By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Legal icon and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, has been selected for honour as singular recipient of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State’s ‘University Award of Excellence in Research Practice – 2024’.
The DEFENDER reports that the university’s decision to honour the achiever, who is an alumnus of the prestigious institution of higher learning, was conveyed in a letter dated 19th April 2024, signed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, and sighted by this globalised multi-lingual newspaper, same day.
The letter read, “The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, your Alma Mater is proud of your outstanding successes and hallmark of excellence.
“On behalf of the University Senate and community, I am happy to inform you that you have been selected for the University Award of Excellence in Research Practice for the year 2024,” it said.
Accordingly, the Vice Chancellor explained that, “The Excellence in Research Practice Award is a prestigious award given to an Alumnus of the University with an outstanding record of knowledge-based accomplishment at global and national levels.
“Your selection is based on your outstanding contribution to the society and particularly in advancing law and legal practices in Nigeria, Africa, and globally. This is the second edition, and you are the 2024 awardee of this annual honour.”
This newspaper can authoritatively report that the award presentation and celebration has been fixed for July 30, 2024 when the award celebration will also witness honouring of the best students across all departments, while outstanding staff will also be recognised.
By this ‘Excellence in Research Practice Award’, Yusuf Ali SAN is expected to serve as a mentor for a group of excellent students for the year 2024, being honoured.
In the meantime, the world will look to the direction of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria on July 30 when the Ilorin, Kwara State-born legal luminary will be giving a 45-minute presentation that will reflect on his life principles and devotion, to motivate the excellent students being honoured, during the award ceremony.
When contacted, Professor Ali confirmed the development and, in reacting to it, sent his words of acceptance and appreciation for the uncommon recognition and honour.
“I see the honour as one of the best that can come the way of an alumnus. To be recognized by your Alma Mater is a big deal that may not come the way of many. If such recognition comes one’s way it’s a thing of joy for which one must show appreciation to the Creator and the institution,” he said.
