Professor T.M. Ilesanmi 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 T.M. ILESAMI AND YORUBA STUDIES
Professor T.M. Ilesanmi joined the services of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife), Nigeria as a Graduate Assistant at the Department of African Languages and Literatures on November 25th, 1975 having taken two Bachelor degrees from Pontifical University, Rome and University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He steadily rose to a full fledged Professor in October 1997; the position he occupied until his retirement at the statutory ripe-age of sixty five in 2005.
Going through his academic profile and records, one discovers an unwavering total commitment and seriousness. He has built round himself an edifice of enviable scholarship, especially in the areas of Yoruba cultural studies. His research findings on traditional rituals and folklore are quite monumental and remain major reference points in Yoruba scholarships. Receptive and humble, Professor Ilesanmi has presented many controversial, intriguing and noteworthy academic papers on Yoruba orature.
More than anyone in the history of his department, Professor Ilesanmi has supervised a greater number of reputable Masters and Ph.D. theses on Yoruba language and literature. The findings of these theses have been credited to have opened up new horizon and perspectives in Yoruba studies.