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Why Prince Yemisi Shyllon earned his fourth Honorary Doctorate
By Nehru Odeh
Prince Yemisi Shyllon, renowned philanthropist, engineer, lawyer, marketer, and Africa’s largest art collector, has added a fourth honorary doctorate to his impressive accolades.
His contributions to art, culture, and education earned him the honour from Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, which conferred on him a Doctor of Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa) degree in Creative Arts on 28 November 2024.
Shyllon had earlier been honoured with doctorates by three universities. They are University of Port Harcourt, Pan-Atlantic University, and Crescent University Abeokuta.
Shyllon’s enduring commitment to philanthropy includes funding and donating art collections, books, and infrastructure to institutions across Nigeria. Among his notable projects is the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, which he established at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, by selling properties abroad to finance the initiative.
He also recently donated a digital law library to Crescent University, Abeokuta, and gifted a statue of Sodeke, the founder of Abeokuta, to the people of Egbaland.
Acknowledging his multifaceted expertise in fields ranging from engineering to philosophy, Dr Kehinde Amore, the University Orator, described Shyllon as a rare gem with an insatiable quest for knowledge and an unwavering dedication to promoting Nigerian arts and culture. The honour, he said, recognises Shyllon’s unparalleled contributions to showcasing African art and providing opportunities for countless artists.
In his acceptance speech, Shyllon thanked the university on behalf of himself and the other three awardees for the honour done to them adding that they will never forget the citadel of learning. He also highlighted the common thread among the four honorees—service and giving.
"There is a commonality between all of us that received awards today. And that commonality is deriving happiness by providing selfless services to our society.
“Meaningful living is about giving, planting seeds for trees that will someday provide shade to those we may never meet. It’s about promoting the welfare of others,” he said.
"This is what drives the four of us who have received awards today from this great university. We live to secure the good of others.We do not have wealth for wealth purpose but we give to society, we give to the world."
He emphasised the futility of pursuing material wealth without charity, reflecting on his experiences and quoting philosophers, religious texts, and thought leaders to underscore the importance of selfless giving.
“True success and happiness lie in unselfish giving. Happiness is not a destination but a journey. It’s about touching lives beyond our immediate circles,” Shyllon remarked.
Shyllon also showcased his rich repertoire of knowledge by quoting extensively from the Holy Bible, the Koran, Buddhist and Hindu scriptures as well as authorities such as Winston Churchill, Confucius, Swami Vivekananda and the positive psychologists to buttress his points.
"In.conclusion, living meaningfully is providing for the happiness of others
This life is not worth anything unless it is spread out in encouraging the young ones to grow. Happiness is not a destination, it is a journey. Happiness is not tomorrow, it is now.
"Happiness is not position, it is what you do with the position. Happiness is who you are and not what you are. We should therefore always strive to touch the lives of others outside our family irrespective of our endowments," Prince Shyllon maintained.
The ceremony also honoured Barrister Dr Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, Otunba Wasiu Jayeola Taiwo, and Engr Jubril Dotun Sanusi, further celebrating individuals committed to societal betterment.
