Last Updated on December 9, 2024 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

By Ayo Arowojolu

The College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) was aglow with a celebration on December 4, 2024, as academic and non-teaching staff gathered in large numbers to honour four esteemed professors who recently retired from the University.

The retirees included former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Omolayo Ariyo; former Dean of the College, Prof. Goke Bodunde; Prof. Faucett Olasantan, also a former Dean of the College; and former Head of the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology (PBST), Prof. David Ojo.

The event was marked by heartfelt tributes, with attendees extolling the retirees’ monumental contributions to the intellectual and institutional growth of FUNAAB.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Dean of the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya, highlighted the retirees’ legacies of scholarship and leadership.

He said: “These four Professors, through their extraordinary intellectual achievements and relentless pursuit of excellence, have profoundly shaped the academic and professional landscape of our University. Their dedication to advancing knowledge, fostering intellectual growth, and contributing to the betterment of FUNAAB will resonate for generations to come. The legacy of their work in Plant Breeding and Horticulture is an enduring testament to their professionalism and unwavering commitment.”

The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, commended the retirees for setting a benchmark for excellence, noting that their influence extends far beyond academia into the lives of countless students, colleagues, and the broader academic community.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, also lauded the retirees, emphasising that their legacies of creativity and critical thinking would continue to guide and inspire future generations of scholars. He prayed for their good health and continued fulfilment in their post-retirement endeavours.

The Dean of COLPLANT, Prof. Bolarinwa Senjobi, described the celebration as a fitting tribute to the retirees’ remarkable careers.

He stated: “Your passion for education, your unwavering commitment to your students, and your dedication to excellence have left an indelible mark on this College and the University. You have not only imparted knowledge but also inspired curiosity and nurtured the next generation of leaders.”

Other Professors from the College, including former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin; Deputy Dean, Prof. Adewale Salau; Prof. Francis Sowemimo; Prof. Mufutau Atayese; Prof. Jamiu Azeez, and Prof. Ishola Odeyemi, took turns to pay glowing tributes to the retirees, celebrating their wisdom, mentorship, and scholarly contributions.

Highpoint was the presentation of gifts to the honourees.