It would be a very nice thing to at least look at the book and bring that up to your father at some point. But if it's technical book and your father said he doesn't expect you to read it, then there doesn't seem to be a reason to try to finish it cover to cover. Book dedications are usually about recognition of people who are important to the author, they're not really about what's in the book itself.

I would ignore your professors, they're likely just putting themselves in your father's position and telling you to do what they'd want their kids to do.