By Peter Dansu The Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria (YSAN) has conferred an Honorary Fellowship Award on Dr. Olatunde Isaac, the Manag...
By Peter Dansu
The Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria (YSAN) has conferred an Honorary Fellowship Award on Dr. Olatunde Isaac, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bioclinix Diagnostic Care Centre, Mowo, Badagry, Lagos State. The recognition celebrates his remarkable contributions to the promotion and preservation of the Yoruba language and culture.
The event, held during YSAN’s Annual Conference in Ilorin, marked a historic moment for the association as Dr. Isaac became one of the first individuals to receive the prestigious Honorary Fellowship Award. The award also went to Alagba Alao Adedayo, publisher of Alaroye Newspaper.
Other notable recipients of the association’s Fellowship Award include Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, a world-renowned linguist and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Oladele Awobuluyi; Professor Oluyemisi Adebowale; Professor Adebisi Ogunsina; Professor Duro Adeleke; Professor Jibola Abiodun; and Professor Adedotun Ogundeji.
Established in 1970, YSAN remains Nigeria’s leading academic body devoted to the study, preservation, and promotion of the Yoruba language, literature, and culture. For more than five decades, it has supported research and nurtured scholarship in Yoruba studies. This year’s conference opened a new chapter in the association’s history by honoring distinguished scholars and cultural advocates who have successfully bridged the gap between traditional learning and modern innovation.
Dr. Olatunde Isaac, also a Wikimedia advocate and community leader, was recognized for his tireless efforts in revitalizing the Yoruba language through research, digital documentation, and open knowledge platforms. As a key figure in the Yoruba Wikimedia community, he has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at increasing access to free educational resources in Yoruba, helping to grow and sustain the Yoruba Wikipedia, now one of the most-read African language Wikipedias.
Speaking at the ceremony, YSAN President, Distinguished Professor Olumuyiwa Temitope, who also serves as Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, described Dr. Isaac’s recognition as well-deserved. “Dr. Olatunde Isaac stands out for his role in bridging the gap between academia, technology, and cultural heritage. His work embodies the spirit of innovation that YSAN seeks to encourage,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Olatunde Isaac expressed deep gratitude to the Association for the honor. “This award is not just a personal achievement but a call to do more for our language, our people, and our shared heritage,” he said. He dedicated the award to the volunteers contributing to Yoruba Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects, reaffirming his commitment to promoting indigenous language development through collaboration and mentorship.
The conference also featured cultural performances, scholarly paper presentations, and panel discussions focused on strengthening indigenous language education and scholarship in Nigeria.
With this recognition, Dr. Olatunde Isaac joins the distinguished ranks of YSAN’s first-ever Honorary Fellows, a testament to his exceptional role in advancing the Yoruba language, culture, and scholarship through both academic and digital innovation.
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