04/10/2025
MEET OUR ALUMNUS OF THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
The Osun State University Alumni Association proudly celebrates Dr. Raheem Oluwafunminiyi as our Alumnus of the Month for October. His inspiring journey reflects the power of dedication, resilience, and an unyielding passion for scholarship.
Dr. Raheem earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Osun State University in 2011, establishing the foundation for his career as a historian and cultural studies scholar. He furthered his academic pursuits with a Master of Arts in History at the University of Ibadan (2015), and later completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD in History and International Studies at the University of Ilorin (2023). His doctoral research, an innovative study of African holy wells, has been widely recognized for pioneering contributions to cultural and heritage studies in Africa.
A distinguished academic, Dr. Raheem currently works as a Lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies at Osun State University, Ikire Campus. Beyond teaching, he has supervised more than fifteen graduate students and continues to shape future generations of scholars. His career reflects a deep commitment not only to classroom teaching but also to advancing global scholarship on African history, culture and heritage.
Dr. Raheem’s career has been enriched by numerous prestigious research fellowships and international engagements. He has served as Junior Research Fellow at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo and Research Fellow with the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, UK. His work has been recognized across continents, with numerous travel grants and invitations to present at academic conferences and workshops across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, including events in Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Basel, Istanbul, and Copenhagen.
A prolific researcher, Dr. Raheem has authored and co-authored several books, book chapters, and peer reviewed journal articles in leading international publications. His co-authored book Myth, Ritual, and Visible Expressions of Ọbà tálá and Olókun in Ilé Ifẹ̀ (Lexington Books, 2024) underscores his expertise in Yoruba religion, cultural heritage, and African spirituality. His scholarship spans diverse themes, including African arts, gender and society, cultural memory, protest movements, and interfaith relations.
Beyond scholarship, he has actively shaped intellectual discourse and community engagement. At the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), he convened high profile roundtables and seminars, including tributes to the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, and commemorations of the celebrated artist Twins Seven Seven. His leadership in bridging scholarship with cultural advocacy reflects his belief in history as a living dialogue between past and present.
Dr. Raheem’s service extends deeply into university life and community development. At Osun State University, he has served on disciplinary, quality assurance, and faculty committees, as well as coordinating entrepreneurial programmes. He has also made personal contributions, such as donating books and journals to the History and International Studies Students Association library. His commitment to service is equally visible in the community, from donating cultural heritage resources to institutions in Osun State to representing Nigeria internationally, including at the 2015 SAGE World Tournament in Incheon, South Korea.
His outstanding achievements have earned him numerous awards and recognitions, notably the 1st Runner Up at the Rahaman Bello Best PhD Thesis Award in African Studies (University of Lagos, 2024), and travel grants from globally renowned institutions such as the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Sciences Po Paris, and Northwestern University.
Despite his impressive professional commitments, Dr. Raheem remains grounded. He enjoys football, documentaries, and creative writing, embodying the balance between intellectual pursuit and personal enrichment. Fluent in Yoruba and English, he represents the voice of African scholarship on the global stage while remaining deeply rooted in his cultural heritage.
The Alumni Association proudly recognizes Dr. Raheem Oluwafunminiyi Wasiu not only for his towering academic contributions but also for his service to humanity. Within the Alumni body, Dr Raheem has made notable contributions, he has previously served as Public Relations Officer and currently as a Member of the Board of Trustees of our dear Association. Despite his very tight schedule, his dedication to the Association remains strong till date.
On behalf of Comr. AbdulBasit Olalekan Olokuta and the entire National Executives of the Osun State University Alumni Association, we present Dr. Raheem Oluwafunminiyi Wasiu as the Alumnus of the Month of October.
E Signed:
Oluwasegun Faleyimu (MIGHTY)
National Public Relations Officer
Osun State University Alumni Association
