Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

By Raymond Osemene

The Department of Food Science and Technology (FST), College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), on November 13, 2025, held its 3rd Induction Ceremony for graduating students into the membership of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST).

The event witnessed the formal induction of 81 graduates from the 2024/2025 Academic Session, marking another milestone in the Department’s steady tradition of excellence and professional development.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, congratulated the inductees and urged them to remain dedicated, disciplined, and committed to lifelong learning. He emphasised that professional growth extends beyond academic achievement, calling on the new members to continuously seek knowledge, innovation, and mentorship as they advance in their careers.

The Vice-Chancellor further commended the College and the Department for their consistent efforts in training and mentoring competent professionals capable of transforming the nation’s food sector through research, innovation, and service.

Earlier in her remarks, the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Prof. Adebukunola Omemu, expressed pride in the resilience and accomplishments of the new professionals, noting that their induction signifies more than a ceremonial milestone but a call to responsibility and ethical practice. She reaffirmed the College’s commitment to producing graduates who embody integrity, discipline, and societal relevance in their professional conduct.

Welcoming guests earlier, the Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, Prof. Olatundun Kajihausa, traced the history of the Department’s induction tradition and its steady evolution over the years. She noted that the NIFST membership would open doors for professional networking, collaboration, and advancement within the field. Prof. Kajihausa charged the inductees to contribute meaningfully to national development through innovative research and community-based initiatives that align with global best practices.

Delivering goodwill messages, the National President of NIFST, Dr. Bola Osinowo, represented by Mr. Jude Mordi, and the Chairperson of the NIFST Western Chapter, Prof. Bolanle Akinwande, congratulated the inductees on their professional milestone. They described the occasion as a symbolic transition from academic pursuit to professional practice, urging the new members to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of national progress.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the newly inducted members.