In a heartwarming display of enduring academic bonds, the first set of Postgraduate students of the Department of English and Drama, Kaduna State University, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, paid a felicitation visit to their former lecturer, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, who now serves as the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja. Prof. Gbenga Ibileye was a Visiting Professor in the Department of English and Drama, Kaduna State University (KASU) for many years. 

The visit, which took place in the Vice-Chancellor’s office, was marked by nostalgia, gratitude, and a renewed appreciation for the lasting impact of quality education. The students, who described the moment as both symbolic and emotional, reflected on the invaluable knowledge and mentorship they received during their time under Professor Ibileye.

They particularly recalled his distinctive teaching style, which they said not only enriched their academic journey but also shaped their intellectual and professional outlooks. As an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Ibileye was praised for embodying excellence and inspiring students to pursue scholarship with passion and discipline.

The delegation was led by the class president, Mr. Seth Ali, who spoke on behalf of the group. He noted that the visit was not only to felicitate their former lecturer on his achievements but also to reaffirm the strong teacher-student relationship that has endured beyond the classroom.

“Our visit today is a testament to the lasting impression you made on us. Your dedication and unique approach to teaching continue to guide us even after our graduation,” he said.

In his response, Professor Ibileye expressed deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as both humbling and fulfilling. He commended the students for maintaining the values of respect and connection, emphasizing that such gestures reinforce the essence of education as a lifelong relationship.

“I am truly honoured by this visit,” he said. “It is gratifying to see that the bond we built in the classroom has remained strong over the years. Moments like this remind us that teaching goes beyond lectures; it is about shaping lives and building lasting connections.”

The visit concluded with warm exchanges, photographs, and a shared sense of pride in the journey from classroom interactions to professional accomplishments.

The reunion stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of dedicated educators and the importance of sustaining meaningful academic relationships long after formal learning has ended. See more pictures here

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𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐤𝐨𝐣𝐚