Echoes of a Timeless Legacy.

Re: Right time, Right Person, and Right Honour: Celebrating the Award of Professor Emeritus to J. Afolabi Falola

Thank you, Dr Murtala Uba, for this heartfelt and comprehensive write-up celebrating our very own Professor Emeritus Julius Afolabi Falola's achievements. Indeed, his contributions to knowledge are unparalleled, and his passion for teaching and research is worthy of emulation.

I must confess that attending his PhD research methods classes was always a transformative experience. His ability to break down complex concepts into simple, understandable terms was remarkable. I often found myself thinking, "Wai ya akai nagane, sai kace ana wa mutum wahayi" it simply captures my awe at his teaching skills. "Ko dayake abun ne ba duk kai ba, wane Yaro!". Both hausa phrases that I wouldn't even want to loosely translate. 

Professor Falola's exceptional character, humility, and respect for students and colleagues are traits that make him an outstanding academic. I admire how he often presents his views, even when disagreeing with others, with calmness and an accompanying smile. What's more impressive is that he does this without raising his voice, even when he begs to differ, one can barely detect a change in the tone of his voice. 

One health tip I've adopted from him is being mindful of where we keep our mobile phones due to radiation and associated health concerns. Notably, despite mobile phones being an essential part of our daily lives, Prof. often maintains a healthy distance. He rarely carries his phone in his pocket, instead, it's often stored alongside his tablet in a handheld pouch, a habit that has stuck with me.

Professor Falola's commitment to family time is a valuable lesson for academics. Despite his demanding schedule, he prioritizes visiting his family members and spending time with them. I've had the privilege of witnessing this firsthand, having noticed his car parked outside a family member's house in Nassarawa area on numerous occasions. What struck me was the frequency and consistency of these visits, which continued uninterrupted for a long time until the house underwent major construction works. This dedication to family time resonates deeply, especially when I recall the wise words from a book I read: "Your children will only be children once, so make time for them and create memories before it's too late and the regret is unbearable." Professor Falola's exemplary commitment to family has inspired me to reevaluate my own priorities and strive for a better balance between academic pursuits and family life.

Congratulations once again, Professor Emeritus Falola, on this well-deserved honor. We wish you continued success and fulfillment. You've made an indelible mark on our lives, and we'll forever be proud of you.

 Sharfaddeen K. ilah 

 Department of Environmental Management, Bayero University Kano.