Retirement of UI Don Evokes Mixed Emotions, Says DVC

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Juwon T. Arotiba, FWACS, FICD, has said that the retirement of highly valued academic staff often comes with mixed emotions.

He made the statement on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, while receiving Professor Adiaha Ugwumba, who paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor ahead of her Valedictory Lecture as a Professor of Zoology at the university upon attaining the retirement age of 70.

Professor Arotiba said the university was proud of Professor Ugwumba's accomplishments after decades of contributions to teaching, research and academic development. He admitted that no longer having her in active service was a difficult reality for the university.

He described Professor Ugwumba as one of the distinguished academics at UI, particularly for her work on aquatic animals, ecology and environmental studies.

While congratulating the retiring professor, the DVC urged her to remain available to offer guidance and advice whenever her expertise was needed in the Department.

He wished her strength and good health, urging her to enjoy the fruits of her labour and continue using her wealth of experience to mentor younger researchers.

Professor Adiaha Ugwumba expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the university for several decades.

She said that although retiring from active service came with mixed feelings, she was grateful to be leaving in good health.

She described herself as privileged to have been part of the University of Ibadan system, which she said was known for its high academic standards.

The retiring professor assured the university that she would remain in touch after her retirement, adding that her years at the institution had been a valuable part of her life.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Zoology, Professor Aina O. Adeogun, FAS, described Professor Ugwumba as a dedicated and hardworking scientist and a visionary leader whose career had left a lasting legacy at the university and beyond.

According to her, Professor Ugwumba supervised more than 15 PhD students, many of whom have gone on to become professors and occupy important academic and administrative positions across Nigeria, while continuing to contribute to the development of their respective fields.

She noted that Professor Ugwumba's influence extended beyond the university, with her former students represented across different parts of the country.

The Head of Department also highlighted Professor Ugwumba's achievements in research and mentorship, noting that one of her students won the National Universities Commission (NUC) Best PhD Thesis Award in 2007.

She described the retiring professor as a visionary leader who contributed significantly to the development of the department and the university, particularly through her commitment to scientific research and innovation.

Professor Adiaha Ugwumba was led on the visit by the Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor I. A. Oladosu, and accompanied by her husband, Professor O. A. Ugwumba; the Head, Department of Zoology, Professor Aina O. Adeogun; other members of the department; and the Faculty Officer, Faculty of Science, Mr M. A. Raji.