Trends and Perspectives on Translation, Language and Literary Studies (Special Edition in Honour of Prof. Isaiah Bariki)

Abstract

A native of the Niger Delta, where he grew up in the riverine area, he had his primary education in the Western Region of Nigeria before proceeding to Ghana for his secondary education. Professor Isaiah Bariki received his first degree in French from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1981 and later proceeded to University of Ibadan where he was awarded a mastersř degree in French again. In 1999, he became the first holder of doctoral degree from the department of French, University of Ilorin under the supervision of Professor Tunde Ajiboye. He became a Professor in 2014 and delivered his inaugural lecture on Power Dynamics and Allied Issues in 2021. Professor Isaiah Bariki is a highly committed scholar with an impressive array of publication in local and international journals. His primary area of research interest is Translation Theory and Practice but he has also published articles on Sociolinguistics, methodology, pragmatics, orthography and French grammar. Professor Bariki has taught in seven Universities. In five of these Universities, he also supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students. He has also been an external examiner / assessor to many Universities including University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast Ghana, Université Abdou Moumouni, Niamey in Niger Republic and Durban, South Africa. While in South Africa, he supervised students and carried out collaborative research on aspects of isiZulu, one of the South Africařs national languages. He was a one-time Acting Director of the Centre of Foreign languages and Translation in Kwara State University, Malete. His penchant for intellectual discourse has led him to co-edit eight books. He is still working on more. He has been on advisory committee of several journals and he is the current Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Translation Studies in Nigeria. He has on various occasions been a resource person to JAMB, WAEC, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and National Universities Commission (NUC) where he has either headed or been a member of an accreditation team to various Universities. His years in the University of Ilorin were invaluable moments as we all enjoyed his valuable insight, academic leadership, administrative ingenuity, friendship and encouragement. He has a collaborative spirit that is evident in his work with fellow lecturers, where he contributed to developing and implementing innovative researches and expanding their collective knowledge base. Professor Bariki has not only endeared himself to his immediate colleagues, but to the University community at large. He is a humble man with pleasant disposition. Professor Isaiah displayed his administrative skills as a team player, builder and change agent in his capacity as Head of Department of French on a number of occasions prior to his retirement in 2022. The editorial team and his entire disciples wish him many more prosperous years ahead.