In his congratulatory messages, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, the President
of the foremost academic society in Nigeria, the Historical Society of Nigeria
(HSN), not only testifies to the global impact of Professor Toyin Falola, but
also reveals how a chanced meeting with this world acclaimed professor of
African History at the 1999 edition of the African Studies Association annual
meeting, which was held in Nashville, changed his life for good.
This young and dynamic Professor of History, who unarguably the youngest
man ever to direct the affairs of the HSH and was at different times Chair of
History and Dean of Arts/Humanities at Nasarawa State University, Keffi,
asserted that Professor Toyin Falola "is the key to my academic success".
This view, which resonates with those of other people, is not limited only to
constant "encouragement", which has become the hallmark of Professor toyin
Falola, but also in taking anyone that comes his way as either his peers or his
"aburo" (younger brother or sister). As Professor Akinwumi noted, it also
included introducing everyone that comes his was, "without knowing their
backgrounds" to "publishing networks and academic circle", which have
culminated into profound successes for them all.
Without let or hindrance, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi publicly declared:
"I want to join all colleagues, friends, and well wishers to congratulate and to
wish Professor Oloruntoyin Omoyeni Falola a happy birthday". He then went
on to narrate how he met with Professor Toyin Falola in 1999 at Nashville.
"When I attended the ASA meeting from Germany, I introduced myself to him
and without knowing my background, he accepted me as his "aburo" (junior
brother) immediately".
"I make bold to declare to the whole world today, as I did when I gave my
inaugural lecture in Nigeria in 2009, that Professor Falola is the key to my
academic success. Through his encouragement, I was able to publish and
meet other scholars in my field".
Speaking on Professor Falola's contributions to the Historical Society of
Nigeria, Professor Akinwumi noted "as the President of the Historical Society
of Nigeria (the first Academic Society of Nigeria), I confirm that Professor
Toyin Falola's contribution to the growth of the Society is legendary".
Perhaps another quality in Professor Falola, which many have also noted, is
his unassuming character. Talking on this, Professor Akinwumi shared a
personal experience: "I will continue to be grateful to him for defending me
when some friends went to him to blackmail me". Unlike other men and
women who would have easily given in to lies and malice, Professor Falola
adroitly defended me". "He is a man of truth and in this and other encounters,
he has always stoop up for the truth".
Since his inception as President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Professor
Akinwumi has turned the fortunes of the Association around. Professor Falola,
who is also a Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria, "is a God sent to
many of us. I pray for long life and good health for him", Professor Akinwumi
concluded.
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