourage young scholars to focus on the major areas of interest.

He lamented that in the thematic areas of TETFund, there is no specific funding for mathematical sciences. The professor emphasised that mathematical research and development need funding to expand the frontier of knowledge.

“The government needs to fund and attract talented people into this area. This subject needs encouragement,” the professor added.