The Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria (YSAN) has conferred an Honorary Fellowship Award on Dr. Olatunde Isaac (Honoris Causa), marking a historic milestone as one of the first-ever Honorary Fellowships to be bestowed in the Association’s over five-decade history.
Another recipient of the Honorary Fellowship Award is Alagba Alao Adedayo, publisher of Alaroye Newspaper, a leading Yoruba-language publication. The Fellowship Award was also conferred on Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, a renowned linguist and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; Professor Oladele Awobuluyi, former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University; and distinguished scholars including Professor Oluyemisi Adebowale, Professor Adebisi Ogunsina, Professor Duro Adeleke, Professor Jibola Abiodun, and Professor Adedotun Ogundeji.
The historic award, presented during YSAN’s Annual Conference in Ilorin, celebrates Dr. Olatunde’s exceptional contributions to the promotion of Yoruba language, culture, and scholarship.
Founded in 1970, YSAN remains Nigeria’s foremost scholarly body committed to the study, preservation, and advancement of Yoruba language, literature, and culture. This year’s ceremony marked a significant moment in its legacy as it honoured individuals who have bridged traditional scholarship with modern innovation.
A respected scholar, community leader, and Wikimedia advocate, Dr. Olatunde Isaac was recognised for his pioneering efforts in Yoruba language revitalisation through research, digital documentation, and community engagement. As a leading figure in the Yoruba Wikimedia community, he has spearheaded initiatives expanding access to free knowledge in Yoruba, significantly contributing to the growth and visibility of the Yoruba Wikipedia, one of Africa’s most-read small-language Wikipedias.
In his remarks, YSAN President, Distinguished Professor Olumuyiwa Temitope, who also serves as Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adekunle Ajasin University, described the recognition as an acknowledgement of Dr. Isaac’s trailblazing role in Yoruba language promotion, noting that, “Dr. Olatunde Isaac stands out for bridging the gap between academia, technology, and cultural heritage.”
While receiving the award, Dr. Olatunde expressed heartfelt gratitude, dedicating the honour to volunteers contributing to Yoruba Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. “This award is not just a personal achievement but a call to do more for our language, our people, and our shared heritage,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to advancing research, partnerships, and mentorship for young Yoruba scholars.
The conference also featured scholarly paper presentations, cultural displays, and panel discussions on strengthening indigenous language education and research in Nigeria.
With this groundbreaking honour, Dr. Olatunde Isaac joins the ranks of YSAN’s first-ever Honorary Fellows, a recognition that underscores his exceptional contributions to Yoruba language promotion and cultural advancement.
