Last Updated on May 18, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As Prof. Adeofun Advocates Creation of Remote Sensing, GIS Department
By Raymond Osemene
The College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, May 14, 2025, held its maiden Leadership Lecture Series, themed “Remote Sensing: The Third Eye Observing our Environment.” The lecture was delivered by the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Clement Adeofun, a renowned expert in Environmental Remote Sensing.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, lauded the College for its foresight in organising the lecture and for attaining 100% full accreditation in all its Academic Programmes. He also applauded the Dean for his visionary leadership, which he noted had led to significant structural reforms within the College. According to him, these include the strategic splitting of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management into two distinct Departments, as well as the reconfiguration of the Department of Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of COLERM, Prof. Olusegun Oguntoke, expressed profound appreciation to members of the College and the University Management for supporting the landmark initiative. He congratulated Prof. Adeofun for being the pioneer speaker of the lecture series and commended the Organising Committee for their commitment to excellence.
Prof. Adeofun, in his presentation, described remote sensing as a powerful technological tool likened to a “third eye” that extends beyond the human capacity to perceive and interpret environmental phenomena. He explained how remote sensing enabled the observation of the Earth’s surface, atmospheric conditions, and environmental changes with remarkable precision, akin to the mystical concept of a spiritual third eye that transcended human limitations.
Prof. Adeofun further illustrated the practical relevance of remote sensing in monitoring deforestation, detecting urban heat islands, mapping natural disasters, and guiding sustainable environmental management. He stressed that such technology has become indispensable in today’s data-driven approach to environmental stewardship.
In his concluding recommendations, Prof. Adeofun advocated for the establishment of a Department of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in FUNAAB, the creation of a Centre for Precision Agriculture in partnership with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and enhanced collaboration with space-based research institutions such as the National Centre for Remote Sensing, Jos, and relevant centres in Ile-Ife and other parts of the country.
To honour his impactful presentation and contributions, a plaque was presented to him by a distinguished expert in Silviculture, Prof. Michael Aduradola.
The well-attended event had in attendance the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Mufutau Atayese; Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Festus Adeosun; immediate past Dean of COLERM, Prof. Isaac Omoniyi; former Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. Wilfred Alegbeleye;
Also present were the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi, represented by Dr. Abdussobur Salaam; the Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga, represented by Mr. Valentine Egbuna; and the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi, represented by Dr. Idowu-Koleade, alongside several distinguished members of the University Community.
