OAU Honours LAUTECH VC, Prof. Kalilu, for Contributions to Art, Scholarship and University Leadership

The Vice-Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Professor Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu, has been honoured by Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, for his academic contributions, pioneering achievements in art and scholarship, and exemplary leadership.

Professor Kalilu received an Award of Excellence as a distinguished alumnus of OAU’s Faculty of Environmental Design and Management at the Distinguished (Special) Alumni Lecture and Reunion held at Oduduwa Hall on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The award was presented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of OAU, Professor Ganiyu Adesola Aderounmu, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire. The Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Professor Babasehinde Ademuleya, was also present.

Professor Kalilu was accompanied to the event by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management and Operations), Professor Tunde Ogunkunle; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development and Partnerships), Professor Lukman Sunmonu; and other senior members of staff of LAUTECH.

In its citation, the Faculty described Professor Kalilu’s career development as extensive and phenomenal, noting that he has accumulated 27 years of professional experience.

It described the Professor of Art and Art History as a polymathic and outstanding scholar with a long record of pioneering and groundbreaking achievements.

The Faculty noted that Professor Kalilu was the first to publish a book on the national problem of cultism on Nigerian campuses. It also credited him with introducing Nigeria’s first Bachelor of Technology degree programme in Fine and Applied Arts and the country’s first set of postgraduate curricula for Postgraduate Diploma, Master of Technology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Fine Art and Applied Art, including novel specialisations such as Electronic and Digital Art and Form and Material Technology.

The citation further noted that he successfully trained Nigeria’s first hearing-impaired Art Historian and produced Nigeria’s first Master of Technology degrees in Fine Art (Drawing) and Applied Art (Communication Design).

Professor Kalilu also produced Nigeria’s first Doctors of Philosophy in Fine Art (Environmental and Industrial Sculpture) and Applied Art (Ceramics and Glass), as well as the world’s first Doctor of Philosophy in Form and Material Technology in Fine Art and Nigeria’s first Military Artist with a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

The Faculty also noted that Professor Kalilu produced LAUTECH’s first Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture Science and Technology in 2018.

He has supervised and examined 165 postgraduate students across diverse specialisations, including 44 PhD students.

The citation also highlighted Professor Kalilu’s administrative and leadership experience, noting that he has served as Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH.

Professor Kalilu is a recipient of several awards and prizes, including the Gold Medal in the 1978–1979 All Africa Painting Contest, Merit Prize in the International Postage Stamp Design Contest, the Outstanding People of the 20th Century Outstanding Achievement Medal and the Distinguished and Exceptional Universal Award of Accomplishment.

He was also selected as one of the 500 Leaders of World Influence by the American Biographical Institute. He is a Fellow of the Society of Nigerian Artists and a Justice of the Peace.

The Distinguished (Special) Alumni Lecture and Reunion was organised by OAU’s Faculty of Environmental Design and Management as part of activities marking the University’s 65th anniversary.

The Chief Host was the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, while the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Professor Babasehinde Ademuleya, served as host.

The event featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to Professor Kalilu and other distinguished alumni, including the Chairman of the Day, Mr. Bode Adediji, and renowned sculptor, Mr. Dotun Popoola.

The programme also featured a lecture titled “OAU at 65: The Impact of EDM Alumni on Nigeria’s Real Estate and Built Environment Leadership,” delivered by Mr. Boluwaji Alabi, an alumnus of the University, as well as the launch of a compendium of EDM alumni.

As part of the visit to Ile-Ife, Professor Kalilu and his entourage also visited the Scrap Art Museum, a facility established by Mr. Dotun Popoola.

Mr. Popoola conducted the LAUTECH delegation around the facility, which transforms waste materials into works of art.

Professor Kalilu described the facility as a beautiful concept and wished the sculptor further accomplishments.

Other members of the LAUTECH delegation included Professor M. A. Akintonde, Director, Institute of African Studies; Professor M. O. Areo, former Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences; Professor E. A. Toyobo, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences; Professor A. K. Ayinla, Chairman, Environmental Management Committee; Dr. T. E. Akinde, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences; Dr. O. O. Abokede, former Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences; Dr. A. A. Adeoti, Director, Centre for Career Services; Mr. O. M. Oyeyode; Dr. A. O. Odeniyi; Mr. I. A. Mohammed; Dr. K. K. Oloso, Faculty Officer, Faculty of Environmental Sciences; Mr. O. Alabi, CEO, Alfaco Signature; Mr. A. A. Ogungbesan; Mr. B. Akintonde; Mr. Idris; and Mr. Saheed Salawu, Head, Public and Alumni Relations Unit.