Alumni, Faith Communities Honour Prof. Aderibigbe at 70 with ₦1m Academic Endowment, Car

 

 Bt Editor 

Former students, Christian organisations and faith communities last Sunday honoured a retired Professor of Mathematics and respected academic and spiritual mentor, Prof. Felix Makanjuola Aderibigbe, as he marked his 70th birthday.

The celebration, held in Ado-Ekiti, brought together members of Grace Covenant Centre, representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the Gideons, Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria (GOMAN) and the Ado Varsity Christian Union (AVCU–NIFES). 

Former students and mentees from across Nigeria also attended, while alumni based in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada joined the ceremony 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 the academic community and his contributions to Christian ministry and mentorship.

The first was a ₦1 million academic endowment fund established in Prof. Aderibigbe’s name at Ekiti State University (EKSU). 

Under the arrangement, the best graduating student in the Department of Mathematics will receive a ₦100,000 cash prize at each convocation for the next 10 years. The organisers said they would consult the celebrant on a particular course in the department that has special significance to him, which would serve as the focus of the award.

The second gift was a Toyota Venza SUV, presented to Aderibigbe during the celebration. 

According to the organisers, the vehicle was presented as a practical expression of gratitude for his years of sacrifice, mentorship and leadership, particularly in the academic and Christian communities.

Prof. Aderibigbe, who received the honours alongside his wife, Prof. Esther Aderibigbe, expressed appreciation to the alumni and participating faith-based organisations for the gesture. 

 He said the success of his former students across Nigeria and around the world remained one of the most fulfilling rewards of his years of teaching, mentorship and spiritual investment.