*Prof Kayode (Centre) with two colleagues: Prof Jide Jimoh and Prof Tunde Akanni
By Tunde Akanni
Beyond being officially celebrated, it is not certain that many of our colleagues will have any flower left with colleagues and their students, once they retire. Not Kayode. Returns of his good deeds shall flow relentlessly. True to his name, he brings and signals goodies to all. No ill-feeling for anyone no matter the depth of inflicted deprivation by self-presumed smart colleagues or even ironically, beneficiaries of his goodwill.
For many of us who have co-habited official space with Professor Kayode in one capacity or another, his story is not simply that of an accomplished communication scholar. It is the story of a man who consistently cultivates and transforms opportunities into ladders for others to climb. While some professionals build careers, Kayode builds people. While others guarded opportunities, he shared them generously. While many measure success by personal achievements, he measures it by the growth of those around him.
That perhaps explains why his retirement, last year, attracted such heartfelt tributes from former students, colleagues and associates whose lives he touched in profound ways. But Kayode deserves more than tributes. Unfortunately, this Nigerian society only rarely reward loyalty, kindness and selflessness such as Professor Kayode consistently dispenses.
Professor Kayode operated with such a philosophy that another person’s success neither diminished his own accomplishments nor threatened his standing. Instead, he saw every emerging scholar, every aspiring communication expert and every eager student as a potential success story deserving encouragement. To the glory of the Almighty, one of the academic daughters, Raheemat Lawal, is now a full professor.
Over the years, countless younger academics benefited from his guidance.
Many communication scholars across institutions today can trace aspects of their professional growth to a timely intervention, recommendation, mentorship session or word of encouragement from Professor Kayode. Some received assistance in pursuing academic opportunities. Others benefited from his willingness to review manuscripts, loan out books, provide intellectual direction or open professional doors that might otherwise have remained closed.
His generosity was not selective. It extended across generations, ranks and social boundaries. Students found him approachable. Colleagues found him supportive. Peers found him dependable. Those who sought guidance discovered a mentor willing to invest both time and energy in their development.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of his mentorship was the enthusiasm with which he offered it. He never seemed to regard helping others as an obligation. Rather, it appeared to be an integral part of who he was. He celebrated the achievements of colleagues and even current and former students with a sincerity that is increasingly rare. Their promotions became his joy. Their breakthroughs became his victories even as some of them, regretfully, do not believe in looking back responsibly. Even then, some others never deemed particularly close have demonstrated deep affection for our Kayode.
The retirement period witnessed touching expressions of gratitude from certain individuals who refused to allow years of mentorship and kindness to pass without acknowledgment. Chairing the organizing committee for the retirement ceremony at the faculty level gave the special advantage to relate with some of these kind folks.
Names such as Jumoke Olaopa now resident in the UK and Dr. Ranti Agbaminoja (nee Jacob) featured prominently on our list of responders to call for courtesy to an uncommon leader that Professor Kayode has been.
Their gestures and tributes reflected a shared sentiment: that Professor Kayode had contributed meaningfully to their growth and development at critical stages of their careers.
Equally heartwarming was the effort that brought together a band of former students who wished to honour their teacher. Thanks to the bridging-up role played by Funmi Komolafe aka Funmifly, old students reconnected and found a collective voice through which to celebrate the mentor who had invested in their future. Such gestures are not merely ceremonial. They are evidence of enduring influence.
Indeed, one of the greatest measures of a teacher’s success is not found in certificates awarded or courses taught. It is found in the quality of lives transformed. By that standard, Professor Kayode’s record remains impressive.
His retirement celebration therefore became more than a farewell event. It became a gathering of testimonies. It revealed how deeply his values of service, generosity and professional excellence had resonated with others. It reminded all present that while scholarly publications and administrative accomplishments are important, the most enduring legacy often resides in people.
Interestingly, retirement has not diminished his commitment to scholarship and service.
Professor Kayode continues to soldier on at LASU on contract appointment, bringing to bear his vast experience and institutional memory. His continued presence offers reassurance to younger academics who still seek his counsel and inspiration.
In many ways, this arrangement benefits both the university and its emerging scholars. Institutions thrive when wisdom is preserved and transmitted across generations.
Professor Kayode’s ongoing engagement provides precisely that bridge between experience and aspiration.
Yet perhaps his most enduring lesson lies beyond professional accomplishments. It is the lesson that influence is most meaningful when it empowers others. In an age increasingly driven by personal branding and individual advancement, his example reminds us of the value of collective growth. He demonstrated repeatedly that success need not be a solitary pursuit. One can rise while helping others rise as well.
That philosophy explains why so many people speak of him not merely with respect but with affection. Respect may be earned through competence. Affection, however, is usually earned through kindness. Professor Kayode appears to have earned both.
His journey also offers an important challenge to younger academics and professionals. The opportunities we receive acquire greater significance when they become opportunities for others. But how many people have the minds of passing on regenerative torches of glory? Who will bring back the reward system we all grew up to know? In spite of all the Kayode spirit, the was no institutional reward for Professor Kayode’s multiple decades of service. Not the least, a car to this man and his family. Yet he expended his all on others.
Ultimately, the story of Professor Jimi Kayode is not only about one man. It is about the countless other Kayodes that all teachers are. Professor Kayode’s story is about people whose paths became smoother because he chose to help. It is about opportunities shared rather than hoarded. It is about mentorship offered without calculation. It is about a life that demonstrates that the highest achievement is not simply rising to the top, but lifting others along the way.
On the occasion of this year’s World Teachers Day, my special flower to our beloved pioneer leader at the LASU School of Communication now FCMS. God bless you interminably sir.
*Akanni is LASU’s first Professor of Journalism and Development Communication.
