By RhemDy News
The Congress of Nigerian Students at the University of Johannesburg (CONSUJ), on Thursday, paid glowing tributes to retiring professor of Artificial Intelligence, Abejide Ade-Ibijola, as he bows out after ten (10) years of meritorious service at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
The event was organised to honour the outstanding contributions of the multiple award-winning Ade-Ibijola for his remarkable decade of service at the University.
Nigerian students, academics, alumni, postdoctoral fellows, researchers, distinguished professors as well as industry experts converged on the UJ Astro Hockey Pavilion of the University to celebrate Ade-Ibijola's career defined by excellence and leadership.
The immediate-past CONSUJ President, Dr Esan Oluwadamilola, whose administration organized the ceremony, said it underscored the association's commitment to honouring individuals whose service have left lasting impact on the Nigerian student community at the institution.
Dr Esan noted that honouring exemplary leaders such as Professor Ade-Ibijola will further inspire future generations to pursue excellence, serve selflessly, and invest in others.
In celebrating the retiring scholar, other participants maintained that although he was completing his tenure at the institution, Ade-Ibijola's legacy of excellence, innovation, mentorship, and service will continue to inspire generations of students and academics across Africa.
Ade-Ibijola joined the University in 2016 as a Senior Lecturer, from where he rose to become a full professor of Artificial Intelligence and Applications with over 100 awards and recognitions, including receiving the University's Vice-Chancellor's Distinguished Awards for Innovation and Teaching Excellence twice along the way.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, participants described him as a mentor, innovator, and father figure whose unwavering support for Nigerian students helped shape countless academic and professional journeys.
Through initiatives such as GRIT Lab Africa, Professor Ade-Ibijola has empowered thousands of young Africans with practical skills in Artificial Intelligence, innovation, programming, and entrepreneurship, reinforcing his belief that "Africa does not only need more degrees; Africa needs more builders."
A Digital Book of Appreciation, containing heartfelt goodwill messages from colleagues, students, alumni, and friends whose lives have been enriched by Ade-Ibijola's mentorship and leadership was unveiled at the sendforth gathering.
Similarly, the event ushered in a new leadership of CONSUJ with the installation of Mr Babatunde Okediji as the Congress's new president.
Okediji's installation officially ended the tenure of Dr Esan and commenced the beginning of another phase in the history of the organisation.
In his maiden address, Okediji lauded the Esan-led administration for laying a strong foundation, and acknowledged the invaluable and consistent support of Professor Ade-Ibijola to Nigerian students.
He pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors while advancing the welfare, unity, and academic excellence of Nigerian students at the University of Johannesburg.
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