Professor Oyeweso was conferred with the award at the 19th convocation ceremony of the Academy held at the J. F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos. Other scholars inducted at the convocation ceremony were Professor Unionmwan Edebiri, OFR; Professor Mabel Osakwe; Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, mni, MFR and Professor Joseph E. Inikori.

The ceremony commenced with a lecture, followed by the investiture of the new fellows and a scientific session at which papers on the theme were presented and discussed. The convocation lecture, entitled The Patriot and the Nationalist in an Emergent Democracy, was delivered by the former Director of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Professor Dele Layiwola, FNAL.

The ceremony, which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, was also witnessed by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Osun
State University, Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN); a member of UNIOSUN Governing Council, Professor Solomon Akinboye; Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Labode Popoola, ably represented by the first female Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin) of the institution, Professor Janet Olaitan; Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo; Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa 1, the Timi of Ede; Professors, Heads of Department, staff and students from Osun State University, Lagos State University and the University of Lagos.

The Nigerian Academy of Letters is constituted by all recognised learned societies in the Arts. It is an autonomous, scholarly and non-political body. Fellows are scholars, who have been professors for at least 10 years and are not only distinguished but also current in terms of research and publications.

Professor Oyeweso completed his secondary education in 1978 and graduated in Division One (Distinction). He studied History at the prestigious University of Ife between 1978 and 1982 (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and graduated with a Second Class Upper Division. He later obtained his M.A. Degree and PhD in Intellectual History from the same University. Siyan Oyeweso joined the services of the Lagos State University as an Assistant Lecturer in October 1985 and rose to the rank of Professor in 2004.

He is a recipient of several national and international awards and research grants. Indeed, he is clearly and unquestionably a leading authority on Nigerian history and politics, religion and culture as evident in his numerous publications since 1986.

Prof Siyan Oyeweso is a distinguished and rare academia with a very profound understanding of University administration spanning roughly three decades. As an administrator, he served the Lagos State University in various capacities. He was at various times, Director, Centre for General Studies; Head, Department of History and International Studies; Deputy Director (internal operations) LASU School of Part-Time Studies; Senate Representative on the Board of Post-Graduate School, Chairman, Curriculum Committee and Business Committee of Senate; and Dean, Faculty of Arts. From 1992 to 2005, he was a member of the 4th, 5th and 6th Governing Councils of Lagos State University led by J.K Randle, Prof Deji Femi-Pearse and Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, respectively.

Oyeweso, a pioneer member of staff of Osun State University, has also served in various official capacities and sensitive positions of responsibilities in the institution. He was the pioneer Provost of the College of Humanities and Culture, Ikire Campus of the University for two terms.

He also served on the Academic Brief Committee, Physical Development and Planning Committee, UNIOSUN Management Committee, Development Committee, Business Committee, Ceremonial's Committee, Strategic Plan Committee, and chaired the Committee of Provosts, Deans and Directors for four years (2007-2011). He was a member of the pioneer Council led by Professor Peter Okebukola (OFR) for four years and later served as Director of Development Office. He is currently a member of the Governing Council of the University.