Last Updated on November 1, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As FUNAAB Graduates Take NIFST Professional Oath
By Joy Adeyiga & David Johnson
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has charged newly inducted Food Scientists to uphold ethical standards, embrace innovation and apply their expertise to address food security challenges in Nigeria and beyond.
Prof. Kehinde gave the charge at the 4th Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) for the 2025/2026 graduates of the Department of Food Science and Technology, held today, October 29, 2026, at the Postgraduate School Auditorium. The Vice-Chancellor was represented by the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Prof. Adebukunola Omemu.
Congratulating the inductees on attaining a significant milestone in their professional journey, the Vice-Chancellor commended the Department’s staff for their dedication to maintaining academic standards and equipping students with the knowledge and problem-solving skills required to excel in the workplace.
He also lauded the Department for enhancing the employability of its graduates and acknowledged NIFST’s sustained partnership with the University, noting the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and professional bodies in preparing graduates for the demands of professional practice.
Highlighting the strategic role of food science and technology in achieving food security, the Vice-Chancellor urged the inductees to take the professional oath seriously, uphold the ethics of the profession and deploy their knowledge towards improving food quality, safety and availability. He reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to producing globally competitive graduates whose expertise contributes meaningfully to national development.
In her remarks as the Dean, Prof. Omemu congratulated the inductees and appreciated their parents and guardians for their contributions to the graduates’ academic and professional journeys. She charged the new professionals to embrace four essential principles: integrity and ethical conduct, continuous learning, innovation and enterprise, as well as service and professionalism.
She further acknowledged NIFST’s continued collaboration with FUNAAB, describing the partnership as instrumental to strengthening the connection between academic training and professional practice.
The National President of NIFST, Chief (Dr.) Alaka Ignatius, represented by Mr. Abdulrauf Egbewole, described the induction as a defining moment in the graduates’ lives and a testament to the Institute’s continued growth. He congratulated the inductees and reminded them that professional recognition comes with the responsibility to uphold the vision and mission of the Institute.
Earlier, the National Secretary of NIFST, Mr. Rasak Oke, traced the history of the Institute and highlighted its vision of ensuring the availability of good-quality and affordable food for all. Similarly, the Chairman of the NIFST Western Chapter, Prof. Matthew Bolade, described the induction as external recognition of the graduates’ training and professional competence, urging them to embrace the responsibilities and opportunities associated with membership of a professional body.
The Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, Dr. Adebukola Omidiran, encouraged the inductees to become active advocates for food science and food security in industry and academia. She emphasised the need for them to translate their knowledge into practical solutions to address food-related challenges.
Delivering the Young Food Professionals’ address, Mr. Adedeji Adeyemi highlighted emerging opportunities across food systems and the importance of engaging with development partners. He also stressed the need for continuous professional development, clarifying the distinction between training and certification as graduates advance in their careers.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Best Graduating Student Award to Taiwo Moyinoluwa. The event also featured the administration of the professional oath, the presentation of membership certificates to the inductees and group photographs.
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