Members of the academic community are expected to contribute to societal knowledge and advancement through book publication — a vital component of the intellectual life of universities and a platform for national development through scholarship.
The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, stated this on campus on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, while speaking at the public presentation and formal launch of two books authored by a Prof. of Philosophy, Benson Akinnawonu.
The books are Critical Thinking, Arguments and Evidence and Fundamental Issues in Epistemology.
The Vice Chancellor emphasised that, “As academics, our primary responsibility is to contribute meaningfully to the development of society. One of the most enduring ways to achieve this is by documenting our thoughts for future generations. This is precisely what Professor Akinnawonu has done today.”
Prof. Ige, who applauded the author for bringing greater visibility to AAUA, described him as a diligent and committed member of staff who has served the institution in various capacities. “We appreciate his contributions to the intellectual and institutional growth of this university. A book presentation is a crucial aspect of university scholarship, and I encourage you to remain steadfast on this path, for it is the kind of discourse that should define the academic environment,” he added.
In his welcome address, Prof. Akinnawonu explained that the books were conceived as both scholarly texts and practical guides for students, educators, policymakers, and all individuals who believe that constructive, reasoned dialogue is essential for societal progress.
Speaking on Critical Thinking, Arguments and Evidence, the author said, “In writing this text, I sought to respond to an urgent national and global challenge: the deterioration of rational discourse in public life, the proliferation of misinformation and fake news, and a noticeable decline in the capacity for sound judgement. Our society urgently needs a renewed culture of thinking – one that teaches not only what to think, but how to think.”
He also highlighted the second book, Fundamental Issues in Epistemology: “This work returns to the core of philosophical questions concerning knowledge, truth, justification, belief, and the limits of human understanding. In a world shaped by conflicting narratives, disputed facts, and rapidly evolving technologies, epistemology offers the compass with which we navigate complexity.”
Prof. Akinnawonu expressed profound gratitude to the Chief Host, the Vice Chancellor, for his unwavering support for scholarship, research, and intellectual endeavour — support which continues to position AAUA as a leading institution of academic excellence in Nigeria. He also acknowledged the contributions of the book reviewers, Professor Zacchaeus Ogundare and Dr Joseph Balogun.
In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Launcher, Dr Jide Adewinle, FCA, commended the author for consolidating years of academic inquiry and experience into written works. He noted that any scholar who has spent considerable time within the academic environment ought to aspire to such scholarly productivity.
He added that Prof. Akinnawonu had successfully documented his knowledge, experience, and expertise for future generations, researchers, and scholars, who will rely on these texts as valuable reference materials
