UI DVC Commends Retiring Professor Jayeola’s 26 Years of Service and Academic Contributions

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, University of Ibadan, Professor Juwon T. Arotiba, FWACS, FICD, has commended Professor A. A. Jayeola of the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, for his contributions to academic excellence during his 26 years of service to the University.

Professor Arotiba gave the commendation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, during a courtesy visit by the retiring academic.

He described Professor Jayeola as an experienced scholar whose contributions to the University had helped advance academic excellence, particularly in plant anatomy, taxonomy and molecular studies.

The DVC noted that Professor Jayeola had also made significant contributions to the training and mentoring of students as well as research.

Professor Arotiba commended the retiring academic for his contributions to teaching, research, mentoring and community service, noting that while retirement marked the end of his active service, his wealth of experience would remain valuable to the University.

He appreciated Professor Jayeola for his commitment to the University and prayed that he would enjoy the fruits of his labour in good health, peace and fulfilment.

Professor Jayeola expressed appreciation to the Faculty of Science and his colleagues in the Department of Botany for their support throughout his career.

He particularly appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their support towards the development of the Department of Botany, including efforts to strengthen its staffing and improve its facilities.

He also thanked his students, family members and other members of the University community for their contributions to his successful career.

Professor Jayeola expressed hope that the Department would continue to receive the necessary support to strengthen its academic and infrastructural capacity.

He prayed for the continued progress of the Department and the University, expressing satisfaction that the younger generation of academics would continue the work of advancing the discipline.

The Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor I. A. Oladosu, also commended Professor Jayeola for his contributions to the Faculty and the University over the years.

He described him as a dedicated academic who was always willing to support the Faculty whenever his assistance was needed, commending his spirit of cooperation and commitment to the development of the Faculty.

The Dean 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 at large.

He therefore urged the retiring professor to remain available to the Faculty whenever his experience and expertise were required.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Botany, Professor Taiye R. Fasola, described Professor Jayeola as a great teacher, mentor and dedicated academic who touched many lives throughout 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 of Botany.

Professor Fasola 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 were spread across different parts of the world, describing this as a reflection of the impact of his academic career.