Dakwom Makpring Longgul reports from JOS, NIGERIA
Principal officers, eminent scholars, and top dignitaries gathered at the University of Jos to honor Professor Irene Agunloye for her extraordinary 46 years of dedicated service to the university system, including 22 years as a full professor.
The event featured the presentation of a major festschrift compiled by colleagues in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts and the Faculty of Arts.
Delivering the welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Ishaya Tanko, commended Professor Irene as an exceptional academic, practitioner, and mentor who successfully navigated complex institutional dynamics throughout her long career.
Commenting on the monumental book published in her honor, Prof. Tanko highlighted the changing landscape of theatre and media arts in the digital age.Addressing the rising influence of artificial intelligence, the Vice Chancellor reassured academics and media practitioners about the future of their profession:”Artificial intelligence is not going to take over professionalism, but it will help you improve on it,” Prof. Tanko stated. “Those who choose to adopt AI will be more professional than those who do not. Technology can generate media content, but whether that artifact possesses true professional quality is a completely different ballgame.”Echoing these tributes,
the Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), who chaired the occasion, praised Professor Irene’s deep patriotism and steadfast commitment to Nigeria.”We are here because we believe you are a patriotic Nigerian,” the DG remarked, noting her choice to remain in the country and mentor young academics despite lucrative opportunities abroad. “You gave up material comfort to stay, serve your people, and contribute to our fatherland.”To illustrate the enduring call to national service, the NIPSS boss shared a story of a 38-year-old Nigerian professional in France eager to return home to contribute, despite the earnings differential between the Euro and Naira. He also lightheartedly took charge of the venue protocol, directing organizers to adjust the hall’s seating to ensure a packed front-row presence for media coverage.
The event reached an emotional high point when former students of Professor Irene Agunloye including current professors and a former Vice Chancellor stood to pay homage to their mentor. Over her 46-year career, Professor Irene has supervised more than 20 Ph.D. candidates, leaving behind an indelible mark on Nigerian higher education.
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