*Photo:Prof Adedimeji *
By Mojeed Ajibola Adeyinka
The pioneer Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji went emotional over what he described as an “ambush” by past students and mentees.
It will be recalled that the committee of past students and mentees of the professor recently wrote a book titled, ‘The Meteoric Rise of the Dynamic Academic’ in his honour.
Professor Mahfouz, while acknowledging the kind gesture amidst joyful tears at the launch of the book on Saturday, 3rd September 2020, at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Conference Hall, GRA, Ilorin, Kwara State, said that he didn’t see the book coming.
“I was a bit emotional when I saw that a book would be launched in my honour. I didn’t expect it. I just woke up one morning and I saw the flyer tagged to my timeline on Facebook… I couldn’t believe it. But, according to Shakespeare: what has been done cannot be undone… I sincerely thank Bello AbdulLateef and his co-conspirators for the ambush.”
Speaking further, the celebrant said he couldn’t stop wondering when one of the contributors to the book said he had wanted to write a book about him since 2002.
“I flipped through the entries in the book and I read one who said he had wanted to write a book about me since 2002 but I stopped him. I couldn’t stop imagine what I was in 2002 that could make anybody to write a book about me.”
Prof. Mahfouz therefore appreciated every contributor, those whose articles formed the compendium and those whose contributions didn’t make it to the book.
“I thank every one here present… I shall keep a copy to myself and cry in private while reading the book going forward.” He added.
The Chief Editor of the book, Mr Bello AbdulLateef popularly called Thinker said that the idea to compile the book came up when the Prof. became the Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University to celebrate his meritorious service throughout his sojourn as their lecturer and mentor.
He stressed that most of the entries in the book are not majorly from the Prof’s past students but those who have benefitted from him (The Prof) in one way or the other.
The double book launch (with Doses of Grammar authored by the celebrant) was attended by academics, professionals and personalities from all walks of life.
