Tributes have poured in from across the globe to honour Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu, the first African UNESCO Laureate and Vice-Chancellor of Crown University International Chartered Inc. (USA), as he marked his birthday anniversary this week.
In a statement that echoed far beyond borders, the ambassador described his leadership as “unparalleled” and a guiding force for those working towards a better, united world.
He said from royal palaces to academic institutions and diplomatic circles, the global academic community celebrated a man whose work continues to shape the future of education and development.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Sefiu Oyebola, the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, led the royal acknowledgements with heartfelt blessings.
In a message of goodwill, the monarch prayed for Prof. Aremu’s continued prosperity, peace of mind, and long life, calling him a figure worthy of royal recognition and respect.
From the African School of Economics, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji praised the laureate as a “beacon of light,” applauding his contributions to learning, innovation, and humanity. Describing him as a colossus within and outside Nigeria, Prof. Adedimeji highlighted Prof. Aremu’s devotion to celebrating excellence and inspiring future generations.
Ambassador Professor Karim Errouaki extended international appreciation, lauding Prof. Aremu’s tireless dedication to global education, climate advocacy, and peace diplomacy.
Family and close associates also joined the global chorus. Mr Taofiq Adeyemi, referring to the professor as both a father-in-law and father figure, celebrated his strength, wisdom, and generosity.
Meanwhile, his wife, the Senior Queen Mrs Z. A. Aremu, offered a deeply personal message of prayer and gratitude, invoking Allah’s blessings and expressing love for a man she described as the light of their lives.
High Prince Dr Tukur Lawan Saleh, one of Prof. Aremu’s mentees, commended his global leadership and mentorship.
“Your mentorship has shaped my journey in ways I never imagined,” he said, adding that his dedication to education and peace continues to illuminate minds globally.
From alumni groups to fellow scholars, messages of admiration reflected Prof. Aremu’s immense academic and diplomatic legacy.
Mr Isiaka Wakeel, an administrator of his former secondary school alumni association, called on others to honour “our erudite scholar” and praised the laureate’s enduring service to humanity.
A Nigerian-born academic of international renown, Prof. Aremu has been recognised as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus, a global philanthropist, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (UK).
His scholarly expertise ranges from biometric technology to computer science, with numerous awards, publications, and citations underscoring his academic influence.
Currently serving as Vice-Chancellor of Crown University International Chartered Inc. (USA), he also leads as Africa Head of the United Nations Association on Climate Change Council (UNACCC), and chairs several international accreditation bodies. His contributions have earned him royal and institutional titles, including His Royal Highness Duke of the Kingdom of Atlantis (Singapore).
