The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has challenged academics with conducting research to modernize African culture in order to promote it among other civilizations throughout the world.
Oba Ogunwusi made the claim on Tuesday during the inauguration of Professor Jeleel Ojuade as the third vice-chancellor of Crown Hill University, Eyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The Waasi of Ilare-Ife, Oba Olasode Zacheaus, and High Chief Oluwole Bode-Thomas, Laadin of Ife, who were the monarch’s representatives at the event, observed the display of various Yoruba dances put on by the Ayangalu dance group (Alarinjo), the Students of Performing Arts Department of the University of Ilorin, and the Performing Arts and Film Production department of Kwara State
Speaking through Oba Olasode, Ooni said, “I want to implore members of the academics to step up research into the various African Cultures so as to make it known to other people in other parts of the World.”
The monarch entrusted academics with always demonstrating commitment to whichever discipline they specialize in in their academic programs, as well as tenacity and commitment in any area of study in their academic career.
Ooni, the University’s Chancellor, stated that he knew Ojuade, a professor of Performance and Cultural Studies who specializes in Dance Studies and Practice, who stated that “as a practical dancer, he exhibits a commitment to his profession and that Ojuade as a practical dancer has always been tenacious and committed to culture and traditional dances on which he specialized.”
He challenged fellow Academics to always demonstrate devotion and perform timely research in their areas of specialization.
He pledged to always be there for the Institution when it needed him.