….. Advocates Non-Politicization Of Academic Affairs
By Ayodele Abere.
A Professor of Geography and Environmental Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Jacob Folorunso Olorunfemi, has said that the right of everyone in an organisation must be assured, guaranteed and protected.
This was part of his recommendations while delivering the first Valedictory Lecture of the Faculty at the institution on the topic “Revisiting the Why and How of What is Where”.
The Professor noted that If such right is denied and the concerned takes a step to fight for it, the move should be appreciated and commended instead of condemnation.
Expatiating on the subject, Olorunfemi said, the ‘why’ simply refers to the reason, purpose, main intent, motive or rationale for a decision and that ‘How’ refers to the process, procedure or methods adopted in taking decisions as ‘What’ which relates to events and activities can be exemplified with the identification of the needs for an institution, while ‘Where’ refers to site, location and real extent of what is in space.
The don therefore, solicited for appreciation of the relevance of the words. According to him, “let us begin to appreciate the relevance of why and how of what is where vis-a-vis development and leadership in a home, in a settlement, local
government, institution, state or country in the shaping and reshaping of the earth’s surface. Indeed, it may make more sense if we re-write the phrase to read why and how of who is where?”
He further explained that the current developmental challenges in Nigeria, and the debate on the choice of leadership makes it imperative for patriotism to come ahead. Adding that a discipline that has so much potential, is often times ignored, the consequences of which may be dire for the country.
The Professor encouraged everyone to note the beginning and reward of fighting for one’s right as he opined that the system may not automatically be fair at all times. Noting that at the beginning of creation, God has created spatial and temporal systems. He said man needs to continue to study and observe with a view to understanding the processes and pattern that brought about specific events and activities.
“Once it is understood that the goal of establishment is more important than individual roles, it becomes easy for one to be part of the positive contributors or a destroyer of the establishment (both are game changers).
“Our attitudes and reactions to events and situations also matter. For example, that my promotion was delayed for several years, taught me several lessons. It indeed strengthened my spirituality. It was not until I was opportune to deliver my Inaugural Lecture entitled ‘Better By Far’ on 29th November, 2001, that I realised that God had something greater than the temporary gains of that time that appeared attractive.
Professor Jacob Folorunso Olorunfemi, further recommended that as much as practicable, unnecessary politicking and bias must
be avoided in purely academic matters. Also, that promotion should not be based on sentiments, and that appropriate criteria should be advertised far ahead of time, such that staff members can do a self assessment. Just as he added that, the university should likewise return to competitive recruitment and appointment of staff.
The event was well attended by the Principal Officers of the University, several academicians, colleagues, family and friends as well as well wishers from far and near.
