ILESA BOOK CLUB CONGRATULATES PROF. ADEBAYO LAMIKANRA ON HIS 75TH BIRTHDAY
The Ilesa Book Club has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Adebayo Lamikanra, a distinguished academic, writer, and organizer of the renowned Ife Poetry Festival, now known as the Poetry House Party, on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
This was made known through a press release issued by the founder of the Club, Wole Adedoyin, who lauded Prof. Lamikanra’s immense contributions to literature and academia over the decades.
Born in 1949, Prof. Lamikanra is a highly accomplished scholar and an alumnus of the prestigious Igbobi College, Yaba. He furthered his education at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree (B.Pharm), and later obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Manchester. His illustrious career in academia began as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Ife in 1972, where he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a full Professor in 1988.
Prof. Lamikanra’s literary contributions are as impressive as his academic achievements. His published works include Essential Microbiology (now in its third edition), a vital resource for students and scholars alike. He has also penned several poetry collections, including Lean Years and Heart Sounds, as well as essays and short stories in Under the Almond Tree and A Round Half Dozen, respectively. His autobiographical work, Igbobi Boy, and the co-authored book From Classroom to Boardroom and Beyond, further showcase his versatility as a writer.
Beyond his academic and literary contributions, Prof. Lamikanra has been a significant figure in Nigeria’s poetry scene, particularly through his sponsorship of the Ife Poetry Festival. This festival, rebranded as the Poetry House Party, has been a gathering point for poets, writers, and literary enthusiasts since its inception in 1998. The event has played a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting young poets and has become a hallmark of Nigeria’s literary calendar.
Prof. Lamikanra’s love for sports is another noteworthy aspect of his life. He was an active cricket player during his time at Igbobi College and Ife, and also played football regularly until he turned sixty. His passion for sports reflects his commitment to a balanced life, combining intellectual pursuits with physical activity.
The Ilesa Book Club, in its congratulatory message, highlighted Prof. Lamikanra’s dedication to promoting reading, writing, and intellectual growth, particularly among the youth. Wole Adedoyin noted that his unwavering support for literary events like the Poetry House Party has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s literary landscape.
As a regular contributor to the Op-ed page of The Guardian Newspaper since 1990, Prof. Lamikanra’s insights and perspectives on various social, cultural, and political issues have garnered a wide readership. His ability to engage with contemporary issues through his writing continues to inspire both his peers and the younger generation.
In celebration of his 75th birthday, the Ilesa Book Club acknowledged Prof. Lamikanra’s enduring legacy in both academia and the literary world. His works and contributions have not only enriched the Nigerian literary canon but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue excellence in writing and scholarship.
As Prof. Lamikanra enters this new chapter of his life, the Ilesa Book Club joins the broader literary community in wishing him many more years of good health, intellectual fulfillment, and continued success in all his endeavors. His life and work remain a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and a love for knowledge.
The Ilesa Book Club looks forward to celebrating more of Prof. Lamikanra’s milestones and achievements in the years to come.
