By Emeka Oluka
The Department of Agricultural Administration (AGAD) today, July 2, 2024, honoured Prof. Michael Ajayi for his meritorious service to the Department and the University at large.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, appreciated Prof. Ajayi for his services to the Department of AGAD and the University, describing him as a man of many parts, a bridge builder, and a peacemaker.
He expressed his gratitude to him specifically for building peace in the University, praying that God would continue to uphold and strengthen him with good health.
Corroborating the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya, who attested that Prof. Ajayi was the pioneer Head of Department of AGAD for two terms, described him as a gentle, honest unassuming, respectful, and hardworking man who would be missed by everyone in the College and especially in the Department of AGAD.
Speaking also at the event, the Ag. Head, Department of AGAD, Dr. Adefunke Ayinde, described Prof. Ajayi as an epitome of hardwork, dedication, and uprightness.
According to her, all the outstanding successes of the Department could be traced to Prof. Ajayi, who has been able to put together many innovative ideas in the Department.
Photo Credit: Emeka Oluka
Other colleagues described Prof. Ajayi as a man of steel, dedicated, hardworking, respectful, and very honest.
Prof. Ajayi, overwhelmed by the show of love, responded by appreciating everyone at the gathering.
Present at the event were eminent personalities including the 4th Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun who was represented by the Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Jonathan Atungwu and the 6th Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako, Principal Officers, and other well-wishers, friends, and colleagues.
In a related development, the mentees of Prof. David Ojo came together to celebrate the Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, who celebrated his 70th birthday and bowed out of the University’s services after a meritorious service.
Speaking about Prof. Ojo’s contributions to the field of Plant Breeding, the Head of Department, Plant Breeding and Seed Technology (PBST), Prof. Francis Sowemimo, described Prof. Ojo as a thoroughbred Breeder and an expert in his field.
He extolled the virtues of Prof. Ojo, describing him as a gentleman who loves peace at all times.
Likewise, the Deputy Dean, COLPLANT, Prof. Adewale Salau, appreciated Prof. Ojo for his fatherly role in the College, noting that his contributions to the development of the College cannot be overstated.
His mentees unanimously called him a good teacher, father, and mentor, whose character was worthy of emulation.
Appreciating the people who gathered to celebrate him, Prof. Ojo tasked everybody to do the right thing and never stop aspiring for more achievements.
Meanwhile, Prof. David Ojo was the first alumnus to bag FUNAAB’s Ph.D. and the first to present the Lecture of the
Alumni Association.
Notable among Prof. Ojo’s mentees were the former Ag. Director, Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), Dr. Julius Amira, Dr. Olusegun Oduwaye of the Department of PBST, Olufemi Ajayi of the Directorate of Environmental Management (DEM), among many others within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
