FUTA Appoints Professor Labunmi Lajide as Emeritus in Recognition of Pioneering Contributions to Chemistry
FUTA, has honored Labunmi Lajide with the title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his decades of dedicated service to the field of Chemistry and his outstanding contributions to research and education.
UBA CHIDINMA 
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has honored Labunmi Lajide with the title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his decades of dedicated service to the field of Chemistry and his outstanding contributions to research and education.
Born in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on October 30, 1951, Professor Lajide’s academic journey began at Ogbomoso Grammar School, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Ibadan in 1977. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the prestigious Australian National University, Canberra, in 1985 under a Commonwealth Scholarship. His doctoral research, focused on lichen metabolites, set the stage for his remarkable career in organic and medicinal chemistry.
Professor Lajide joined FUTA in 1993 as a Senior Lecturer and rose to the rank of Professor in 1999. Over the years, his research spanned a wide array of topics, including biologically active plant products, bioaccumulation studies, solid waste management, and refining plastic waste into petrochemical products. His work in these fields has had significant pharmaceutical, environmental, and agrochemical applications.
Throughout his career, Professor Lajide mentored more than 28 Ph.D. candidates and 20 master’s degree students, cementing his legacy as a pillar of academic mentorship in Nigeria. His research output includes over 192 journal articles, technical reports, and conference presentations, alongside three Japanese patents for plant-derived pest management agents.
Beyond his teaching and research, Professor Lajide served in numerous administrative roles at FUTA, including Head of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the Centre for Continuing Education. His collaborations with international organizations such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Research Development Corporation of Japan further enhanced his global impact.
Professor Lajide’s appointment as Professor Emeritus celebrates his lifelong dedication to chemistry, research innovation, and mentorship. His legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists and educators at FUTA and beyond.
