The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has charged academics to deepen national development by documenting research findings and intellectual contributions through book publication.
Prof. Ige gave the charge on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, during the public presentation and launch of two new books written by a Professor of Philosophy in the institution, Benson Akinnawonu.
The published works, Critical Thinking, Arguments and Evidence and Fundamental Issues in Epistemology, focus on core areas of reasoning, knowledge, and philosophical inquiry.
Reiterating the centrality of writing to scholarship, the VC said, “As academics, our primary responsibility is to contribute meaningfully to the development of society. One of the most enduring ways to achieve this is by documenting our thoughts for future generations. This is precisely what Professor Akinnawonu has done today.”
He praised the author as a dedicated member of staff whose contributions have continued to enhance the academic profile of AAUA. According to him, book presentations remain integral to the culture of universities.
“We appreciate his contributions to the intellectual and institutional growth of this university. A book presentation is a crucial aspect of university scholarship, and I encourage you to remain steadfast on this path, for it is the kind of discourse that should define the academic environment,” he added.
In his welcome speech, Prof. Akinnawonu said the books were designed not only as scholarly texts but also as practical tools for students, educators, policymakers, and citizens who believe in the value of reasoned dialogue for societal progress.
Speaking on Critical Thinking, Arguments and Evidence, he stated, “In writing this text, I sought to respond to an urgent national and global challenge: the deterioration of rational discourse in public life, the proliferation of misinformation and fake news, and a noticeable decline in the capacity for sound judgement. Our society urgently needs a renewed culture of thinking - one that teaches not only what to think, but how to think.”
On the second book, Fundamental Issues in Epistemology, he noted, “This work returns to the core of philosophical questions concerning knowledge, truth, justification, belief, and the limits of human understanding. In a world shaped by conflicting narratives, disputed facts, and rapidly evolving technologies, epistemology offers the compass with which we navigate complexity.”
Prof. Akinnawonu expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for his consistent support for scholarship and research, describing it as a major driver of AAUA’s growing reputation for academic excellence.
He also acknowledged the book reviewers, Professor Zacchaeus Ogundare and Dr. Joseph Balogun, for their scholarly input.
Chairman and Chief Launcher of the event, Dr. Jide Adewinle, FCA, hailed the publication of the books as the culmination of years of rigorous academic labour.
He maintained that every scholar with a long-standing career in the university system should aspire to such productivity, noting that Prof. Akinnawonu had successfully preserved his knowledge and experience for future generations of researchers.
He added that the books would serve as valuable reference materials for scholars seeking deeper insight into critical thinking and epistemology.
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