Legacy of Excellence: UNILAG Senate Commemorates Prof. Ibidapo-Obe's Service

"I am retired but not tired." With these resolute words, Professor Akinola Ibidapo Obe celebrated his impending retirement from active university service, an occasion marked with great honor by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Senate on September 26, 2023.

Standing tall and vibrant among his fellow academics in the revered Senate Chamber, Professor Ibidapo Obe, a renowned expert in Public Law, Criminology, and Criminal Justice, expressed his gratitude to the University Senate and the entire UNILAG community. He acknowledged the privilege of personal and professional growth and fulfillment that the university had afforded him throughout his illustrious career.

Leading the proceedings, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services) Professor Ayo Atsenuwa, who assumed the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor, extended her heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ibidapo-Obe. She commended his outstanding service to the university and his substantial contributions to the field of knowledge. In her prayer, she wished him enduring good health and a long life to savor the fruits of his labor.

Born on October 5, 1953, Professor Akinola Ibidapo-Obe embarked on his academic journey, earning his LL.B Degree from the University of Lagos in 1977. He continued to excel, achieving an LL.M. with Distinction from the University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), in 1980. In July 1978, he was duly called to the Nigerian Bar. His academic interests spanned diverse fields, including African Law, Law and Religion, Human Rights, Criminology, and Constitutional Law.

Professor Ibidapo-Obe's accolades also include being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom. His commitment to the University of Lagos began in 1989, and he ascended to the rank of Professor in 2011. Throughout his illustrious career at the university, he held various significant positions, including the Head of the Department of Public Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law, among others.

As Professor Akinola Ibidapo-Obe transitions into retirement, his legacy of dedication to academia and contributions to the legal field will undoubtedly continue to inspire both current and future generations of scholars.