OAU CLARIFIES DECISION TO CANCEL PROF. MOYO OKEDIJI'S BOOK LAUNCH

By Goodness Olope 


Earlier today, 19 July, 2026, the management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has clarified that its decision not to approve the use of the institution's facilities for the launch of Professor Moyo Okediji's book, Putting the Records Straight, was based solely on administrative procedures and not on the author's personality or the content of the publication.

In a statement issued by the University's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution said the decision followed established guidelines governing the use of the University's name, facilities and platforms for book launches and other academic events.

According to the statement, the manuscript was never submitted to the Institute of Cultural Studies for academic assessment or editorial review, while no formal communication was made to the appropriate University authorities seeking approval for the publication or launch of the book.

The University further stated that there was no contractual agreement between Professor Okediji and the Institute of Cultural Studies regarding the publication of the book, nor had the Institute or the University granted permission for the work to be published under their names.

OAU described the attribution of the Institute of Cultural Studies as the book's publisher as an ethical and procedural violation that was inconsistent with the institution's standards and commitment to academic integrity.

The statement disclosed that following discussions, Professor Okediji agreed to instruct his editor to remove the names of the Institute of Cultural Studies and Obafemi Awolowo University as the book's publisher and have it published under a different imprint.

It added that both Professor Okediji and the Faculty agreed that proceeding with the scheduled public lecture and book launch could create the impression that the University endorsed the publication, leading to a mutual decision to cancel the event.

The University maintained that its action was neither arbitrary nor unfair but reflected its commitment to due process, accountability and established academic procedures.

Reaffirming its support for scholarship and intellectual freedom, OAU stated that it remains committed to promoting academic excellence and will continue to support scholarly engagements, provided organisers comply with the University's regulations governing the use of its name and facilities.

The University also urged members of the public to disregard narratives portraying it as hostile to scholarship, stressing that its decisions are guided by principles of integrity, fairness, due process and academic excellence rather than personalities.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

OAU BEST GRADUATING STUDENT, 2025.

Image
OAU BEST GRADUATING STUDENT, 2025.   By Grace Olaniyi Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced Sunday Amuke, a 23-year-old graduate of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, as the institution’s best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.90. Amuke, who hails from Enugu State and also bears the Igbo name Chukwudi, described his academic journey as “interesting,” noting that it began with unexpected challenges. Despite scoring 99/100 in MTH101 and 91/100 in CHM101, his first-semester GPA stood at 4.44 short of a first-class grade. However, he said the strong performance in the university’s difficult “yellow and white house” courses strengthened his belief that he could excel. That belief, coupled with consistent hard work and what he described as God’s grace, led him to achieve six 5.0 GPAs in the remaining nine semesters of his programme.  Reflecting on the habits that drove his academic excellence, Amuke said he prioritized thorough preparation...
Read more

‎REPORTED CULT-LIKE ATTACKS RAISE SECURITY CONCERNS ON OAU CAMPUS

Image
 THE AWO TIMES ‎Campus News | January 8, 2026 ‎REPORTED CULT-LIKE ATTACKS RAISE SECURITY CONCERNS ON OAU CAMPUS By Goodness Olope  ‎Some students of Obafemi Awolowo University, have been reportedly assaulted in robbery and cult related attacks across the campus on Thursday, January 8, 2026, sparking widespread concern over student safety. ‎One of the most disturbing incidents reportedly occurred around the Alex Duduyemi Lecture Theatre at about 5:00 p.m., where five students from the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development were said to have been engaged in an academic field exercise involving insect collection. ‎A statement issued by the Agricultural Extension Student Society of Nigeria (AESSON OAU) alleged that the students were accosted by an individual who accused them of wearing “cult-like beads.” Despite the students’ clarification, the situation reportedly escalated. ‎According to the statement, the assailant allegedly forced the students to kneel unde...
Read more

FROM CLASSROOM TO STAGE: BIYI PRAISE JOURNEY

Image
FROM CLASSROOM TO STAGE: BIYI PRAISE JOURNEY   By Victoria Ilori As Obafemi Awolowo University prepares for convocation, one of the standout student entertainers leaving the institution is Biyi Adesida Praise Oluwademilade, widely known as Biyi Praise. A French student from the 2021 admission set, Biyi is recognised as one of OAU’s finest young comedians. Academic Path and Early Passion Originally aspiring to study Dramatic Arts, Biyi was instead offered French—a decision he accepted to begin his academic journey without delay. Despite the unexpected switch, he is set to graduate with a Second Class Upper, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence. Biyi’s passion for entertainment began at home, where he enjoyed making people laugh. His official career started in 2021, inspired by comedian Kenny Blaq. Although he never planned to work as an MC, he embraced it for financial support, earning ₦10,000 at his first gig. Campus Career and Memorable Highlights Throughout his t...
Read more