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The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, came alive on as academics, non-teaching staff, students, and friends gathered to celebrate the retirement and 70th birthday of one of the institution’s most distinguished scholars, Professor Olujimi Olusola Kayode, fondly called Prof. Jimmy Kay.
The event, held at the New Faculty Building, was both a farewell and a thanksgiving, which marked the end of an illustrious academic career while honouring the personal and professional legacy of a scholar many described as an embodiment of ethics, humility, and mentorship.
In his address, Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Jide Jimoh, described Kayode as “a teacher, Christian, philosopher, and trailblazer,” noting that his influence is woven into the very fabric of the faculty.
“As a teacher, the lesson is all over him. All you need to do is read him. He is a selfless person. He started this faculty,” Jimoh stated.
Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, a colleague in public relations and advertising, praised him as “a personification of ethics despite challenges,” while highlighting his contributions to health communication and media ethics. “Prof. Jimmy Kay is standing on the solid rock, and that is why his foundation is solid. He continues to stand as a righteous person in the temple of God,” Olatunji added.
Other tributes captured his kindness and mentorship. Dr. Omolade Sanni, head of the broadcasting department, called him her “academic father.” Dr. Thanni Noeem described him as “a man who manages to give from the little that he has,” while Mrs. Titilola Odusote remembered him as “an embodiment of simplicity.” For Dr. Toyosi Owolabi, Kayode was always the problem-solver: “There is no problem you will take to him that there will be no solution.”
The words of Dr. Adeyemo Julius summed up the collective sentiment: “To know Jimmy Kay is not only royal but to be acquainted with him. He is a man quietly approved by God.”
In his response, Prof. Kayode expressed gratitude to his colleagues, students, and family members who made the occasion memorable.
“I’ve tried to be student-friendly,” he reflected. “I love my students, that has always been close to my heart. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to live that out.”
That lifelong friendliness and ethical compass were also recurring themes in interviews conducted during the event.
When asked how he prepared for retirement, he explained that his sabbatical leave was providentially aligned with his transition: “In a way, the sabbatical was part of the preparation, a one-year leave that led directly to my retirement.”
On what next, the retired professor declared: “Although I’m retired, I’m not tired! I’ll continue to teach, perhaps at LASU or as a visiting professor in private universities. The beauty of this profession is that even after retirement, you can still share your experience with students.”
His parting words to younger academics and students, “Be friendly. If you’re friendly to everyone, you won’t have enemies. And pray for your enemies. Do good even to those who oppose you.”
As the celebration drew to a close, one thing was clear, the retirement of Prof. Kayode was not the end of his journey but the continuation of a lifelong calling to teach, mentor, and uphold ethics in communication. His humility, simplicity, and devotion to his students have left indelible marks on LASU and beyond.
In the words of one student, “Baba Jimmy K is everything to us.”
