Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, is set to host its 35th Inaugural Lecture, which will be delivered by renowned scholar, Professor Uriel Okunrinmeta, a distinguished professor of English Language and Applied English Linguistics.
According to a statement by the Chairman of the Ceremonies Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin.), Professor Adebisi Daramola, the lecture is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Themed “Let’s Use What’s OURS to Solve OUR OWN Problems: Adopting an Endocentric English Model in Schools,” the lecture will take place at the University Multipurpose Hall, beginning at 2:00 PM, with guests expected to be seated by 1:30 PM. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, will preside over the event.
Professor Okunrinmeta’s Academic Journey and Contributions
Professor Okunrinmeta obtained his B.Ed. (Hons.) in Education and English from the former Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, in 1992. He later earned a Master of Arts in English (Language) from the University of Lagos in 1997 and a Ph.D. in English (Language) from the same institution in 2010.
His academic career at AAUA began in 2001 as an Assistant Lecturer, and by 2017, he had risen to the rank of Professor of English Language and Applied English Linguistics. Over the years, he has held over 60 leadership positions, including Dean, Sub-Dean, Coordinator, Committee Chairman, and University Orator. He has also played key roles in the Webometric Ranking Task Force and is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Chairman of the Faculty of Arts Journal/Publication Committee.
A prolific scholar, Professor Okunrinmeta authored the widely used textbook Spoken English for Nigerian Students and has contributed to 18 book chapters, edited two books, and published over 30 research articles in international journals. He has also supervised 11 postgraduate students, including two Ph.D. candidates.
His influence extends beyond AAUA, as he serves as an External Examiner for several institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Ilorin, Ekiti State University, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, and Afe Babalola University.
International Recognition and Professional Affiliations
Professor Okunrinmeta has presented papers at various conferences worldwide, including in the United States, India, Turkey, and the Philippines. He is an active member of prestigious professional organizations, such as the English Scholars’ Association of Nigeria, the International Association for World Englishes, and the Nigerian Academy of Letters.
His contributions to research have earned him several grants, including the TETFund Research Projects (RP) Intervention in 2016.
AAUA’s 35th Inaugural Lecture promises to be an insightful academic gathering, further solidifying the university’s commitment to scholarly excellence.
