Professor Bade Ajuwon and Yoruba Studies
From Wikipedia
Gbogbo ohun ti a bá kọ ní èdè Gẹ̀ẹ́sì ni a gbọ́dọ̀ kọ Yorùbá rẹ̀.
(This article is written in English. It needs to be translated to Yoruba.)
PROFESSOR BADE AJUWON AND YORUBA STIDIES
Professor Bade Ajuwon joined the services of the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) Nigeria as a Junior Research Fellow in Yoruba in October 1st, 1974; having had a B.A. Honours degree in English and History from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 1969, Diploma in Law in 1972 from the same University and M.A. in Folklore from the famous Indiana University, USA, in 1973. Following his appointment, he was given a study leave to go back to the same Indiana University to study for his Ph.D.
From the very beginning of his academic career which spans three decades, Professor Bade Ajuwon proved himself to be very dedicated, diligent and resourceful. His keen interest and commitment to research were total and unwavering. This became evident from his continuous appointment as a Research Assistant during the long vacations throughout his three years as an undergraduate and also for two years after he graduated from Lagos. His thirst for knowledge also led him to study law and he graduated with a Diploma. So, his combined honours degree in English and History, his fleeting acquaintance with law and his training as a teacher combined to put him in a good stead to pursue his research with rare vigour and zeal and as well equip him to be an indefatigable teacher and scholar.
His impressive and celebrated scholarship culminated in his rapid and steady growth to become Professor in 1985, the Director of the Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria from 1986-1992, and Dean Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolwo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria from 1995-1997. Professor Bade Ajuwon has served his University on various committees and panels, too many to mention here.
Professor Ajuwon’s academic career and scholarship received international acknowledgement and accolades. For example, his book Eremoje Ere Isipa-Ode (Hunter’s Dirge) was singled out for HONOURABLE MENTION by the distinguished international panel of assessors of the 1983 NOMA Award for publishing in Africa. Professor Ajuwon was also a FULBRIGHT scholar whose academic career has produced no fewer than twenty five publications on Yoruba folklore in respectable academic outlets. His publications have been found to be major breakthroughs and very monumental in the scholarship of Yoruba Folklore.