Ibadan Philharmonic Society Honours Professor Adebowale at 10th Anniversary Concert

The Ibadan Philharmonic Society (TIPS) has honoured the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, at a concert marking the Society's 10th anniversary and the end of his tenure as the university's 13th Vice-Chancellor.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the TIPS Board, Professor Akin Iwayemi, disclosed that the idea behind the Society began in 2015 when he and its current Director, David Ubong, discussed restoring the University of Ibadan's position as a centre for full-scale classical music and opera performances, as it was in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

He explained that following the constitution of the Board of Trustees to manage the Society, its first concert, Haydn's Creation, was performed on September 24, 2016, at Trenchard Hall.

Since then, TIPS has staged concerts featuring works by Handel, Haydn, Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Verdi and Vivaldi. Professor Iwayemi disclosed that the Society had successfully staged 11 productions since its establishment.

He described the 2026 edition as a special performance titled Nabucco, an opera by Giuseppe Verdi, organised to celebrate the Society's 10th anniversary and the completion of Professor Adebowale's five-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor. He noted that the outgoing Vice-Chancellor was also a member of the TIPS Board.

Professor Iwayemi commended Professor Adebowale for his leadership during his five years in office, particularly his support for the Society's activities.

In his response, Professor Adebowale revealed that his interest in classical music began in 1977 when he started working at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, now known as Radio Nigeria.

He explained that, in addition to his newsroom responsibilities, he served as the custodian of the organisation's gramophone library. The experience inspired his interest in classical music and later motivated him to join the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that although he pursued a career in academia, his passion for hymns and classical music remained strong.

He added that he was nominated to serve on the TIPS Board while he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).

Professor Adebowale described the recognition as an honour and reaffirmed his commitment to the continued growth of the Society.

Other award recipients at the concert were Pastor Olubi Johnson, Senior Pastor of Scripture Pasture Christian Church, and Mr David Ubong, Director of the Ibadan Philharmonic Society.