It was an infectious deep sense of reunion and appreciation of immense contributions to the development of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) as Management paid a deserving and befitting courtesy visit to the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nurudeen ‘Nimbe Adedipe at his Ikorodu private residence, Lagos State.
The warm reception that welcomed, greeted, characterized and trailed the visit of the Management team to the iconic Prof. Adedipe was infectious and revealing of an historical reunion.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde led Management team to the residence of Prof. Adedipe, the enigma who moved the University from it’s temporary site at Isale Igbein to the Alabata Permanent Site where the University has carved a towering enviable niche as one of the centres of excellence in the country.
The Vice-Chancellor who was Prof. Adedipe’s student at University of Ibadan was accompanied by fellow Principal Officers and top notch of Non-Teaching cadre of the University:
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Christian Ikeobi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, Deputy Registrar 1 (Senior Establishment, Academic) Mrs. Toyin Dawodu and the Deputy Registrar 1, Senate and Admission, Mr. Peter Agbotoba.
FUNAAB team was received by the quintessential Administrator, Prof. Adedipe (who looked fresh and younger than his well advanced age) and his also ageing gracefully wife and partner of many years, Mrs. Silifat Olanrewaju Adedipe.
Speaking, Prof. Adedipe expressed gratitude to the University Management for “remembering” him and “honouring” him and his family with the visit.
The Matriach of the family who spoke on behalf of the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, who laid the much needed solid foundation for the University expressed implicit confidence in the ability of Prof. Kehinde-led Management to take the University to greater heights.
He counselled the Vice-Chancellor to be fair to all without fear or favour and irrespective of religious and social leanings.
Prof. Adedipe also charged Prof. Kehinde to surround himself with God fearing and wise men and women, in order not to be misled but to be guided by well meaning people.
Prof. Adedipe prayed Allah to grant Prof. Kehinde and his team a resounding success in office.
Speaking, Prof. Kehinde described the visit as the home coming of beloved children (FUNAAB Management team) to their caring father (Prof.Adedipe).
He stated further that Management came to thank Allah for His faithfulness in the life Prof. Adedipe and his family over the years, and rejoice with him in advance on the celebration of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir.
Prof. Kehinde extolled the sterling qualities of Prof. Adedipe and expressed gratitude to him profusely for his immense contributions to the development and progress of FUNAAB.
He described him as a great visionary leader and Administrator whose vision transformed FUNAAB to a force to reckon with in the nation’s Ivory Towers.
