Last Updated on July 8, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Femi Dansu
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) was enveloped in deep sorrow as the University Community bid farewell to one of its finest academics, Prof. Ibiyemi Olasunbo Olayiwola, during a Commendation Service held in her honour, today, July 4, 2025.
The solemn ceremony, which took place at the Prof. Olusola Oyewole 1,000-Seater Lecture Theatre, was filled with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, students, friends, and family, all united in celebrating the life of an exceptional scholar, teacher, and mentor.
In a tribute on behalf of the University Management, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, described the passing of Prof. Olayiwola as a monumental loss to the University. He noted that her contributions to the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, as well as the University at large, remained indelible.
According to him, “FUNAAB is mourning, but we also celebrate a champion who came, saw, and conquered. She was a passionate teacher, a soft-spoken and gentle spirit, and a renowned Nutritionist whose life impacted many positively.”
Earlier in a brief Exhortation, Prof. Adewale Dipeolu encouraged everyone to find solace in the Scriptures, citing 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which enjoins believers to give thanks in all circumstances. Reflecting on her life, he affirmed that Prof. Olayiwola finished well and lived a life worthy of emulation. Drawing from Ephesians 5:1 and John 11:25, he urged the gathering to imitate Jesus Christ and remain steadfast in good works, as the final reward lies in eternity.
Other heartfelt tributes came from the Chairman of ASUU-UNAAB, Dr. Ola Olusegun-Oyedele; the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Prof. Adebukunola Omemu; and the Head of Department, Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Oluwafunke Akinbule, who all extolled Prof. Olayiwola’s virtues. They described her as a selfless leader, a dependable mentor, and a devoted academic who worked tirelessly to combat malnutrition in collaboration with both State and Federal Government Agencies.
Describing her as “more than a Professor,” her colleagues recalled her integrity, grace, unwavering faith, and remarkable ability to nurture and guide students and staff alike. “To encounter Prof. Olayiwola was to encounter grace,” her HoD remarked. “She bore the burdens of others with compassion and served her country with distinction.”
Late Prof. Ibiyemi Olasumbo Olayiwola was the University’s 82nd Inaugural Lecturer, and her legacy would remain etched in the annals of FUNAAB. She may be gone, but her impact lives on, in the lives she touched, the students she mentored, and the ideals she championed.
Meanwhile, the funeral service was held at the Freeman Methodist Cathedral, Ogbe and her body interred thereafter.
