Seasons and history are truly spectacular, with men and women making lasting impacts that we will never forget. Despite not having wings, they are angels!
Our initial meeting had a strong emotional impact on me. I was unaware that Prof. Elizabeth Adenike Emeke was 70 years old until a few months ago. She is a bundle of energy and the personification of all that is pure. Thanks for the grace that keeps her going.
We met in 2000 or thereabout at a gathering of the Ibadan Descendants Union (IDU), University of Ibadan/The Polytechnic, Ibadan. The Union is a sociocultural organisation for Ibadan natives who work at the Polytechnic and University of Ibadan to network professionally and socially. It is interesting to note that IDU is one of the three societies, clubs, and unions that came together to form the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) in 1982. I had the honour of working for CCII in many capacities, including acting as the Secretary-General from 2003 to 2005 and the National Public Relations Officer from 2007 to 2009, among others.
Ever since our initial meeting, she has been referring to me as “my brother,” as though we are related by blood. Yeah, we are! I’m from Ibadanland’s Yemetu Oje Igosun axis, while she is from the Oke-Ofa Babasale axis.
She served with great credit ever since her employment at the University of Ibadan, as well as everywhere else they benefited from her efforts. As a respected dignitary of the Catholic Church, she ably fulfilled her role as a member of the governing boards of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan’s private schools in Ibadanland.
Prof. Emeke is an experienced researcher and educational evaluator with over 70 articles in local, national, and worldwide journals, as well as Books of Reading. Being married in a culturally diverse setting to Diokpa Emeke, having travelled extensively within and outside the country, and having served in various administrative and service-oriented capacities, she is sensitive to cultural diversifications in teaching, research, evaluation, and interpersonal relationships. She is comfortable engaging with people at all levels and in a variety of circumstances. Prof. Emeke is proficient in the use of Yoruba, English, and Igbo languages.
I have a special relationship with the husband, Diokpa Emeke too. He head-hunted me for a position and came to my house to discuss the matter with me. How Diokpa was able to identify my house and knock at my door, I don’t know in UI? It was a mouth-watering offer which I declined. It is another story for another day. I apologised to him for his love and gesture. Diokpa did it because of my relationship with my Auntie and to strengthen the bond between Yoruba and Igbo. Can anybody separate us? No!
By hard labour rather than by chance, you become what you envisioned. Professor of Educational Evaluation, Science, and Counseling Psychology, Adenike, my Auntie believes, feels, embraces, and becomes it. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the esteemed University of Ibadan. Not only is she a highly referenced Google Scholar, but she is also a dynamic, lively instructor and committed researcher.
While some people are just interested in the short-term and long-term, stakeholders defend sustainability over the long run. Her time serving as a pioneer member of the University of Ibadan Research Foundation’s (UIRF) Board of Directors speaks for itself. She has an excellent work ethic.
I recall anchoring an Inaugural Lecture in the University’s legendary Trenchard Hall and informing the audience, “In case you are feeling falling or funny, please draw the attention of our ushers to your health challenge, who will notify medical personnel from the University Health Service, also known as the Jaja Clinic for necessary attention. In the event of an emergency, there are side exits in the Hall through which you can exit.” According to Prof Emeke, someone who sat next to her stated that I sounded like a scaremonger. However, her daughter, who was with her in the Hall responded, “The man is correct because it is the practice in organisations that value safety. You must inform such a large gathering about the safety protocol.”
Every idea shared and every opportunity seized by her helped us achieve the heights in the university. Kudos to her efforts!
Her valedictory lecture titled, “SOJOURNING IN NIGERIA’S PREMIER UNIVERSITY: A COUNSELLOR- EVALUATOR’s JOURNEY OF GROWTH, RESILIENCE, AND HOPE” is scheduled for 2nd September, 2024, in the Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan. However, I am busy, and she is aware of it. I will try to attend. I admire her. I know her thoughts will resonate with our thoughts.
Wrapping up, “as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” -John F. Kennedy, former President of the United States of America.
70 hearty cheers to a remarkable woman of distinction! May Prof. Elizabeth Adenike Emeke continue to be blessed with good health, sound mind, and happiness as she celebrates this milestone. Cheers, ma!
Olatunji Muhammed Oladejo, JP, MNIPR, MANUPA
Director, Ibadan University Press (Publishing House)
University of Ibadan
Saturday, 31 August, 2024.