Last Updated on April 24, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Raymond Osemene
The Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), on April 23, 2025, joined the global scientific community to commemorate the 2025 World Laboratory Day with a special event held at the Red Chamber.
Delivering the Opening Remarks on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, congratulated DITTECS on the celebration. He stressed the indispensable role of Technologists in supporting teaching, research, and innovation within the University, describing their work as foundational to scientific excellence.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Director, DITTECS, Dr. ‘Wunmi Abimbola Okuneye, expressed her appreciation to all attendees for honouring the invitation. An alumna of FUNAAB herself, Dr. Abimbola Okuneye extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, and the University Management for their support for the Directorate and the successful hosting of the event.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Enoch Dare, a renowned Professor of Nanotechnology from the Department of Chemistry, delivered an engaging lecture on the theme “Sustainable Nanotechnology: From the Laboratory to Industrial Revolution.” He noted that effective laboratory design and planning were crucial to scientific discovery and operational efficiency.
Prof. Dare outlined the key components of laboratory planning that were benching, equipment, and personnel, even as he differentiated between the two main types of laboratories. He explained that Wet Laboratories involved handling chemicals and biological materials, necessitating the use of personal protective equipment, whereas he noted that Dry Laboratories focus on computation, engineering, and physics.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Adeniyi Adeyanju, former Vice-Chancellor of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, and FUNAAB’s SDGs Resource Person. Speaking on the topic “Education and Training: Building the Future of Laboratory Science,” Prof. Adeyanju stressed the critical role laboratories and their professionals play in academia, healthcare, engineering, and technological advancement.
He highlighted historic breakthroughs that emerged from laboratories, such as treatments for deadly diseases, space exploration achievements, and elemental discoveries.
Dignitaries at the event included, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi, University Librarian; Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya, Dean, COLAMRUD, Prof. Adebukunola Omemu, Dean, COLFHEC and Prof. Ajiboye Godwin, representing the Dean, COLPLANT. Others were Prof. Kazeem Bello, Director, COBFAS, and Mr. Emmanuel Ndubuisi, representing the Director, FUNAAB Zoo Park, including many staff members of DITTECS.
