In a grand celebration of intellectual legacy, the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG) honoured Professor Francis Chukwudike Anyim, a towering figure in Employment Relations and Human Resource Management, with a Festschrift tribute on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Held at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, the event was not merely a farewell but a profound recognition of a career defined by scholarly excellence, mentorship, and transformative leadership.
Just days after bidding farewell to its outgoing Dean, Professor Adeola Abdul-Hameed Sulaimon, the Faculty of Management Sciences turned its spotlight on one of its own, Professor Anyim. Additionally, they unveiled a 500-page commemorative volume titled “Employment and Management Issues: Recent Local and Global Developments and Emerging Challenges.”
The Festschrift, a revered academic tradition, showcased 37 chapters spanning employment relations, HR management, finance, and digital innovation, reflecting the breadth of his influence.
Dignitaries, colleagues, and former students filled the hall, including: Mrs. Adenike Adebayo-Ajala, representing the Director General of Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA); Mr. Lekan Oluyelu, CEO of UB3 Investment Limited, standing in for Professor Sola Fajana, and Dr. Muyiwa Adebayo, who represented the Book Presenter and CEO of Sahara Energy, Mr. Kola Adesina.
Mr. Kola Adesina’s unveiling of the book underscored the enduring connection between academic research and industry leadership – one that Professor Anyim himself has championed throughout his career.
Chairman of the day, High Chief Cyriacus Obialor, set the tone by praising Professor Anyim as “a man whose legacy is as vast as the ocean and as enduring as the hills.
”Dean of the Faculty, Professor Adeola Abdul-Hameed Sulaimon, fresh from his own send-off, describes Anyim’s retirement as a “loss that leaves a void”.
Head of the Department of Employment Relationships and Human Resource Management, Professor Chidi Odogwu, hailed him as “a titan of academia, synonymous with dedication, intellect, and mentorship.”
The Festschrift’s reviewer, Professor Isaac Nwaogwugwu of the Department of Economics, declared it “a serious intellectual contribution bridging theory and practice.”
When Professor Anyim took the podium, emotion tempered his words. His words “…This honour is not mine alone, but a testament to the collective spirit of those who walked with me.”
As he prepares for retirement on June 6, 2025, one truth resonated: Professor Francis Anyim’s legacy will outlast his tenure, guiding future scholars, shaping industries, and inspiring generations.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Michael Joshua
One Response
Happy retirement Prof… I am short of words to express my emotions and feelings for your retirement, however, I wish you sound reflection on your legacies that you’ve left for us to emulate…kudos to all you’ve done!!!
Cheers.