By Ayo Onikoyi

Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUE), Ondo, on Friday conferred its prestigious Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) honorary degree on globally renowned African historian and intellectual, Professor Toyin Falola, during its 35th Convocation Ceremony.

The event, held at the university’s main centre, drew members of the academic community, traditional rulers, public officials, and well-wishers from across the country, who gathered to honour one of Africa’s most prolific scholars.

In his acceptance remarks, Professor Falola described the award as a symbolic moment that transcended personal achievement. “I present myself to you today as more than an individual because I embody the shared experiences of many,” he said. “My presence here is supported not by personal power, but through the energies of our ancestors, my supportive community, and the guiding force of Olódùmarè, the Supreme Being.”

Falola, who holds the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin, expressed gratitude and humility, emphasizing that the honour was both a recognition of past efforts and a call to continued service.

“This distinction requires my ongoing dedication to education, preservation efforts, and construction,” he noted. “It stands as proof of our people’s enduring spirit, the strength of our cultures, and the power of knowledge to transform.”

Drawing from Yoruba cosmology, he reflected on the concept of àṣẹ, which he defined as the divine force that empowers words and actions to manifest reality. “Àṣẹ is not a passive gift; it is an active responsibility,” he stated. “We must direct our àṣẹ purposefully and compassionately to address the social injustices and marginalisations that plague our world.”

Falola encouraged graduating students to embrace their individual power and social responsibility. “You carry àṣẹ too. Do not fear your power,” he said. “Your words should bring healing, your work should create foundations, and your life should reflect the greatness you possess.”

He urged them to speak for the silenced, elevate the ignored, and correct distortions in society. “The earth will rise to meet your feet when your steps follow the guidance of àṣẹ,” he affirmed.

Offering a heartfelt blessing—ìwúre—for the university, Falola prayed:

“May this university continue to be a beacon of hope, a stronghold of enlightenment, and a crucible for transformative ideas. May every lecture, every discussion, and every initiative be infused with àṣẹ, shaping character and renewing purpose.”

He concluded with a call for collective purpose and a reminder of African wisdom:

“We are bridges between generations—those who walked before us and those yet to come. Let us remember the Yoruba proverb: ‘Ẹnìyàn ní òrìṣà’—the divine reveals itself through human beings. We must channel our àṣẹ toward creating a fairer, more inclusive world.”

Falola’s recognition by AFUE adds to his long list of global honours, affirming his place as one of the continent’s most respected cultural scholars and educators.