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’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 highlighted the common thread among the four honorees—service and giving.

“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.

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.

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.