Former students, faith-based organisations and Christian communities have honoured a retired Professor of Mathematics and renowned academic and spiritual mentor, Prof. Felix Makanjuola Aderibigbe, as he celebrated his 70th birthday.
The celebration, held recently, at Grace Covenant Centre, Ado-Ekiti, brought together members of the church, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the Gideons, Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria (GOMAN), Ado Varsity Christian Union (AVCU–NIFES), as well as former students and mentees of the celebrant.
Former students from across Nigeria participated in the celebration, while alumni from the United Kingdom, United States and Canada joined the event virtually through a live stream.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, representatives announced two major gifts in recognition of Prof. Aderibigbe’s decades of service to education, mentorship and Christian ministry.
The first was the establishment of a ₦1 million academic endowment fund in his name at Ekiti State University (EKSU). Under the initiative, the best graduating student in the Department of Mathematics will receive a ₦100,000 cash award at each convocation ceremony for the next 10 years.
The organisers disclosed that they would consult with Prof. Aderibigbe to identify a particular course in the Mathematics Department that is especially significant to him, which would serve as the focus of the annual award.
The second major presentation was a Toyota Venza SUV, presented to the celebrant by his former students and mentees as a token of appreciation for his sacrifices, mentorship and contributions to their academic and personal development over the years.
Responding to the honours, Prof. Aderibigbe and his wife, Prof. Mrs Esther Aderibigbe, expressed deep appreciation to the alumni, faith communities, colleagues, friends and well-wishers for the thoughtful gestures.The celebrant noted that seeing his former students succeed and make meaningful contributions to society, both in Nigeria and abroad, remains one of the greatest rewards of his years of academic and spiritual labour.
The celebration ended with prayers from Christian leaders and other participants, who prayed for Prof. Aderibigbe and his family, seeking God’s continued grace, strength, good health and longevity as he continues to contribute to the development of education and the Christian faith.