Segun Atanda/
In a remarkable acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to the field of accounting, Otunba Tobi Abiola, FCA, the distinguished Lead Doyen of Joint Minds International, was yesterday inducted into the University of Ibadan’s prestigious Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Accounting Torchbearer of the University of Ibadan.
According to the authorities, the recognition was part of the inaugural Post-Graduate Fellowship Award ceremony organized by the Department of Accounting at Nigeria’s premier university.
The event was held at the Central Bank of Nigeria Centre for Economics and Finance (CBN-CENEF), University of Ibadan, where Abiola was recognised as “Academic Touchbearer of the 21st Century.”
“This esteemed award highlights his two decades of dedicated service in advancing the knowledge of accounting and mentoring young professionals through his leadership at Joint Minds International,” says the Head of Accounting Department, University of Ibadan, Dr. Fatai Atanda.
Dr. Atanda praised Abiola for his tireless efforts in shaping the future of accounting education.
“The award also serves as a token of appreciation for his contributions to making the accounting profession more visible and influential in Nigeria,” Dr. Atanda stated.
In his address, Chairman of the day, Prof. Ishola Rufus Akintoye, a Professor of Accounting at the University of Ibadan described Otunba Abiola as a pillar of benevolence and distinguished Accounting Torch Bearer of the Premiere University of Ibadan.
Congratulating Abiola, he said, “The past two years have been historic in following up your impact on the lives and destinies of many. You have been watering, the Almighty God will shower Grace, mercy and favour on you and your offspring in Jesus Name. Living is Giving. Living is impacting. Thank you for being an epitome of benevolence.”
Otunba Abiola was joined in this honor by Mr. Kinsley Aigbokhaevbo, Deputy Managing Director of Provindus Bank Limited, marking them as the first recipients of the prestigious fellowship.
As part of the ceremony, Abiola delivered a personality lecture, potentially addressing the future of the accounting profession in Nigeria—a topic of immense relevance given the recent academic advancements at the Department of Accounting.
The Department, which commenced its academic activities just six years ago, has already made significant strides, including the launch of its Ph.D. program earlier this year and the introduction of its undergraduate program this past April.
The historic decoration was witnessed by the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, and other dignitaries, alongside students and faculty members.
Otunba Abiola’s induction into the University of Ibadan’s Hall of Fame not only celebrates his professional achievements but also sets a high benchmark for future leaders in the accounting field.
