By Honourable Hassan Oyeyemi Oyeleke

It is with great respect and admiration that I pay tribute to the renowned professor of Geology, Jimoh Mosobalaje Oyawoye (FAS, FNMGS, FNAPE, FGSA, OON, CON, DSc. Hon (Unibadan), DSc. Hon. (Durham).

Professor Oyawoye, who has been referred to as the "Father of Nigerian Geology," was a towering figure in the field of Geology, not just in Nigeria, but across the African continent.

Jimoh Mosobalaje Oyawoye, the first African professor of Geology, was a true pioneer in his field. He dedicated his life to the study of geology and the exploration of the African continent, leaving an indelible mark on the science of geology and inspiring generations of young geologists to follow in his footsteps.

Born in 1933, Oyawoye's interest in geology was sparked by his uncle, who was a mining engineer. He went on to study geology at the University of Ibadan, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1956. After completing his undergraduate studies, Oyawoye went to the University of London, where he earned his Ph.D. in geology in 1961. He then returned to Nigeria to begin his career as a geologist.

Oyawoye's early work focused on the geology of Nigeria and the West African region. He conducted extensive fieldwork, mapping the geology of Nigeria and studying the mineral resources of the region. His research was groundbreaking, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the foremost geologists in Africa.

In 1965, Oyawoye was appointed as the first African professor of Geology at the University of Ibadan, the same institution where he had earned his Bachelor's degree. This was a significant milestone not only for Oyawoye but also for the entire African continent. Oyawoye's appointment was a clear indication that Africa had the intellectual capacity to produce world-class geologists.

As a professor of Geology, Oyawoye mentored generations of students, many of whom went on to become successful geologists in their own right. He was known for his dedication to his students and his passion for teaching. He encouraged his students to explore the African continent and conduct research that would contribute to the understanding of its geology.

Oyawoye's research continued to focus on the geology of Africa, and he made significant contributions to the understanding of the continent's geology. He was particularly interested in the Precambrian rocks of West Africa, which he studied extensively. His research on the geology of the region led to the discovery of significant mineral deposits, including gold, tin, and columbite.

Oyawoye was also a champion of African geology. He believed that African geologists had a unique perspective on the continent's geology and that their research could contribute significantly to the global understanding of geology. He was vocal about the need for African geologists to take ownership of their research and to develop their own theories and ideas.

In addition to his research and teaching, Oyawoye was also involved in various professional organizations. He was a founding member of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society and served as its president from 1981 to 1983. He was also a fellow of the Geological Society of London and the Nigerian Academy of Science.

Oyawoye's contributions to the field of geology were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the Nigerian National Order of Merit in 2003, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Nigerian citizen. He was also awarded the Fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Science and the Geological Society of London.

With decades of experience in the field of Geology, Professor Oyawoye had an unparalleled understanding of the geological makeup of the African continent. He had the unique ability to identify and map mineral resources, and his work helped to lay the foundations for much of the modern mining industry in Africa.

His love for science led him to study Geology at the University of Ibadan, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree, followed by his Master's degree in 1957. He later received his PhD from Imperial College London in 1961.

Professor Oyawoye's contributions to the field of Geology extended beyond Nigeria. He was a pioneer of African Geology and one of the first to recognize the unique geological features that were present throughout the continent. He was a vocal advocate for the development of the mining industry in Africa, and his work helped to pave the way for the exploitation of mineral resources.

In recognition of his contributions to the field of Geology, Professor Oyawoye was awarded numerous honorary degrees, including an honorary degree from his alma mater, the University of Ibadan. He was also a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

As a renowned Nigerian archaeologist and Historian, he has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the field. Here are some of the awards conferred on him:

1. Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR): In 2001, Prof. Oyawoye was awarded the OFR, one of the highest national honors in Nigeria, by the President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.

2. Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (FNAL): In 1993, he was elected as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters in recognition of his contributions to the development of the humanities in Nigeria.

3. Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria (FHSN): In 1983, he was elected as a Fellow of the Historical Society of Nigeria in recognition of his contributions to the study of Nigerian history.

4. Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA): In 1994, he was elected as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects in recognition of his contributions to the development of architecture in Nigeria.

5. Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (FNITP): In 1995, he was elected as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners in recognition of his contributions to the development of town planning in Nigeria.

6. Honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.): In 1992, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Ibadan in recognition of his contributions to the field of archaeology.

7. Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA): In 2009, he was awarded the NNMA, one of the highest national honors in Nigeria, in recognition of his contributions to the development of archaeology and history in Nigeria.

8. Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS): In 2015, he was elected as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science in recognition of his contributions to the development of science in Nigeria.

These are just some of the many awards and recognitions that Professor Jimoh Mosobalaje Oyawoye has received throughout his distinguished career.

His achievements regardless, Professor Oyawoye was a community leader, philanthropist, mentor, pathfinder, accessible, kind and humble.

He was also an excellent custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage.

Oyawoye's character can better be described as integrity, impeccable, incorrigible , reliable and courageous.

Professor Mosobalaje Olaloye Oyawoye (FAS, FNMGS, FNAPE, FGSA, CON, OON) was also Aremo Olomo'ba of Offa Kingdom, Baba Adinni of Kwara State, former Offa Descendants Union (ODU) National President, former Chairman JNI, former Chairman of the Board of WAEC, and former Chairman of GTBank.

Professor Oyawoye's legacy lives on through the numerous people he has positively impacted in his fulfilled 96 years in life.

Jimoh Mosobalaje Oyawoye (FAS, FNMGS, FNAPE, FGSA, OON, CON, DSc. Hon (Unibadan), DSc. Hon. (Durham).

human and their various title. they should also not forget to write it on his tomb stone (cenotaph)