UNILAG Department of Botany Celebrates 60+1 Years of Scientific Excellence and Innovation

The Department of Botany, University of Lagos (UNILAG), marked a historic milestone with its 60+1 Anniversary Celebration, held from Wednesday, October 8 to Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Julius Berger Hall, Akoka.

The two-day event celebrated six decades of pioneering research, academic excellence, and the Department’s enduring impact on science, sustainability, and society.

Festivities began with a captivating exhibition showcasing the Department’s products and services, highlighting its remarkable contributions to scientific research and sustainable innovation.

The event featured goodwill messages and speeches from distinguished personalities including the Head of Department, Prof. Peter Adeonipekun; Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Ganiyu Oyetibo; and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Prof. Afolabi Lesi. A former Head of Department, Prof. Taofikat Adesalu, also delivered remarks celebrating the Department’s legacy and vision for the future.

Students took center stage in a Green Competition, presenting on various botanical topics. Moyinoluwa Fasina and Ibukun Samuel Adigun delivered a touching presentation titled “The Botany I Know,” emphasizing humanity’s dependence on plants. Deborah Isaac-Brown and Abdul-quadri Folaranmi Bakare, both 200-level students, emerged winners with their insightful paper on “The Use of Algae as a Biofuel Source,” reflecting the Department’s commitment to forward-thinking research.

The celebration continued with pomp on Day Two, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, titled “Botany: The Cradle of Crop Production – Opportunities and Challenges (A Case Study of the Rice Value Chain).”

Dr. Fashola traced the roots of botany to the Book of Genesis, underscoring its vital role as the foundation of agriculture, medicine, biotechnology, and climate resilience. He commended UNILAG for maintaining its Biological Garden and called for a public-private partnership to transform it into a premier center for research, learning, and recreation.

In his address, he also revealed how Lagos State’s rice value chain development was built on the principles of plant science, praising the Department for six decades of meaningful impact and encouraging it to pursue even greater global collaborations and innovations.

Delivering the Anniversary Talk, “Botany @ 60 – The Impact, Challenges and Future,” Distinguished Professor James Dele Olowokudejo lauded the Department’s legacy of manpower development and global recognition. He, however, called for the introduction of Forensic Botany in Nigerian universities, emphasizing its relevance in solving legal and environmental cases. He also urged curriculum reform, improved infrastructure, and stronger industry collaboration to meet modern scientific needs.

The event featured goodwill messages from prominent figures including Retired Prof. Saida Mabadeje (Mother of the Day); Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS (former UNILAG Vice-Chancellor and current Pro-Chancellor, Redeemer’s University); Prof. Adewale (Dean, Faculty of Computing and Informatics); and Mr. Temitope Daramola from Energia Limited. Others who gave remarks included Mrs. Victoria Akinyele (retired Departmental Secretary); Mr. Iyanda Babajide Timileyin (President, National Association of Botany Students); and Dr. Khadijat Subair, representing alumni.

Highlights included a virtual tour of the Department, the official launch of the UNILAG Bioconservation Centre, and the presentation of awards to past Heads of Department, distinguished guests, sponsors, and retired staff members. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Prof. Temitope Onuminya, former Deputy Director, School of Foundation Studies, UNILAG.

Established in 1964, the Department of Botany — now under the Faculty of Life Sciences — has grown into a center of excellence in environmental conservation, food security, and plant science. The 60+1 Anniversary not only celebrated its legacy but reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable solutions, nurturing future scientists, and driving innovation for national and global development.