Sixty years of life is proof of a legacy of love, laughter and learning. Sixty years of scholarship is a symbol of wisdom, illuminating the paths of generations. I celebrate a woman of unparalleled passion, unwavering dedication, unrelenting pursuit of excellence, remarkable achievements and outstanding contributions to the field of English Language and Linguistics. I pay a special tribute to the inimitable Professor Adenike Akinjobi, a shining star in the firmament of academia, as she marks her 60th birthday, today.
The renowned scholar, educationist and public speaker was born on 3 April, 1965, into the esteemed royal family of Oba Mathew Bamiteko, Orimogunje II, the Onigogo of Igogo-Ekiti in Ero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Her educational journey commenced at Emmanuel Primary School, Igogo-Ekiti, where she studied from 1969 to 1974. She subsequently attended Moba Grammar School, Otun Ekiti, from 1974 to 1979. Furthering her academic pursuits, Professor Akinjobi attended the Federal School of Arts and Science, Ondo, Ondo State, for her Advanced Level education from 1981 to 1983.
Professor Akinjobi’s academic excellence is marked by her impressive educational background. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and Education from the University of Ilorin in 1987, followed by a Master degree in English (Language) from the University of Ibadan in 1991. She further solidified her expertise by obtaining a Ph.D in Linguistics from the University of Ibadan in 2004.
Complementing her academic achievements, Professor Akinjobi undertook specialised training in Speech Acoustics at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, as part of a six-month MacArthur USA-sponsored programme in 2004. Recently, she enhanced her online teaching skills by completing a 140-hour Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) premium training, earning her certification.
Professor Akinjobi is a distinguished faculty member at the Department of English, University of Ibadan, where she teaches, supervises, and mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her extensive experience covers all levels of education, having taught at primary and secondary schools before pursuing her university education.
Following her graduation, Professor Akinjobi launched her academic career as a Lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, in 1989. She later transitioned to the University of Ibadan in 1997, where she began anew as an Assistant Lecturer and subsequently ascended through the academic ranks to attain the distinguished position of Professor in 2013.
Professor Adenike Akinjobi has authored an impressive 78 publications, comprising 53 scholarly papers and edited books/journals, 5 creative writing pieces, 20 primary English textbooks and children’s literature.
Her research expertise spans English phonology, with a particular focus on Nigerian English typology. Professor Akinjobi has made pioneering contributions to research in vowel reduction, spoken English modelling and the development of ancillary models for proper English pronunciation. In addition, she has promoted research in English Suprasegmentals in Nigeria, sociophonology, sociolinguistics and the innovative use of technology to enhance English language teaching and learning.
She is a distinguished member of several prestigious scholarly associations, including the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Association of Phoneticians and Phonologists in Nigeria (APPN), where she served as the Editor of the Journal of the Association of Phoneticians and Phonologists in Nigeria (JAPPIN) and currently holds the position of the Vice-President
Her academic excellence has been recognised through several awards, including the University of Ibadan Staff Training Programme Award and the MacArthur Staff Training Programme Award. These awards enabled her to serve as a Visiting Scholar at the Department of Linguistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA, in 2004.
Currently, Professor Akinjobi serves as an Editor for the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN), the language arm of the African Union (AU), further solidifying her reputation as a leading scholar in her field.
Professor Akinjobi has demonstrated exceptional versatility in the three core aspects of academics: research, teaching, and community service. As a researcher, she has supervised 12 Ph.D theses, numerous MA, MPhil dissertations and undergraduate projects. Additionally, she served as an External Examiner for over 10 doctoral examinations and moderated academic activities in various Nigerian universities.
As an educator, Professor Akinjobi has been an exemplary teacher, imparting knowledge and engaging students in both traditional and virtual learning environments. She is a strong advocate for e-interactive learning and has conducted research on the effectiveness of her social network interactive forum, English Language Clinic-UI, which has shown positive impacts on students and English language users.
In community service, Professor Akinjobi has made significant contributions through her role as Chairperson of the University of Ibadan English Language Clinic Programmes. Her initiatives include organising lectures, distributing free e-books and e-dictionaries, and operating a walk-in clinic.
As a dedicated academic, she successfully administers three vibrant online forums on Facebook:
- English Language Clinic Forum
- Scholars of English Linguistics Forum
- Nigerian Phonologists Forum.
Notably, the English Language Clinic forum boasts an impressive 60,000 active members, underscoring her influence and commitment to linguistic excellence.
Beyond her expertise as a phonetician/phonologist, writer and technology-aided teaching/learning advocate, Professor Akinjobi is also a skilled English speech trainer, voiceover artist and documentary director/producer. She has collaborated on international documentary projects and produced academic and non-academic documentaries for notable organisations and individuals.
Her diverse expertise and passion for language education continue to inspire and empower scholars, researchers and language enthusiasts worldwide.
Professor Akinjobi’s ability to engage audiences and inspire young minds has made her a sought-after motivational speaker. She is a multifaceted talent.
Professor Akinjobi radiates happiness always and loves peaceful co-existence with people of various tribes and different religious persuasions. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in her award-winning novel, “Half of a Yellow Sun” probably had Professor Akinjobi in mind when she wrote, “The best way to greet a person is with a smile, and the best way to celebrate a life is with love.” Residents of Ijeoma Road, University of Ibadan, particularly appreciate her kindness and dedication to peaceful coexistence, which has created a ripple effect of joy and tranquillity in the community.
Professor Akinjobi exemplifies wisdom, experience and dignity, as seen in Proverbs 16:31: “The hoary head is a crown of glory if it is found in the way of righteousness.” (KJV) and Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”(KJV). Her leadership skills as the Chairman of the Ceremonials Committee at the University of Ibadan shone during the successful 76th Convocation and Founders Day Ceremonies in 2024. Her exceptional organisational skills, emotional stability and ability to work under pressure ensured the event’s success. I witnessed her remarkable coordination skills firsthand when we worked together to seat esteemed guests, especially guests on the Iyalode traditional line in Ibadanland at the International Conference Centre (ICC), University of Ibadan, during the convocation ceremonies. Her team’s efforts reinforced the University of Ibadan’s reputation for excellence. Thank you, Professor Akinjobi, for your tireless efforts, accommodating my numerous calls, and leading your team to a wonderful job. Your selflessness, expertise and commitment to excellence are commendable.
At 60, Professor Akinjobi exudes a radiant and youthful presence, defying her age with her vibrant energy, humility and warm demeanour. Her timeless beauty is evidence of her inner joy and unbounded grace. Truly, she looks 16!
Professor Adenike Akinjobi is blessed with a loving family, comprising her two children, and she cherishes the joy and support they bring to her personal and professional life.
I celebrate this dedicated teacher, ethical researcher and humility personified on her remarkable birthday. I acknowledge her dedication to education, research and community development. I celebrate her commitment to empowering individuals and promoting linguistic excellence.
I wish her many more years of scholarly excellence, inspirational leadership and impactful service. Professor Adenike Akinjobi, may your birthday and years ahead be filled with joy, love, good fortune and celebration.
Congratulations and happy 60th birthday!
Cheers!
Tunji Oladejo writes from the University of Ibadan via [email protected]
08077284442
