An erudite Professor of Food Science Technology and Former Director, STEP-B and Accreditation, Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA Tayo Nathaniel Fagbemi has bowed out of service after 45 meritorious years of education , research and mentorship in the academic community and global food systems.
Friends, family, and past and present students and mentees of the don came together on the 14th of February 2025 to celebrate his 70th birthday anniversary and statutory retirement from public service.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a new Toyota Corolla car by students of the professor who, according to them, has left an indelible mark in their academic career and personal lives.
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Speaking at a reception at the Afen Adebayo multipurpose hall, after a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Faith FUTA, the Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji paid glowing tributes to Professor Fagbemi describing him as humble and unassuming yet forthright and resourceful.
She said he was a leading light in the Department of Food , Science and Technology in Nigeria adding that the gathering of well-wishers was a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence in his area of specialization and to the university community as a whole.The Vice Chancellor urged him not to retire from intellectual discourse but to keep contributing to scholarship and mentorship in the university.
In the same vein, the Dean, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology SAAT, Professor Oluwatooyin Oludahunsi described him as an intelligent and versatile scholar who has provided academic leadership to both his colleagues and mentess.
Earlier in his homily at the Thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of Faith, Professor Peter Ayodeji said ” there is a purpose for everyone living on earth. And we will give account of the life that we have been given . No excuse is tenable before God. God has deposited talents and abilities through which we can make the world a better place by leaving a lasting impact on every person we come across. We are not permitted to fail in our assignments but be determined to rise above every limit and soar”
On his part a long time friend of Professor Fagbemi and Paramount ruler of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, HRM Oba Dr. Olufaderin Adetimehin Jimoko II, The Jegun Olu-Ekun along with other well-wishers showered ecomiums on the retired professor describing him as a man known for his integrity and prioritizing of the well-being of others while contributing selflessly to every institution that he has served.
Professor Tayo Nathaniel Fagbemi is a professor of Food Science and Technology. His research is deeply rooted in addressing food security and nutrition challenges in sub- Saharan Africa. He has also played pivotal roles in establishing Food, Science and Technology programme in several institutions including Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State University, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Mountaintop University, Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko and Federal University of Technology Akure.
