Vice chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, has been conferred with the Distinguished Service Award by the Postgraduate College of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in recognition of his contributions to National development, public service, and the advancement of higher education in Nigeria.
Adebooye, represented at the event by the deputy vice-chancellor (Academics, Innovation and Partnerships), Prof. Adetunji Lawrence Kehinde, was picked for the award following what the college described as “a detailed search and exhaustive deliberation” to identify eminent individuals who have made significant and transformative impacts in academia and beyond.
In a statement announcing the award, the provost of the OAU Postgraduate College, Professor Victor Folorunso Olaleye, praised Adebooye’s leadership footprint, describing him as “a visionary academic and administrator whose service has consistently elevated the standards of public education and scholarly excellence in Nigeria.”
After receiving the award, Professor Adebooye expressed heartfelt gratitude to the management of Obafemi Awolowo University for the recognition, noting that the honour validates his lifelong commitment to scholarship, public service, and youth development.
“This award is not just about me; it is a tribute to the spirit of innovation and progress that defines Osun State University,” he said. “We are building a University that will stand shoulder to shoulder with the best globally, and this honour from OAU inspires us to aim even higher.”
Since assuming office, Professor Adebooye has overseen remarkable growth at Osun State University, including the expansion of academic programmes, strengthening of global research collaborations, infrastructural transformation, and prioritisation of staff and student welfare.
His reputation as a reform-driven administrator and scholar of international repute continues to draw accolades from within and outside the academic community.
The latest recognition from one of Nigeria’s most prestigious federal Universities further cements UNIOSUN’s growing influence in the National and global educational landscape.
