“Contributions of Legends Towards the Advancement of the Goals of the University of Ibadan Are Invaluable,” Says VC

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has emphasized that the contributions of retired academics to the advancement of the university’s mission cannot be truly quantified.

He made this statement during a public lecture commemorating the 90th birthday of Professor Solomon Olukayode Fagade, a retired Professor of Zoology at UI.

Professor Adebowale described such occasions as opportunities for reflection and appreciation of the legacies of the university’s distinguished scholars. He hailed Professor Fagade as a titan of Zoology, whose career exemplified excellence and inspired generations of scholars in Nigeria and beyond.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted Professor Fagade’s pioneering research in hydrobiology and fisheries, as well as his mentoring of countless students. He praised the celebrant’s humane leadership, wisdom, and quiet dignity, noting that his lifetime of service enriched both the university and humanity.

In his lecture titled “UncleFagism: A Way of Life,” Emeritus Professor Martins Agenuma Ametekhai of the Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research, Lagos State University, recounted Professor Fagade’s academic journey. Describing him as a quiet disciplinarian and profound mentor, Professor Ametekhai lauded his dialogue-driven teaching style, mentorship beyond the classroom, and mastery of storytelling in lectures. He further celebrated Professor Fagade’s groundbreaking research, consultancy projects, and dedication to ethical science.

The lecture also highlighted Professor Fagade’s community and social initiatives, including environmental justice advocacy, conflict resolution, food security promotion, and women empowerment, alongside the numerous awards and recognitions he has received.

Professor Aina Adeogun, Head of the Department of Zoology, FAS, noted that the public lecture formed part of the 90th birthday celebrations of an iconic figure whose mentorship has produced numerous professors within UI and beyond.

As part of the celebrations, the Fagade family launched the Sir Professor Solomon Olukayode and Dame Roseline Ebunlomo Fagade Foundation and announced the presentation of several awards:

• Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Best Faculty of Science Student (₦250,000)
• Emeritus Professor Martins Agenuma Ametekhai Award for Best Student in Hydrobiology and Fisheries (₦200,000)
• Sir Professor Solomon Olukayode and Dame Roseline Ebunlomo Fagade Award for Best Student in Zoology (₦250,000)
• Professor Oba Fagade Award for Best M.Sc. Student in Environmental Microbiology (₦200,000)

A commemorative book honoring Professor Fagade was also unveiled and launched during the event.