Last Updated on January 27, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Joy Adeyiga & Tofunmi Adebayo
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), on January 24, 2025, etched an unforgettable moment in its history as it celebrated the legacies of two distinguished former Vice-Chancellors, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole and Professor Felix Kolawole Salako, in a grand monument naming ceremony. The event, which started from the University’s Red Chamber was a testament to the enduring contributions of the honourees to FUNAAB’s growth and excellence.
The ceremony was presided over by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, Asoludero, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, who was joined by other members of the Governing Council, Principal Officers, staff, students, and dignitaries. The atmosphere was charged with admiration and pride as the University Community gathered to pay tribute to two of its transformational leaders.
In his Opening Remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, highlighted the profound impact the honourees had made on FUNAAB during their tenure. He emphasised that naming monuments after them was not just a symbolic gesture but a lasting tribute to their vision and leadership.
In his words “These monuments are a reflection of our deep gratitude for the sacrifices and groundbreaking achievements of Professors Oyewole and Salako, Professor Kehinde stated. He also thanked the Governing Council and other stakeholders for their unwavering support in making the event a success.
The Pro-Chancellor led the unveiling of the monument, beginning with Professor Kolawole Salako Academic Building Complex. This state-of-the-art facility is named after the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, who served from November 1, 2017, to October 31, 2022. Professor Salako fondly referred to as “Mr Project,” was celebrated for his infrastructural ingenuity, including the construction of a 7-billion-litre dam, the extension of the Senate Building, and the establishment of the Department of Geology, among others. His tenure was marked by an unwavering commitment to advancing FUNAAB’s academic and structural capacity.
The second monument, a 1,000-Seater Lecture Theatre, was named in honour of Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole, who served as Vice-Chancellor from May 24, 2012, to May 23, 2017. Currently, the Secretary-General of the Association of African Universities (AAU), Professor Oyewole was appreciated for his visionary leadership that revolutionised FUNAAB’s human, financial, and material resources. Under his administration, the University witnessed exponential growth in academic quality and global partnerships.
At the naming sites, the Pro-Chancellor extolled the virtues of the honourees, describing the monuments as fitting symbols of their transformative impact, stressing that these tributes were not only an acknowledgement of their contributions to FUNAAB but a testament to their legacies, which would continue to inspire generations.
The event culminated with a joyous celebration as attendees reflected on the monumental achievements of the honourees. The new landmarks, now bearing their names, stand as enduring reminders of their pivotal roles in shaping FUNAAB into one of Nigeria’s leading universities of higher learning.
As the ceremony drew to a close, it was evident that the legacies of Professors Oyewole and Salako had been immortalised, not only in the annals of the University but also in the hearts of all who attended the memorable occasion.
