Daud Olatunji
In a ceremony marked by heartfelt tributes and recognition, the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), honoured Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, during its annual Heroes Day celebration.
The event was highlighted by the launch of a book titled “Contemporary Issues in University Administration and Research: A Festschrift in Honour of the Immediate Past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako,” authored by Prof. Jonathan Atungwu, the immediate past Dean of COLPLANT.
Prof. Salako was celebrated alongside other distinguished academicians, including Prof. Tolulope Ladeinde, Prof. Oladokun Fawusi, Prof. Abayomi Ojanuga, Emeritus Prof. Michael Adetunji, Prof. Segun Lagoke, Prof. Omolayo Ariyo, Prof. Adepoju Adeoti, Prof. Kehinde Okeleye, and Prof. Steve Afolami.
The event, themed “System Re-thinking: Celebration of COLPLANT Heroes,” also featured the unveiling of marble portraits of the honourees and the public presentation of the Journal of Plant Science and Crop Production.
In his address, Prof. Atungwu, who also serves as a member of the University Council representing the Congregation, praised COLPLANT as the cornerstone of FUNAAB.
He highlighted the College’s unwavering commitment to excellence and lauded the pioneering efforts of its members, whose mentorship and dedication have been instrumental in the University’s success.
Prof. Atungwu emphasized that Heroes Day was established to honour the foundational work of these individuals, whose contributions have significantly shaped the institution.
The book launch was described by Prof. Atungwu as a fitting tribute to Prof. Salako’s outstanding contributions to infrastructure and human capital development during his tenure as the Sixth Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB.
He noted that the book serves as a testament to Prof. Salako’s exceptional leadership and enduring impact on the University.
The current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, also spoke at the event, commending the efforts of the COLPLANT heroes and acknowledging their vital contributions to the growth and progress of the College and the University as a whole.
Prof. Kehinde, who previously served as the Dean of COLPLANT, described the College as “first among equals” and reflected on its critical role in supporting other colleges during FUNAAB’s relocation to Alabata.
He urged current staff to draw inspiration from the honourees and learn from their experiences to avoid future challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Prof. Salako expressed his deep appreciation to the College and the organising committee for the recognition.
He extended his gratitude to God and to his esteemed colleagues, including Prof. Omolayo Ariyo, Prof. Abayomi Ojanuga, and Prof. Faucett Olasantan, for their support throughout his career.
Prof. Salako noted that the recognition of those who have served with distinction would inspire others to strive for excellence.
He also thanked Prof. Kehinde for continuing key projects initiated during his tenure and advancing the University’s development.
Reflecting on his time as Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Salako emphasized the importance of wisdom in overcoming challenges and called on University unions to prioritise truth and fairness in their actions.
He urged an end to practices that harm others and detract from the collective progress of the University.
The event also referenced commendations from the Visitation Panel to the University, which reviewed the periods of 2011-2015 and 2016-2020.
Chaired by Prof. Essien Akaranem, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, the panel’s report lauded Prof. Salako for his passionate leadership, which contributed to significant international academic achievements for FUNAAB.
These commendations were documented in the “WHITE PAPER on the Visitation Panel’s Report into the Affairs of FUNAAB, 2016-2020,” published in December 2022.
Prof. Salako had previously been celebrated by the Institute for Human Resources Development (INHURD) at FUNAAB on October 31, 2022, marking the end of his tenure as Vice-Chancellor.
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