A colloquium was held in honour of Professor Busuyi Mekusi from the Faculty of Arts, as he celebrates the golden age of 50.
The programme was held on September 22, 2021 at Mandela Hall, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko.
Ever heard of the quote “Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life, it’s about what you inspire others to do”.
A man who is not only great and good in his various endeavours but also inspire people to be greater than him in life, now that’s who we refer to as a role model.
In attendance were Prince Peters Adeyemi James; the General Secretary of NASU ( Non-Academic Staff Union) who was represented by a notable figure; the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olugbenga Ige Ebenezer and other remarkable academic staff from different universities who were recognized and spoke at the event as well.
Students of Nasels ( National Association of Students English and Literary Studies) from 100 level to 400 level were present at the event.
The program started with an opening prayer by 9am. Then the professors and lecturers all came out to talk about the Prof and wished him a happy birthday. Among those who came out was Professor Okunrinmeta Uriel, the present Dean of Arts and he talked at large about who and what the professor represent.
He acknowledges him as one of the strong pillars that hold the faculty of Art. He also referred to him as reliable, innovative and a man who stands by what he believes.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ige Olulgbenga congratulated him on his birthday and told the student to emulate him in terms of tolerance and integrity.
In the same vein, the Head of Department of English Studies, Dr Akinwotu, eulogized him and called him a ‘succinct’ man. He described Prof. Mekusi as a family man to the core. He also appreciated the professor’s wife who sat beside him with the popular quote “Behind every successful man, there is a woman.”
The representative of Prince Peters Adeyemi James, the General Secretary of NASU was invited to talk and he welcomed and thanked friends Vice-Chancellor with the celebrant. He proclaimed the prof as emulate doesn’t sit on the fence.
An interview with two students and a lecturer was taken. Adeniyi Precious of 300 level, an English Studies student who got really inspired by the event and hope a colloquium would someday be held in her honour too.
Also Babaola Kehinde, a 400 level English Studies student also agreed that Prof. Mekusi is an inspiration to all student as he is a very principled and accurate man who is exceptional and approachable.
Mrs Olayinka Balogun stated that he is an amiable man who relates well with other members of staff. According to her, Prof. Mekusi is a man who is genuinely interested in his students and is willing to support them in their academic pursuits.
An enlightening keynote address on excavating the remains of post-colonialism through “Narrative Archeology” was delivered by Dr. Senayon Olaoluwa, Ag. Director, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. Other eminent members of the academia served as panelists in the discussion of the topic, “Politics, Aesthetics and New Directions in African Literature”.
Pictures were taken with the celebrant and everyone wished him well with a birthday song. The 400 level students of English Studies rendered a praise chant and drama on his behalf.
Professor Mekusi was called upon and he thanked everyone for celebrating him and also advised the student on being great person in the society, nation and the world at large.
Music was played and everyone came out to dance with the celebrant. The event came to an end by 2pm with the students greatly motivated to stand out wherever they go.
There it is, the testimony of a great man, mentor and a role model who has imparted so much in his life and the lives of other people.
Author
Nwosu precious Uzoma fondly called prime, and English studies student, loves to read and yes that’s about that.