FUNAAB Pays Tribute to Visionary Pioneer VC, Prof. Nurudeen Adedipe
FUNAAB has paid tribute to its pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nurudeen Olorun-Nimbe Adedipe, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for the institution's rise as a leading agricultural university in Africa
UBA CHIDINMA 
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has paid tribute to its pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nurudeen Olorun-Nimbe Adedipe, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for the institution's rise as a leading agricultural university in Africa. Prof. Adedipe, a distinguished Plant Scientist, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in education and agriculture.
Born on December 20, 1940, in Ikorodu, Prof. Adedipe’s academic journey began with a scholarship-laden secondary education at Ibadan Boys High School. He furthered his studies at the University of British Columbia, Canada, earning a B.Sc. in Agriculture (Plant Science) in 1966 and a Ph.D. in Environmental Plant Physiology in 1969.
Prof. Adedipe’s career was marked by numerous milestones, including his role as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Ibadan and Chairman of the Committee of Deans. However, his most transformative contribution came in 1988 when he became FUNAAB’s first substantive Vice-Chancellor.
As FUNAAB’s pioneer leader, Prof. Adedipe spearheaded the university’s development, blending academic excellence with practical agricultural innovation. Under his leadership, FUNAAB quickly gained recognition for its commitment to teaching, research, and community extension, establishing itself as a model institution in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
Beyond FUNAAB, Prof. Adedipe was instrumental in shaping agricultural and higher education policies in Nigeria. He chaired the National Universities Commission (NUC) team that restructured Federal Universities of Technology into specialized universities of agriculture, leading to the establishment of FUNAAB, the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
In later years, he played a pivotal role in founding private universities such as Crescent University, Fountain University, and Caleb University, further cementing his influence on Nigeria’s academic framework.
Prof. Adedipe’s contributions extended globally as a member of esteemed scientific bodies like the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Ecological Society of Nigeria.
In addition to his professional achievements, Prof. Adedipe was a devoted family man and sports enthusiast, known for his passion for Table Tennis and Lawn Tennis. He is survived by his wife, Alhaja Silifat Olanrewaju Adedipe, and five children.
Laid to rest on November 14, 2024, according to Islamic rites, Prof. Adedipe’s legacy continues to inspire the academic and agricultural sectors. His profound impact on FUNAAB and Nigeria’s education system will forever remain a beacon for future generations.
