OAU celebrates scholar, Prof Adediran as he retires

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Osun State, has hailed Professor Abiodun Adebayo Adediran as a diligent scholar and excellent researcher, as he retires from active service in the university.

Adediran, who is Professor of History, a seasoned historian and university administrator, started his academic career as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of History of the University of Ife in 1976 and attained the professorship cadre in 1993.

Adediran’s areas of academic and research competencies are African/Yoruba History, Western Yorubaland and was taught and trained at Ife by the late doyen of Ife School of History, Professor Isaac Adeagbo Akinjogbin, from 1930-2008.

Prior to his retirement, the historian served the university and the Nigeria University system at large in different capacities. In OAU, he was Director of the Institute of Cultural Studies, Head, Department of History, Dean, Faculty of Art, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Director of the University’s Linkages and Sponsored Research Office.

Outside the OAU, Adediran had been associate lecturer/visiting professor at the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, U.S.A and the University of Bayreuth, Germany at different times.

He is a member of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Archaeological Association of West Africa, American Studies Association of Nigeria, Historical and Environmental interest group of Nigeria.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simon Bamire, who was also present at the valedictory ceremony, described Adediran as a dedicated academics whose legacy will continue to be felt in the institution, most especially the Department of History.

Adediran, as a professor, had produced many professors, among them are; Professor Rasheed Ajetunmobi, Professor Erelu Adeleye-Fayemi, Professor Olutayo Adesina, Professor Kemi Rotimi, Professor Dapo Thomas, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, Professor Anthony Bamidele and Professor Akinkunmi Alao, among others.

The history scholar turned 70 on January 2, 2023