… As FUNAAB Celebrates 2024 World Laboratory Day
By Joy Adeyiga & Tofunmi Adebayo
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde has charged all Technologists and Scientists to imbibe advancement and innovation during the celebration of the 2024 World Laboratory Day held at the Red Chamber on April 23, 2024.
Under the theme “Science for a Sustainable Future,” the event, organised by the Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), aimed to honour the invaluable contributions of Technologists and Scientists towards the University’s development.
Speaking further at the ceremony, Prof. Kehinde stressed the pivotal role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future, urging all stakeholders to steer clear of practices detrimental to societal harmony.
Encouraging them to keep the flag flying, Prof. Kehinde noted that activities in the laboratories have a way of impacting every member of the society, stressing that it was where experiments were carried out to be used in the larger society.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor commended DITTECS for its unwavering commitment to maintaining FUNAAB’s status as a global leader in agricultural education and research.
While declaring the event opened, the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the staff members of DITTECS even as he congratulated the Awardees of the day for their meritorious and selfless service to the University.
In her Opening Remarks, the Director, DITTECS,
Dr. ‘Wunmi Abimbola-Okuneye highlighted the significance of World Laboratory Day in recognising the dedication and expertise of laboratory professionals.
She stressed the crucial role of laboratories as the bedrock of future development, calling for a renewed dedication to scientific exploration and innovation.
The Director urged all to continue to pursue knowledge, push the boundaries of possibilities, strive for excellence and never stop seeking answers to the questions that intrigue and inspire them.
Highlighting the reason for recognising the laboratory staff, Dr. Abimbola-Okuneye described it as the powerhouse of future development and an integral part of where success and excellence come from.
Stressing the importance of the day, she said it was to celebrate the hard work, skills and contributions of laboratory professionals in the society, adding that it also sought to promote public understanding of science and to encourage younger generations to pursue careers in the science field.
The event featured enlightening lectures by distinguished speakers like Prof. Isaac Aiyelaagbe, a renowned scholar in horticulture, who underscored the important role of science in national development, emphasising its capacity to transform raw materials into valuable assets.
He urged nations to invest in scientific research to secure their future prosperity.
According to him, he described science as the study of the structure and behaviour of the physical, natural and supernatural world through observation, identification, characterisation, experimentation and testing theories against evidence to validate or disprove them.
The Guest Speaker, the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), Yemi Gbadegeshin, reaffirmed the importance of laboratories as engines of innovation and societal progress.
His lecture, “Science Laboratory Practice; Today, Yesterday, and the Future,” delved into the evolution of laboratory practices and their enduring significance.
The event also celebrated academic excellence and service with Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School and Muslim High School, Isolu, honoured for their outstanding performance in an inter-school debate competition held earlier at the Career Services and Linkages Unit (CSLU) Seminar Room.
Additionally, awards were presented to individuals for their exceptional service and innovative contributions to the University, among whom were Mr. Raphael Coker and Mrs. Anike Sorinola, as well as Mr. Abiola Eyiowuawi and Mr. Basil Udeji.
As FUNAAB commemorated World Laboratory Day, it reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
