Prof Oshodin
His love and passion for humanity and communal development have remained his mainstay. His thirst for education was the steam that spurred him on. His enthusiasm to learn excited him the more. Unrelenting, Osayuki Godwin Oshodin, professor of Health Education and outgoing Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Edo State, pushed himself further and the fruits he derived from his unrelenting labour and tenacity proved to be the sweetest of all pleasures, when in November 2009, the Governing Council of the University of Benin approved his appointment as Vice-Chancellor at the university, making him the first Bini man to occupy the position since the institution was established in 1970. But that long highly favoured journey to the zenith of his enviable career did not however start from the top.
Born on August 9, 1950, the young but determined Oshodin, an indigene of Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, started that journey in 1962 at Western Boys High School, Benin City, where in 1966 he obtained his West African School Certificate. With his unwavering thirst for education, he proceeded to the Federal School of Science, Lagos, for his GCE Advanced Level between 1969 and 1971. Determined to break new grounds, Oshodin proceeded to Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio, United States, for his university education, where he obtained certificate in Alcohol Education 1972. After his sojourn at Ohio, he left for City College of City University of New York, New York City, in the United States, where he graduated in 1976 and obtained a BSc in Biology/Medical Anthropology.
Oshodin holds a master of science from Hunter College of City University of New York in 1978 where he studied Health Science/Community Health Education. He obtained his Ed.D (Doctorate) in Health Education from the Teachers College, Columbia University of New York city, in 1980.
With these enviable accomplishments, the astute administrator is a member of various learned societies, which include Education to Africa, United Nations, New York; American Museum of Natural History; World University Games Association, WUGA; American Public Health Association; International Council on Alcohol and Addiction; Nigeria Institute of Management; Nigeria Academy of Education, and former editor-in-chief 1999-2003 Physical and Health Education and Recreational Journal; 2001 to 2006, editor-in-chief, Nigeria University Games Association, editor-in-chief; 1991 till date, consulting editor, Nigeria Journal of Health Education, official journal of Nigeria Association of Health Teachers, 2003 to date; consulting editor, Ibadan Journal of Educational Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan.
Not alien to breaking new grounds, the highly respected professor of Health education has received many academic honours and distinctions, especially armed with a doctorate in education 1980, MSc Health Science/Community Health Education (master’s of science), BSc Biology/Medical Anthropology (Bachelor of Science), certificate in Alcohol Education 1966. They include Scholarships:
- Awarded City College of the City University Academic scholarship (1973 to 1976).
- Awarded Hunter College of the City University postgraduate academic scholarship (1979 to 1978).
- Awarded Teachers College, Columbia University post-graduate academy scholarship 1979 to 1980.
- Bendel State government scholarship (1978 to 1980).
- Federal Government Scholarship Award (1979 to 1980).
- Special Academic honours award by Sports Psychology Association of Nigeria on November 28, 2000.
A highly intellectual scholar with an eye for excellence, Oshodin received one of the best students prizes in the master’s degree level and some courses, which earned him employment as lecturer/tutor in Health Education in the Department of Academics, Hunter College of City University of New York, United States, 1978 to 1981. The incisive academician was also awarded one of the best student’s prizes in the doctoral degree level and some specific courses, which earned him employment during the course as a research assistant, 1979, in the department of health education, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York.
An academician per excellence, Professor Oshodin’s modesty, unassuming nature, peaceful disposition and sincerity stand him out among his peers. The meritorious appointment of Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin as Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, has brought extraordinary development to the university, thereby putting it at a desirable position among the comity of universities. He has demonstrated uncommon administrative ability and capacity, bringing with it peace, togetherness and smooth academic activities in every facet. His meritorious appointment marks a return to a familiar terrain as former Dean Faculty of Education. Oshodin has proved his brilliance and organisational ability, and earned the respect of many with his calm and friendly disposition. The unprecedented transformation and steady growth, especially in the areas of infrastructural development witnessed in the university in the last five years, have been attributed to the tenacity and result-oriented approach of the passionate drive of the dedicated professor of Health Education.
Prof Oshodin
In spite of his busy administrative duties, his passion for teaching will always take him back to the classroom to teach undergraduate and post-graduate students, supervise undergraduate and higher degree students, and serve as external examiner in other universities. By so doing he appreciates the problems facing academic departments in the university system. These leadership qualities stand him out. A highly respected and affable personality, Professor Oshodin has proved himself worthy in every sphere of human endeavour. People who have had the opportunity to work with him have testified to his amiable and friendly disposition. This of course has endeared him to many and has also made working with him easy, thereby making him to achieve a lot within a short time. His tenure at the University of Benin would not be an exception. At the end of his five-year tenure, he would have left an indelible mark on the sands of time at the university – a legacy set high enough for others to beat.
He has written many selected publications and some of his books are:
- A Guide to Teaching Methods and Material In Health Education
- Teachers Education Part-time Programmes in Nigeria
- International Business Management and Global Education
Professor Osayuki Oshodin who joined the University of Benin as Research Fellow in 1981 rose to the position of Professor in 1991. An external examiner to more than 15 universities, he is also a member of several learned societies and has many awards and honours. His administrative experience in the University of Benin is also very robust. He has either been chairman or member of boards and committees of more than 35 universities.
He journeys on, turning every curve with reinvigorated energy to take University of Benin to new heights. Professor Oshodin is married to Otasowie Oshodin and they are blessed with lovely children – all boys.
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