Jega, NUC , NLC, others eulogise Fashina at 70
The 70th birthday ceremony of a former President of Academic Staff Union of Universities, Dr. Dipo Fashina, was honoured on Tuesday by the former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Attairu Jega; Executive Secretary of Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC), Abubakar Rasheed; President of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Waba; Acting Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Anthony Elujoba and other prominent academicians across the country.
Head, Department of Philosophy, Dr. Gbenga Fasheku, hailed Fashina for raising social consciousness among students.
He said Fashina, who during his days as Obafemi Awolowo University lecturer in the Department of Philosophy used his classroom to raised social consciousness of his students and also attracted fund to the department through Tertiary Education Trust Fund project worth N25m.
The Ag. VC of OAU, Prof. Elujoba, described the celebrant as an elephant fighting for the interest of the majority in the society.
“Dipo is a well known socialist and a revolutionary leader, supporter of workers, students and universities system at large. I am convinced to call “Jingo” as popularly called is good productivity of universities system in our country,” Elujoba said.
Comrade Ayuba Waba of Nigerian Labour Congress in his remarks said Dr. Fashina was a role model to this generation and the one unborn.
He asserted that the Nigerian workers were very happy to celebrate his achievements in the advancement of issues of social justice.
The former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Jega who unveiled the book titled: “Perspectives On Dipo Fashina’s Scholarship, Activism And Ideology”, said Fashina deserved Nigerians commendation.
He said at 70-year-old, Fashina remains a role model to the world’s leadership.
While unveiling the book in honour of the celebrant, Jega urged Nigerians to buy the book.
The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Abubakar Rasheed, reiterated that the celebrant has traversed the academic, pro-democracy and human rights struggle since 1970s.
He further buttressed on how the celebrant has declined the honour of professorship till this present moment.
The NUC Secretary said, “Jingo has a very rich exposure in early life, he has declined the honour of professorship times without number.
“He brought the birth of revolutionary struggle to the country workers with his visible contributions to ASUU when he was the President and how he successfully negotiated with government to fund the Universities system.”
Other notable individuals and groups at the event include: Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, the newly appointed VC of OAU; Professor Saburi Adesanya, Former VC of Olabisi Onabanjo University; Former ASUU presidents, Ideological group leaders and Mr. Dotun Awoyemi, Registrar of Obafemi Awolowo University among others.
Meanwhile, the celebrant appreciated the organizers of the ceremony, Amilcar Cabral Ideological School and Department of Philosophy, OAU for their staunch support towards and also promised to continue to support struggle for betterment of workers.
Recalled that Dr. Dipo Fashina, nicknamed “Jingo” was always at the forefront of the struggle for good welfarism of staffs and students during his tenure as the ASUU President.
