Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) Inducts 34 FUOYE Food Science Graduates

The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) has officially inducted 34 graduates from the Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State. The maiden induction ceremony took place at the Faculty of Agriculture Auditorium, FUOYE Ikole Campus, on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Ahead of the event, a delegation from NIFST paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina. During the visit, the Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology emphasized the significance of the occasion, describing it as a landmark achievement for the department.

Representing the NIFST National President, Dr. Bola Osinowo, was Professor Matthew O. Oluwamukomi, who commended FUOYE's management for their hospitality and commitment to fostering professionalism in food science. He acknowledged the vital role of food science and technology in Nigeria and expressed NIFST’s willingness to collaborate with the university.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of Agriculture, Professor Olusegun Adeyemi, highlighted FUOYE’s dedication to integrating professional development into its academic programs. He noted that the induction followed a similar event by the Faculty of Engineering, where graduates were inducted into the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He reiterated the university’s commitment to expanding partnerships with professional bodies like NIFST.

In her welcome address, the Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, Associate Professor K.T. Araoye, expressed gratitude to the university’s management, faculty members, and NIFST executives for their support. She emphasized the department’s goal of equipping students with both academic excellence and professional readiness.

She also made a passionate appeal to NIFST to consider reducing the induction fee for fresh graduates, noting that out of over 120 graduates in the 2023/2024 academic session, only 34 could afford the induction cost.

The Chairperson of NIFST Western Chapter, Professor B. A. Akinwande, represented by Professor Bolade, underscored the importance of professionalizing food science and technology in Nigeria. He highlighted the benefits of early induction, including certification, networking opportunities, and career advancement. He encouraged the inductees to uphold ethical standards, embrace lifelong learning, and contribute to food security and public health.

The President of NIFST, Dr. Bola Osinowo, through his representative, charged the new inductees to abide by the institute’s regulations and be ambassadors of both their alma mater and the profession.

The induction ceremony concluded with the administration of the induction oath and the presentation of certificates to the newly inducted graduates. Dignitaries present included NIFST National Executives, FUOYE faculty members, and representatives from the Ondo/Ekiti Zonal Chapter of NIFST.

This milestone event marks a significant step in FUOYE’s drive towards professional recognition for its graduates, reinforcing its commitment to academic and professional excellence in food science and technology.