UI Celebrates Professor Jayeola's Retirement After 26 Years of Meritorious Service

The University of Ibadan has celebrated Professor A.A Jayeola, a distinguished academic in the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, on his retirement from the services of the University after about 26 years of service.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Ibadan, Professor Juwon Arotiba, who represented the Vice-Chancellor at the courtesy visit preceding the valedictory service in his honour, commended Professor Jayeola for his outstanding contributions to teaching, research, mentoring and community service.

The DVC described Professor Jayeola as an experienced scholar whose contributions to the University had helped to promote academic excellence, particularly in the area of plant anatomy, taxonomy and molecular studies.

He noted that Professor Jayeola had contributed significantly to the training and mentoring of students and had made valuable contributions to research, particularly in areas relating to important crops such as yam.

Professor Arotiba noted that even though retirement marked the end of Professor Jayeola's active service, his wealth of experience would continue to be valuable to the University. He appreciated him for his commitment to the University and prayed that he would enjoy the fruits of his labour in good health, peace and fulfilment.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Botany, Professor Taye R. Fasola, described Professor Jayeola as a great teacher, mentor and dedicated academic who had touched many lives in the course of his career. She recalled that Professor Jayeola transferred his services from Obafemi Awolowo University to the University of Ibadan in 1998 and had since contributed immensely to the development of the Department.

She noted that his passion for Botany extended beyond the classroom, adding that he had positively influenced generations of students through his teaching, mentoring and fieldwork. She further stated that Professor Jayeola's students are spread across the globe, a development she noted, that reflects the impact of his academic career.

Also speaking, the Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof I. A Oladosu, commended Professor Jayeola for his contributions to the Faculty and the University over the years. He said Professor Jayeola had spent about 44 years in the teaching profession, including approximately 26 years at the University of Ibadan.

The Dean described Professor Jayeola as a dedicated academic who had always been willing to support the Faculty whenever his assistance was needed. He commended his spirit of cooperation and his commitment to the development of the Faculty.

He noted that although Professor Jayeola was retiring from active service, his wealth of experience and expertise would remain valuable to the Faculty and the University. The Dean therefore urged him to remain available to the Faculty whenever his experience and expertise were required. He wished Professor Jayeola a fulfilling retirement and prayed for his continued success in the years ahead.

Responding, Professor Jayeola expressed appreciation to the University administration and his colleagues at the Faculty of Science as well as the Department of Botany for their support throughout his career. He particularly appreciated the University management for its support towards the development of the Department of Botany, including efforts to strengthen its staffing and improve its facilities.

Professor Jayeola also appreciated his students, family and other members of the University community for their contributions to his successful career. He expressed hope that the Department would continue to receive necessary support to strengthen its academic and infrastructural capacity.

Professor Jayeola prayed for the continued progress of his Department and the entire University, expressing optimism that the younger generation of academics would continue the work of advancing the discipline.