OAU @ 65: Barrister Ismail Baiyewunmi Honoured Among 65 Distinguished Personalities
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has marked its 65th anniversary with a grand celebration of excellence at the Oduduwa Hall OAU, honouring 65 distinguished alumni and personalities on the 9th of June 2026 whose contributions have advanced education, public service, entrepreneurship, professional practice, and national development.
The week-long celebration, held under the theme, “Legacy of Excellence, Future of Impact,” brought together alumni, academics, government officials, industry leaders, students and friends of the institution to reflect on the university’s remarkable journey since its establishment in 1961. Activities included research exhibitions, cultural displays, alumni homecoming events, special lectures and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievers.
Among the prominent recipients of the prestigious OAU @ 65 Recognition Award was Barrister Ismail Baiyewunmi, whose professional accomplishments and commitment to societal development earned him recognition among the select group of distinguished honourees.
The honour bestowed on Barrister Baiyewunmi underscores the university’s tradition of celebrating alumni and associates whose lives exemplify the values of excellence, integrity, leadership and service for which the institution is renowned.
Speaking on the significance of the anniversary awards, university authorities noted that the recipients were carefully selected from various sectors in recognition of their remarkable contributions to nation-building and their positive impact on society. The awards also served as a reminder of OAU’s enduring influence in producing leaders and change-makers across Nigeria and beyond.
Other recipients of the OAU @ 65 honours include Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, who received recognition for Outstanding Leadership and Service in higher education and healthcare development.
Also honoured was Professor Morufu Ademola Adeleke, Osun State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, who received an Award of Excellence for his contributions to mathematics education, curriculum development and public service.
Mrs. Abiola Adelana, Head of Tourism and Creative Business at Sterling Bank Plc, was equally recognized with the university’s 65th Anniversary Award of Excellence for her professional accomplishments and continued support for her alma mater.
The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Simeon Adebayo Bamire, described the anniversary as a celebration of six and a half decades of academic distinction, innovation, cultural heritage and national impact. He noted that the institution remains committed to producing globally competitive graduates while strengthening research, innovation and strategic partnerships for future development.
For many observers, however, the recognition of Barrister Ismail Baiyewunmi stood as one of the highlights of the occasion, reflecting the university’s appreciation of alumni and professionals, who continue to uphold the ideals of Great Ife through exemplary service and dedication to community advancement.
As OAU enters its next chapter, the recognition of distinguished personalities such as Barrister Baiyewunmi serves as an inspiration to current students and future generations, reinforcing the university’s enduring motto: “For Learning and Culture.”
Great Ife lives on not merely in its buildings and traditions, but in the accomplishments and impact of its sons and daughters across the world.
