Are-Ekiti, Ekiti State | August 31, 2026
The Are-Ekiti Development Association (AREDAA), a socio-cultural community association, joins the family, friends, associates and the entire Ekiti community at home and in the diaspora to celebrate the 80th birthday anniversary of an academic giant, distinguished scholar and foremost social demographer, Professor Israel Olatunji Orubuloye, OON.
Professor Orubuloye, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ado-Ekiti, now Ekiti State University, was born on 30 August 1946 into the Olujobi Royal Family of Are-Ekiti, a lineage renowned for leadership, integrity and public service. Over the years, his unwavering support and generous contributions towards the growth and development of Are-Ekiti and its people have been widely acknowledged by the community.
In a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Ado-Ekiti by AREDAA’s Public Relations Officer, Comrade Seun Ogunlade, the Association described Professor Orubuloye as one of the early scholars whose contributions helped to advance the vision of the then Obafemi Awolowo University, Ado-Ekiti, now Ekiti State University. The Association particularly noted his pioneering role as one of the institution’s early academic staff, his rise to become its first “Home Grown” Professor, and his subsequent service as Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor from 2004 to 2008.
AREDAA noted that Professor Orubuloye’s remarkable journey is also a testimony to perseverance, intellectual excellence and determination. After completing his primary education at United School, Are/Afao, and secondary education at Egbeoba High School, Ikole-Ekiti, he pursued further studies despite financial difficulties. He privately prepared for and passed his Advanced Level GCE examinations in Economics, Geography and Government in 1968, gaining admission to the University of Ibadan in 1969. He subsequently obtained his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Sociology before proceeding to the Australian National University on a Population Council Fellowship, where he earned his Ph.D. in Demography in 1978.
The Association further acknowledged his distinguished academic and research career. Following his return to Nigeria, Professor Orubuloye served at the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, before joining the university system. He voluntarily retired from the university system in 2008 after 25 years of distinguished service. Following his retirement, he was invited by Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, to assist in establishing Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), where, as Chairman of the Planning and Implementation Committee, he played a pivotal role in the institution’s development. He later served in various capacities, including on the Board of Trustees, Governing Council and as Director of Quality Assurance, before leaving the university in 2022.
AREDAA also celebrated Professor Orubuloye’s contributions beyond the shores of Nigeria. He has travelled to more than 30 countries and participated in 48 international conferences, seminars, workshops and study programmes. His scholarly contributions include more than 100 publications comprising books, journal articles, book chapters and academic papers, while his expertise has been sought by several national and international organisations. He also pioneered behavioural research on the context of HIV/AIDS in Africa and successfully secured and managed substantial international research grants.
According to AREDAA, Professor Orubuloye’s life exemplifies the principle that true leadership is not merely about occupying positions, but about using positions of responsibility to make meaningful contributions to the lives of people and the development of society. His career reflects scholarship, service, perseverance, visionary leadership and a deep commitment to community development.
The Association particularly commended his remarkable contributions to the development of Are-Ekiti, noting that his dedication to the wellbeing and advancement of his native community has left an enduring mark. AREDAA stressed that the example set by Professor Orubuloye and other elders of his generation reinforces the importance of service, responsibility, integrity and community development, values which must be preserved and passed on to younger generations.
AREDAA further noted that his national recognition is a reflection of the impact of his life’s work. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to scholarship and national development, the Federal Republic of Nigeria conferred on him the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on 29 September 2014.
As he marks his 80th birthday, the Are-Ekiti Development Association congratulates Professor Israel Olatunji Orubuloye, OON, for eight decades of remarkable achievements, scholarship, leadership and service to humanity. The Association prays that Almighty God will continue to strengthen, preserve and uphold him in good health, peace, happiness and fulfilment, while granting him many more glorious years to witness the continued progress of Are-Ekiti and enjoy the fruits of his labour.
AREDAA warmly celebrates Professor Orubuloye as a distinguished scholar, visionary administrator and quintessential community leader whose legacy continues to inspire researchers, educators, administrators, policymakers and younger generations in Nigeria and beyond.
Happy 80th Birthday, Professor Israel Olatunji Orubuloye, OON!
Long life, good health and continued fulfilment, Daddy.
Signed:
Are-Ekiti Development Association (AREDAA)
