By Our Reporter,The Nation
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The Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria (YSAN) has conferred an Honorary Fellowship Award on Dr. Olatunde Isaac (honoris causa), marking the first time in the Association’s history that such a prestigious recognition would be bestowed on an individual.
Another recipient of the Honorary Fellowship Award is Alagba Alao Adedayo, the publisher of Alaroye Newspaper.
Fellowship Award was also bestowed on Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, a renowned linguist and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, and former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Professor Oladele Awobuluyi.
Others include Professor Oluyemisi Adebowale, Professor Adebisi Ogunsina, Professor Duro Adeleke, Professor Jibola Abiodun, and Professor Adedotun Ogundeji.
The award, presented during the Association’s Annual Conference in Ilorin, celebrates Dr. Isaac’s outstanding contributions to the promotion of the Yoruba language, culture, and scholarship.
Established in 1970, the Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria remains the foremost scholarly body dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of the Yoruba language, literature, and culture. For more than five decades, the Association has nurtured research and scholarship in Yoruba studies. This year’s event marks a new chapter in its history as it honors distinguished scholars and advocates who have bridged the gap between traditional scholarship and modern innovation.
Isaac, a respected scholar, community leader, and Wikimedia advocate, was recognised for his relentless commitment to revitalising the Yoruba language through research, documentation, and digital innovation.
As a leading figure in the Yoruba Wikimedia community, he has championed several initiatives aimed at expanding access to free knowledge in Yoruba and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the Yoruba Wikipedia, one of the most-read language Wikipedias in Africa.
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President of YSAN, Distinguished Professor Olumuyiwa Temitope who is also the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko described the recognition as an acknowledgment of Dr. Isaac’s trailblazing role in Yoruba language promotion, saying, “Dr. Olatunde Isaac stands out for his role in bridging the gap between academia, technology, and cultural heritage”
While receiving the award, Dr. Olatunde Isaac expressed gratitude to the Association for the honor, noting that the recognition would further inspire his efforts. “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 reaffirmed his commitment to advancing research, building partnerships, and mentoring young scholars passionate about Yoruba studies. He dedicated the fellowship award to the volunteers who contribute freely to Yoruba Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects.
The conference also featured scholarly paper presentations, cultural displays, and panel discussions on strengthening indigenous language education and scholarship in Nigeria.
With this groundbreaking honor, Dr. Olatunde Isaac becomes one of the two first-ever Honorary Fellows of the Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria, a recognition that highlights his exceptional contributions to Yoruba language promotion and cultural advancement.