By Toyin Falola
As I reminisce with every sense of humility and gratitude for the blessings of acquaintance with a remarkable individual who celebrates a significant milestone in life as he turns 60 on October 24, 2024, I am reminded not only of the years he has lived but of the incredible legacy that embodies his existence as a man of purpose and influence within the academic field where we share similarities, and humanity at large. Undoubtedly, the celebrant has made his name in Nigerian academia and beyond. Prof. Yagboyaju is a distinguished professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Ibadan. He dedicated his life to expanding the frontiers of knowledge, shaping minds, and equally impacting the society he holds dear. His journey proves the power of passion, dedication, and resilience that continuously inspires others who have had the opportunity to mirror this erudite scholar. I am pleased to write to pay an overdue tribute to his life’s work, values, and invaluable contributions to mark his special day.
Prof. Yagboyaju’s achievements and contributions are not limited to his academic pursuits. He is a mentor to students and younger academics, a respected colleague, a dedicated community leader and, most importantly, a devoted family man who believes in keeping close ties. His unwavering commitment to the betterment of society, his contributions to education, and his profound impact on those around him speak volumes about his character and values. With great admiration and gratitude, I join the host of innumerable well-wishers to honour Prof. Yagboyaju’s life and legacy as he celebrates 60 years of purpose, wisdom, and positive influence.
Undoubtedly, it is no exaggeration to say that Dhikru is not an unfamiliar face to many due to the overreaching impacts across essential aspects of social existence. With immeasurable significance, Prof. Yagboyaju, throughout his career, has made outstanding contributions to political science, particularly in the areas of Development Administration and Policy & Strategic Studies. His research has delved into the complexities of Nigeria’s administrative politics, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities that shape the country’s administrative landscape.
His work in these areas has significantly contributed to ensuring lasting solutions and proper understanding are created in these fields in a way that has influenced the academic community and policymakers, who have benefited from his analyses and recommendations. Very crucial to these is the distinctive honour conferred on him by the duo of Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), United Kingdom, and National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies (NILDS) to present a paper on the report of Baseline Study of Political Parties’ performance in Nigeria & Development of Assessment Tool (Nigeria Open Political Party Project) in a program that started in December last year and ended in January 2024.
Prof. Yagboyaju’s scholarly pursuits are marked by a persistent commitment to addressing real-world problems, which invariably leads to his contributions toward developing solutions that promote good governance and social justice. His research cuts across topics relating to electoral processes, public administration, and the role of civil-military society in democracy, which has helped create an equilibrium in understanding the factors that influence political stability and development. His presentation, titled “Is a storm brewing towards 2023? The Challenges of Violence & Electoral Competition in Nigeria”, which came up months towards the general elections, was an ice breaker that calmed the nerves of many concerned Nigerians. We all know the precarious aura that permeated the air as the election drew near last year. Luckily for the nation, the presence of scholars like Prof. Yagboyaju provided a deeper understanding of the political dynamics that shape Nigeria, with advocacy for reforms that would enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in politics.
Over the years, Prof. Yagboyaju has become a respected figure in Nigerian academia. His career within the university’s walls has seen him hold crucial positions within the system, where he has inspired and influenced students who seek to model his dedication and passion for learning. In his records of excellence and commitment to teaching, what he loves most are three university experiences where he taught students of various levels. The Departments of Political Sciences at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife and the University of Ibadan, where he has been for almost a decade now, can testify to the greatness that surrounds this erudite scholar. Learning under him, as testified, has been insightful, engaging and exciting.
Prof. Yagboyaju’s legacy is not only in the knowledge he imparts but in the minds he shapes and the academic standards he upholds. Apart from the academic exploits in class, he has contributed immensely to the wholesome transformation of education in his way through book publications, research works, and thesis supervision within and outside Nigeria, in addition to acting as a resource person and trainer for government institutions, private establishments and the military. He is a proud author of many books, a co-author and contributor to various journals, reports and technical write-ups.
Ranking topmost amongst the significant modest effort and utmost dedication towards scholarship and authentic research is: “Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and the Challenge of a Faltering Democratization,” published in African Studies Quarterly, where he had a hundred per cent contribution in dissecting the intricate nature of the subject. In the same vein, he is also credited with his dutiful contribution to understudying the prevailing corruption issues. This menace has marred the functionality of government institutions in Nigeria. In this regard, he authored a masterpiece on the quest for money through public finance concerning the moral decadence that comes with it. His masterpiece, “Morality and Politics in Nigeria: What has money got to do with it?” was featured in the Asian Journal of African Studies.
Having drawn examples from world best practices, one of Dhikru’s significant contributions to scholarship revolves around his recommendations on the need to ensure the return of the functionality of Nigeria and its sensitive institutions towards an effort to be autonomous and independent. He has argued that this would not materialize in thin air unless the nation steers its ship towards becoming a more vibrant state, emphasizing cordial state-society relationships where many sectors are more interested and involved in public affairs and governance.
As a community man, Prof. Yagboyaju’s unwavering commitment to community service has earned him profound respect and recognition across Nigeria. This started with the earliest recognition conferred in 1995, as he was honoured with the title of Asiwaju Are-Ago of Erin Osun in Osun State as a testament to his influence and dedication to the well-being of his community. Within the same year, he got the Merit Award for Excellence from the Federation of Edeland Students Union, an indigenous organization at the University of Ibadan, for his commendable role in uplifting students from Edeland and empowering the next generation.
As he continued to impact lives, Prof. Yagboyaju took on roles that emphasized his belief in education as a transformative force. Notably, from 2009 to 2021, he served as the Chairman of the Governing Board of Muslim Model College, Ibadan (MMCI), where he led with enthusiasm and changed the course of activities under his watch, as he consistently fostered a culture of academic excellence and moral integrity, guiding students to be both knowledgeable and conscientious citizens.
Prof. Yagboyaju is genuinely worthy of emulation. To continue to list his awards and honorary recognition would, in truth, go against the meek and modest personality he portrays. However, I would like to generously mention his title as the Taiyese of the Iyamoye Kingdom, an honour bestowed upon him by the good people of Kogi State in 2021. This honour reflects the vastness of his influence beyond his hometown as a testimony to his status as a beloved figure in multiple communities.
As we celebrate Prof. Dhikru Adewale Yagboyaju’s 60th birthday, I attest to a life dedicated to purpose and a legacy that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. His vast contributions to academia, his positive influence on Nigerian society, and his unwavering devotion to both his family and community exemplify the remarkable individual he is. Prof. Yagboyaju has devoted himself to pursuing knowledge, elevating education, and advancing society with integrity, humility, and genuine compassion. We are profoundly grateful for the insights he has shared, the countless lives he has influenced, and the inspiring example he has set for all of us.
As he enters this exciting new decade, I join my voice with others to wish him abundant health, joy, and personal fulfilment. May his wisdom continue to inspire those around him, and may his legacy resonate across generations: happy 60th birthday, Prof. Yagboyaju. Be assured of my most profound respect and heartfelt admiration for your contributions, kindness, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Your impact is truly boundless, and we celebrate you today with immense gratitude.