Intellectual feast as English Department, University of Ilorin celebrates Prof. Olu Obafemi at its 2nd National Conference

The Department of English, University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria will, from Friday April 2 to Sunday, April 4, 2021, hold its 2nd National Conference, in honor of eminent scholar, Professor Olu Obafemi.

The Conference, which has the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. S. A. Abdulkareem, as Chief Host, has as its theme: “Language, Literature and Media in the Service of Humanity.”

The sub-themes are: Pure Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Literary Criticism, Orature and Folklore, Theatre Arts, Mass Media, Information Technology, Modern Education, Social Interventions and Olu Obafemi’s Works.

Chairman of the star-studded Conference, which will be a celebration of Prof. Obafemi’s 45 years glorious career in the Ivory Tower, is Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, while the Keynote Speakers are Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, mni, OFR, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC) and Prof. Emeritus Michael Omolewa, OON, Former President, General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The Lead Speaker is Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Nigeria, while the Lead Paper Presenter is Prof. Toyin Falola of the Department of History, University of Texas, Austin, USA.

Special Guests of Honor for the Conference, which will be Virtual are Prof. Ish’aq Oloyode, Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Haruna Andrew, Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, Executive Secretary, TETFUND and Prof. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Pro-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Other Special Guests of Honor are Architect Olajumoke Adenowo, CEO AD Consulting, Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Chief Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN) and Hon. Toba Kehinde, former Commissioner for Agriculture, Kogi State.

“The Olu Obafemi Weekend” will kick off with the Conference Opening Ceremony, Presentation of Keynote Addresses and Presentation of Lead Paper on Friday, April 2, 2021.

On Saturday, April 3, 2021, there will be the Valedictory Lecture, to be delivered by Professor Olu Obafemi, recipient of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NMOM) award at 10:00 AM (WAT), and Syndicate Sessions A, B and C.

On Sunday, April 4, 2021, there will be Books Presentation, Birthday Prayers and Luncheon at the University Lake Side (strictly by invitation).

The Birthday Lecture will be delivered by Professor Francis Egbokhare, President, Academy of Letters.

Deadline for submission of Abstracts/Papers for the intellectual feast is Wednesday, March 24, 2021 while notification of acceptance of such submissions will be immediate.

Deadline for registration to participate in the program is Sunday, March 28, 2021.

Registration for Paper Presenters is N7, 500 while registration for other participants/students is also N7,500. All payments should be made to Zenith Bank Account Name: UNILORIN MFB Operation A/C 2, Account Number 1012950712, with Depositor’s Name/English Conference.

Furthermore, to be part of this historic Conference, which has Prof. A. S. Abubakar, Head of Department of English, University of Ilorin as Host and Prof. A. A. Adeoye, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ilorin as Co-Host, payments can also be made at the Registration Centre on arrival.