In a heartfelt remembrance shared on his Facebook page, renowned academic and religious leader, Professor Nosiru Olajide Onibon, has paid glowing tribute to his late father, Alhaji Imam Abdulhameed Arikewuyo Onibon, 25 years after his passing, describing him as a pillar of strength, discipline, and unwavering principles whose legacy continues to shape his life and work.
Professor Onibon, who only recently attained the esteemed rank of Professor, is the former Provost of the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) and the pioneer Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED). In a reflective post, he described the impact of his father’s values on his personal and professional journey, noting that his late father’s teachings and lifestyle continue to serve as a compass in his leadership, scholarship, and religious commitment.
“Fathers are indeed the strong pillars of every family,” Prof. Onibon said. “My father was not just a provider, but a mentor, a disciplinarian, and a man of deep faith and integrity. Twenty-five years may have passed, but the sound of his guidance still echoes in my decisions, my faith, and my dedication to education and service. Your legacy lives on baami.”
An Arabic linguist by training and an Islamic scholar of repute, Prof. Onibon has carved a niche in both academic and religious circles, becoming a respected teacher, lecturer, researcher, and community leader. Many of his values, he noted, are direct reflections of the early upbringing and moral grounding provided by his father.
In his tribute, he emphasized how his father’s life goals: to live a life of purpose and contentment, integrity, and impact, have remained his own guiding principles. From his days as a young scholar to his rise in academia and service to humanity, Prof. Onibon has not only upheld those ideals but has continued to build on them.
The remembrance post has since drawn emotional reactions and commendations from colleagues, students, and members of the public who praised the professor for his humility, consistency, and dedication to nurturing the next generation.
In a society grappling with shifting values, Prof. Onibon’s tribute serves as a stirring reminder of the timeless influence of a good father and the enduring power of legacy.
