Professor Bola Ayeni: A Distinguished Disciple of Professor Mabogunje’s Intellectual Order of Honor
Professor Bola Ayeni is a renowned scholar and director who has made significant contributions to the field of geography. As one of the distinguished disciples of the Late Emeritus Professor Akin Mabogunje, Professor Ayeni has carried on his mentor’s legacy through his outstanding work.
Notably, Professor Ayeni served as the Director and Principal Investigator of the University of Iowa and University of Ibadan Linkage Program, which began in 1982. This program aimed to study the locational efficiency of rural public facilities and services in Nigeria, with a focus on the Old Egba Division of Ogun State. Under his leadership, the program achieved remarkable success, paving the way for the establishment of the University Development Linkages Projects (UDLP) in 1992. Sponsored by USAID, Washington DC, UDLP linked four Nigerian institutions with four cognate institutions in the State of Iowa, USA.
Professor Ayeni’s directorship and principal investigation led to the establishment of the GIS Laboratory and GIS Program in the Department of Geography, a testament to his innovative leadership and vision. His contributions to the field of geography and his dedication to the legacy of Professor Mabogunje make him a distinguished scholar and a proud disciple of the Mabogunje Intellectual Order of Honor.
