By Oyewoade Isaac
On the 2nd of July 2026, the Faculty of Arts held its 3rd Faculty Distinguished Alumni Lecture titled "Versatility of Formal Education in Music," delivered by Lanre Delano.
The event opened with a musical presentation by the Department of Music, after which it commenced with the recognition of dignitaries like the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, and other invited guests.
This was followed by the rendition of the National Anthem, and the university's anthem.
Mr. Olarewaju Abiodun, who presided over the occasion, further recognized the guest lecturer, Lanre Delano, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Femi Agbaje, and members of the press present at the event. Right after the introduction, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Gbenga Fasiku, delivered his welcome address.
Professor Gbenga Fasiku welcomed all invited guests, deans, heads of departments, other distinguished guests, and students present at the event. In his speech, he thanked the alumni for their continued support.
The Dean also disclosed that the guest lecturer, Lanre Delano, had donated two Allen organs worth about ₦25 million, according to the Dean.
Continuing his welcome address, he appreciated the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Simeon Bamire, for approving a parcel of land for the construction of a building, although he did not specify the particular building.
Furthermore, the Dean emphasized that the Faculty, being one of the oldest faculties in the university, requires assistance and renovation. He noted that the facilities urgently need upgrading and that, with increasing student enrolment and the recruitment of new staff, there is a shortage of office space. He also appealed for the completion of Humanities Block 4. Providing further updates on the Faculty's needs, the Dean requested a befitting official vehicle for the Office of the Dean and a bus for the Faculty to facilitate field trips and other research activities.
In concluding his welcome address, he appreciated everyone for attending the event and formally welcomed all those present.
In his goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed and recognized everyone present at the occasion. Professor Simeon Bamire further stated that there is a need for more facilities and office space for staff. After addressing and appreciating everyone present, he formally declared the event open.
Following the Vice-Chancellor's goodwill message, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Femi Agbaje, was invited to deliver his address. He thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the Dean of the Faculty. He further encouraged everyone to make use of Artificial Intelligence to provide solutions.
The event then proceeded with the reading of the guest lecturer's citation, after which Lanre Delano commenced his lecture.
"My journey didn't begin in a grand cathedral or a university lecture room; it began in a home filled with the sound of six children," Lanre Delano began his lecture.
The guest lecturer explained that the realization that formal education would enable him to earn a certificate and secure employment motivated him to complete his School Certificate in 1975, despite his earlier lack of seriousness towards his studies.
The guest lecturer explained what formal music education entails and highlighted the versatility of music, including its relationship with architecture, engineering, technology, research, entertainment, science, arts administration, marketing, and the profession of an impresario.
He also shared his personal experience of versatility, explaining that his four-year course exposed him to various fields and to the business aspect of music.
Lanre Delano also highlighted several musicians and organists who demonstrated the versatility of music through formal education.
The guest lecturer concluded his lecture by stating that the principals of the Allen Organs Company had pledged their full support for the establishment of the School of Organ Studies and Music Studies.
He ended his lecture by appreciating the Head of the Department of Music, his assistant, all the lecturers and students present, and finally the Dean of the Faculty.
His lecture was followed by a musical presentation by the Department of Music, after which there was an interlude presented by the Department of Dramatic Arts and the Department of Linguistics and African Languages.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards and the vote of thanks.
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