Biyi Afonja (1950) celebrates his 82nd birthday with the launch of his new book titled I SMELL A RAT: A Pro-Chancellor's Journey in University Governance.

   Osoba, Olugbo, Babalakin, and Others Praise Prof. Afonja for His Book on University Governance

    On Tuesday, prominent Nigerians, including former Ogun State Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, University of Lagos Pro-Chancellor Chief Wale Babalakin, and the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, lauded Prof. Biyi Afonja for his new book focusing on university governance. This commendation took place during the public launch of I Smell A Rat: A Pro-Chancellor's Adventures in University Governance at the OGD Hall, Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State.

Also expressing their admiration were Brig. Gen. Oluwole Rotimi (retd), the former military governor of Western Nigeria, Emeritus Professor Ladipupo Akinkugbe, and former Ekiti State University Pro-Chancellor Prof. Jide Osuntokun, who praised Afonja for capturing his experiences as a seasoned university administrator.

Afonja, a retired professor of statistics, previously served as Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the council at Ogun State University, now known as Olabisi Onabanjo University, among other roles.

Osoba, who referred to Afonja as an esteemed scholar, expressed pride in the author's perseverance and administrative expertise. Represented by his former deputy Adegbenga Kaka, he stated, "We are proud of you. Your determination is commendable, and we salute your resilience as an accomplished university administrator."

Babalakin, who purchased copies of the book for several federal and state universities, highlighted Afonja's significant contributions to education, remarking that the book is timely given the current challenges in the sector. He noted, "Our universities continue to decline without efforts to reverse this trend."

Prof. Osuntokun, the book's reviewer, emphasized that Afonja possesses extensive knowledge of educational management from primary to tertiary levels, owing to his experience as a former education commissioner in Western State and his role as Pro-Chancellor. He remarked that the book comprehensively addresses various aspects of university administration not only in Ogun but nationwide.

Rotimi, who chaired the event, commended Afonja for writing about a subject in which he has been actively involved.

Oba Akinruntan, one of the royal attendees, emphasized the importance of documenting experiences for future generations, encouraging others to write about the history of the Yoruba and royalty.

In sharing insights from the book, Afonja pointed out numerous issues affecting the administration of universities in the country, including political interference and inadequate funding. He explained that the book reflects his experiences as a university administrator in various capacities.