USA Africa Dialogue Series - PROFESSOR LADIPO ADAMOLEKUN AT 70

 

From: Anthony Akinola <anthonyakinola@yahoo.co.uk> Subject: PROFESSOR LADIPO ADAMOLEKUN AT 70 To: anthonyakinola@yahoo.co.uk Date: Wednesday, 18 July, 2012, 20:53 PROFESSOR LADIPO ADAMOLEKUN AT 70                                                    By Anthony Akinola The probable question anyone bearing the name "Adamolekun" would be confronted with would be whether he or she was from Iju in Ondo State of Nigeria. Were you to have been from there, the glory that would immediately shine on you would be that from two different illustrious creatures – Nathaniel Adamolekun (1919-2000) who was the first indigenous Registrar of the University of Ibadan, and Professor Ladipo Adamolekun whose name has become synonymous with the intellectual aspect of public administration in our nation. However, Professor Ladipo Adamolekun is the focus of this tribute as he celebrates 70 years of beneficial sojourn in this universe. It may not be the most complimentary admission by any educated Nigerian to say he or she has not heard the name "Ladipo Adamolekun", for such an admission could suggest one has been limited somehow. However, a writer of tribute must also not be too presumptuous. It is in this respect that a brief introduction, as provided by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, will refresh or inform us. " Ladipo Adamolekun (born July 20, 1942) is a Nigerian public administration scholar, former dean of the Faculty of Administration at Obafemi Awolowo University and was a lead public sector management specialist at the World Bank. He is one of the leading scholars on political and administrative management in Africa. He was born in Iju, a town close to Akure and Idanre in Ondo State, to the family of Joshua Adamolekun, a farmer, and Madam Juliana Bama. Educated at Oyemekun Grammar School (Akure) and Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti. He earned a first class degree in French at the University of Ibadan, a Master's degree in Public Administration at Ife and a doctorate in politics at Oxford University …" Being the first-class scholar that he truly is, Professor Ladipo Adamolekun has published extensively – books, monographs and articles. He has also been rewarded nationally and internationally, with various honours, nominations and decorations. He was, in 2005, decorated with the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) – the highest national prize for academic and intellectual attainment. In spite of his intimidating academic and intellectual attainments, Professor Ladipo Adamolekun is a very humble creature, modest and moderate in all spheres of human endeavour. I came to know him physically for the first time about 1984 while I was studying at Oxford University. He had come to his alma mater and ensured he met with me. His complimentary remarks about my essays and political views could not but have encouraged me to aspire further. He took me as a brother, showing the utmost kindness and generosity to my family. His late wife was as gracious as she was stunningly beautiful. Professor Ladipo Adamolekun is the thoroughbred intellectual, one who is not self-assuming. I know there are those who would only expect you to say how fantastic their work is, after you have read it. They get "offended" at any suggestion that it can be improved. I once reviewed a book written by the Professor for a London-based magazine and raised a question about one of his projections. To my great admiration, the great intellectual agreed with my criticism and I myself have learnt an important lesson from that. Not once or twice would he ask me to read through a contribution and make suggestions. As a mark of respect for his person and intellectualism, I requested him in 1995 to write a "foreword" to my collection of essays on "rotational presidency". I must also reveal here something that is well-known to others: Professor Ladipo Adamolekun is fiercely patriotic. I am a witness to his frustrations at military interruption of the democratic process, the cluelessness of our political leadership and the pervasive corruption in our society. We had a discussion over the annulment of the presidential election of 12 June 1993 and one could feel his anger at the lack of patriotism and purposefulness of the military elite. I know he would be quite frustrated at the growing culture of corruption in today's Nigeria.The great patriot would be worried about Boko Haram and the escalating culture of lawlessness in our fragile society. However, rather than abandon himself to the comfort of Europe and America, Professor Ladipo Adamolekun is right there in Nigeria doing his best for the larger society as well as his local community. Iju is one town in Nigeria, thanks to Professor Adamolekun, where people can stroll to a library and read books and newspapers. Professor Adamolekun is retired but not tired about the future of our society. I wish him happy celebrations and many productive years ahead.

Toyin Falola
Department of History
The University of Texas at Austin
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