UI DVC Lauds Retiring Professor Jayeola for Promoting Academic Excellence

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, University of Ibadan, Professor Juwon T. Arotiba, has lauded Professor A. A. Jayeola of the Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, for promoting academic excellence in his 26 years of service to the University.

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

He described Professor Jayeola as an experienced scholar whose contributions have helped to promote academic excellence, particularly in the areas of plant anatomy, taxonomy and molecular studies, noting that he has contributed significantly to the training and mentoring of students and to research.

The DVC celebrated Professor Jayeola for his contributions to teaching, research, mentoring and community service, saying that although retirement marked the end of his active service, his wealth of experience would continue to be valuable to the University.

He appreciated the retiring scholar for his commitment and prayed that he would enjoy the fruits of his labour in good health, peace and fulfilment.

In his response, 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, including efforts to strengthen its staffing and improve its facilities.

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

Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor I. A. Oladosu, commended Professor Jayeola for his contributions to the Faculty and the University over the years, describing him as a dedicated academic who was always willing to support the Faculty whenever his assistance was needed.

He commended his spirit of cooperation and commitment to the development of the Faculty, noting that although Professor Jayeola was retiring from active service, his wealth of experience and expertise would remain valuable, and urged him to remain available whenever needed.

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 during his career.

She recalled that Professor Jayeola transferred his services from Obafemi Awolowo University to the University of Ibadan in 1998 and has since contributed immensely to the development of the Department.

Professor Fasola noted that his passion for botany extended beyond the classroom, adding that he positively influenced generations of students through his teaching, mentoring and fieldwork. She said his students are spread across different parts of the world, a development that reflects the impact of his academic career.