FUTA Celebrates Professor Babatunde Ajayi at 70, Marks Retirement with Legacy of Excellence

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) marked a day of celebration on Monday, 25th August 2025, honoring Professor Babatunde Ajayi of the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology (FWT) on his 70th birthday and retirement.

The event, held at the T.I. Francis Auditorium, was themed “Reflections and Lessons from a Life in Academia: Experiences, Challenges, and Insights for the Next Generation” and attracted principal officers, academics, family, friends, and associates.

In her opening remarks, Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, who chaired the occasion, praised Professor Ajayi as “not just a builder of men but also a builder of women, having nurtured generations of outstanding scholars who continue to serve humanity.” She highlighted his dedication to institutional reforms, especially his advocacy for restructuring the Departments of Management Technology and Environmental Management Technology.

“This is not a day of sorrow, but one of thanksgiving for the impactful life of a man who has given his best to the FUTA project. His legacy will endure,” Professor Oladiji said.

Reflecting on his decades-long career, Professor Ajayi encouraged younger academics to uphold integrity and pursue research that solves real-life problems. “Never be discouraged by setbacks; use them as stepping stones to innovation. Every vision, even if delayed, will find fulfillment in due season, and no legacy is greater than the investment we make in people,” he advised. He also candidly recounted challenges such as betrayals and institutional setbacks, while expressing hope that his initiatives would bear fruit in the future.

The ceremony featured testimonials, the citation of the celebrant, cultural dances, and cake-cutting. Professor Ajayi expressed gratitude to FUTA, his colleagues, and family for their unwavering support throughout his career.

Since joining FUTA as a part-time lecturer in 1992, Professor Ajayi rose to full Professor in 2010 and served as Head of Department from 2012 to 2015. His pioneering research in biomaterials has earned national and international recognition, with over 100 publications and global collaborations. He has represented Nigeria at multiple forestry and climate change conferences and served as a consultant to international organizations.

A devoted family man, Professor Ajayi is married to Professor (Mrs.) Modupe Ajayi, and they are blessed with three children.

As FUTA celebrates his retirement, the occasion underscores not only the conclusion of an illustrious academic career but also a legacy of mentorship, service, and excellence that will continue to inspire future generations.