Eminent Nigerians Honour Late Professor Akinlawon Mabogunje at Second Public Lecture and Launch of PALM Foundation

The scholarly milestones of the late Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje, Africa’s first Professor of Geography, echoed vibrantly on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as family, friends, and distinguished Nigerians gathered for the Second Public Lecture in his honour at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, which coincided with what would have been Professor Mabogunje’s 94th birthday, was convened by the Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje (PALM) Foundation to celebrate his enduring legacies of scholarship, mentorship, and nation-building. Leading the family delegation was his widow, Justice Titilola Mabogunje (Rtd.).

A Day of Tributes and Goodwill Messages

The commemorative event featured tributes from prominent personalities including former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who served as Special Guest of Honour, and Engineer Vincent Maduka, who chaired the occasion.

Both men extolled the virtues of the late Professor Mabogunje, describing him as a trailblazer, hero, and nation-builder whose works shaped Nigeria’s developmental trajectory.

Chief Obasanjo particularly recalled Mabogunje’s pivotal role in conceptualizing Abuja as Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory and his immense contributions to the establishment of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, affirming his unparalleled influence on national planning and policy.

Other goodwill messages came from:

• Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Lagos (UNILAG)
• Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, former Governor of Ondo State
• Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission

Each of them shared personal reflections on Professor Mabogunje’s foresight, leadership, and unwavering commitment to national development through scholarship and mentorship.

Keynote Address: Akin Mabogunje’s Intellectual Leadership in Multidisciplinary Urban Studies

The keynote lecture, titled “Akin Mabogunje’s Intellectual Leadership in Multidisciplinary Urban Studies,” was delivered by Professor Isaac Olawale Albert of the Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan.

Professor Albert described Professor Mabogunje as an intellectual leader and pioneer in urban studies, emphasizing that his ideas remain highly relevant in today’s context of rapid global urbanization.

He noted that Mabogunje’s scholarship focused on spatial reorganization and integration, citing his visionary work in conceptualizing Abuja. According to him, the late geographer’s theories challenge modern policymakers to design equitable, sustainable, and inclusive cities that address informality, housing, and urban poverty holistically.

Launch of the Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje (PALM) Foundation

A major highlight of the event was the formal launch of the PALM Foundation, anchored by Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos and first child of the late scholar.

Professor Ogunsola fondly recalled her father’s intellectual legacy and dedication to national development, describing the Foundation as a platform to preserve and advance his lifelong ideals.

According to her, the PALM Foundation aims to:

• Preserve Professor Mabogunje’s legacy of policy and community development;
• Promote scholarship through lectures, prizes, scholarships, and journals;
• Curate digital and physical repositories of his works;
• Foster networks of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners; and
• Inspire thoughtful, ethical leadership in line with Professor Mabogunje’s values.

PALM Foundation Board of Trustees

• Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS – Chairman
• Engineer Oluseun Mabogunje – Member
• Dr. Adegboyega Mabogunje – Member
• Mrs. Adebimpe Oye – Honorary Secretary
• Pastor Olusola Mabogunje – Member

Technical Advisory Council

• Mr. Wole Okunfulure – Chairman
• Professor Demola Omojola – Member
• Professor Iyiola Oni – Member
• Professor Alabi Soneye – Member
• Dr. Yemi Adamolekun – Member
• Professor Ibidun Adelekan – Member
• Professor Abubakar Sanni Mashi – Member

A Legacy Etched in History

Born on October 18, 1931, Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje holds an indelible place in African academic history as the continent’s first Professor of Geography, appointed at just 34 years old at the University of Ibadan.

He was the first African foreign honorary associate of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2017) and the first African scholar elected as an International Member of the United States National Academy of Sciences. He also served as President of the International Geographical Union.

Professor Mabogunje passed away on August 4, 2022, at the age of 90. His intellectual and developmental legacy continues to inspire generations of scholars and policymakers across Africa and beyond.