There is time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to reap; a time to work and a time to retire……… (Ecclesiastes, 3).
Professor Isaac Olakanmi Abimbola, an erudite scholar and Professor of Science education, University of Ilorin, gloriously bows out of service to his nation, at a time when it is difficult to say whether the ovation is yet at its loudest. As a student of his, and one of those under his tutelage in the department, one cannot but express one’s feelings about this man of enviable status.
Professor I. O. Abimbola, an excellent science teacher and educator, is an alumnus of the University of Ife (Now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife). He obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States. He returned to Nigeria to continue to contribute his quota to the development of this country and has served in various capacities including being the Provost of the College of Education in Ilesha and later Dean of Postgraduate School, University of Ilorin.
Prof. Abimbola is an embodiment of many qualities expected of a professor: versatility, hard work, punctuality, scholarship, firmness, fairness, humaneness, attention to detail, neatness etc. A highly cerebral professor, he demonstrated brilliance in his lectures and is indeed an encyclopedia of knowledge. He never left us (his students) in doubt of his mastery of his discipline. Prof Abimbola’s work ethics are enviable. Even at the peak of his career as a full Professor for twenty years, he resumed work early and closed late. He studied, conducted research and published like a junior lecturer eyeing a professorial seat. He radiates a kind of energy that defies his age (a blessing from God). Prof. Abimbola is undoubtedly a star and he shined brightly among his contemporaries.
Prof. Abimbola will be missed by all his students. Congratulations Sir! May God grant you a blissful retirement.
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