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FUTA gets Three(3) Professor-Emeriti


The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has announced the appointment of three distinguished Professors to the prestigious rank of Professor Emeritus.
This appointment, which is the second of its kind in recent times at the University, was made following the concurrence of the University Governing Council and an election by the University Senate.
The Professors conferred with the title of Professor Emeritus according to the Registrar of FUTA , Mr Charles Adeleye are:
Emeritus Professor Adebisi Balogun, a former Vice Chancellor of FUTA, recognized for his outstanding contributions to academia in his area of specialization , Fish nutrition and Biochemistry,and leadership during his tenure and beyond.
Emeritus Professor (Venerable)Akin Laseinde, the former University Chaplain, honored for his dedication to both academic excellence, and excellent contributions to the body of knowledge in his area of specialization, Poultry production and management , and spiritual guidance within the university community.
Emeritus Professor Labunmi Lajide, celebrated for his remarkable scholarly achievements and commitment to research and development in his field of analytical chemistry and natural products.
The conferment of the title of Professor Emeritus is one of the highest academic honors, bestowed upon retired Professors who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and to the university.
This recognition underscores their lifelong dedication to teaching, research, and service.
Speaking on the appointments, Professor Adenike Oladiji, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, congratulated the honorees, noting that their elevation to emeritus status reflects their remarkable legacies and the lasting impact they have made on FUTA's academic landscape. She also emphasized the University’s commitment to celebrating excellence and preserving the rich history of intellectual achievement.
This announcement continues FUTA's tradition of recognizing its most esteemed academics, following a similar conferment in the past, and further highlights the University’s role in fostering a culture of excellence and leadership in Nigeria’s higher education system.

 

EMERITUS PROFESSOR LABUNMI LAJIDE : THE INTERNATIONAL CHEMISTRY SCHOLAR PAR EXCELLENCE

PROFESSOR LABUNMI LAJIDE

Labunmi Lajide, is now an Emeritus Professor of the Federal University of Technology Akure so appointed in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of Chemistry and his decades of dedicated service to the Institution and the global scientific community.
Emeritus Professor Lajide, who hails from Ogbomoso in Oyo State, was born on October 30, 1951. He began his academic journey at Ogbomoso Grammar School before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1977. He later advanced his studies at the prestigious Australian National University in Canberra, where he obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1985, supported by a Commonwealth Scholarship. His thesis focused on the isolation, structure determination, and synthesis of lichen metabolites, showcasing his early commitment to research excellence.
Professor Lajide, during his sojourn in FUTA made significant strides in the field of organic and medicinal chemistry. His research interests span a wide range of topics, including biologically active plant products with potential pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications, bioaccumulation studies in freshwater environments, solid waste management, and the refinement of plastic waste into value-added petrochemical products.
Professor Lajide joined the Federal University of Technology, Akure in 1993 as a Senior Lecturer and rose to the rank of Professor of Chemistry in 1999.
Over the years, he has supervised more than 28 Ph.D. candidates and 20 master’s degree students, shaping the next generation of chemists and researchers in Nigeria and beyond.
The Emeritus Professor's teaching and research expertise, particularly in organic, medicinal, and agrochemistry, earned him a distinguished reputation both within and outside Nigeria.
He also served on several administrative roles at FUTA, including Head of the Department of Chemistry, Director of the Centre for Continuing Education, and Chairman of numerous university panels. His leadership extended to collaborations with institutions such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan and the Research Development Corporation of Japan, where he worked on cutting-edge projects related to plant defense mechanisms and Pest Management.
Emeritus Professor Lajide’s academic contributions have been widely recognized. He has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications in leading local and international journals, with over 192 journal articles, technical reports, and conference presentations. In addition, he holds three Japanese patents related to plant-derived pest management agents, highlighting his innovation in the field of agrochemistry.
As a member of various prestigious scholarly and professional organizations, including the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology and Agrochemistry, and the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, Professor Lajide has consistently contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge and practice. His dedication to academic excellence and his impact on the field of chemistry have made him a mentor to many, earning him a well-deserved place as Professor Emeritus.
For extracurricular activities, Emeritus Professor Lajide is known for his love of reading, traveling, photography, and mountain climbing, pursuits that reflect his inquisitive and adventurous spirit. His recent research projects, including a National Research Fund (NRF)-TETFund project on plastic waste refining, demonstrate his continued commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues and finding innovative solutions for the future.
The appointment of Labunmi Lajide as Professor Emeritus is a confirmation of his lifelong dedication to academic scholarship, research, and mentorship. His legacy at FUTA and in the broader academic community continues to inspire generations of scientists and educators.

 

PROFESSOR EMMANUEL AKINYELE OLUSEGUN LASEINDE: AN AUTHORITY IN THE FIELD OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND HEALTH

PROFESSOR EMMANUEL AKINYELE OLUSEGUN LASEINDE

Emmanuel Akinyele Olusegun Laseinde is now an Emeritus Professor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA . This is in recognition of his monumental contributions to the development of body of knowledge in his area of specialization, animal production and health, the academia at large and FUTA
Born in Ora-Igbomina, Osun State, in March 1945, Professor Laseinde’s academic journey began humbly, the son of a primary school teacher and a trader. He , through dints of hard work and professional excellence , rose to become one of the leading lights of animal production and health in the country with prodigious contributions to literature and research in the field.
Professor Laseinde joined FUTA in January 1984 as a Senior Lecturer, shortly after its establishment in 1981. He was instrumental in developing the curriculum for the Department of Animal Production and Health, helping to establish the University’s Teaching and Research Farm’s laboratories and livestock section. His efforts led to the graduation of the department’s first set of students, solidifying his legacy as a key architect of the Institution’s growth.
Over the years, he has become a towering figure in Animal Production and Health, renowned for his pioneering work, dedication to mentoring, and commitment to advancing agricultural education in Nigeria.
At FUTA, Professor Laseinde served as Head of Department on multiple occasions and introduced a groundbreaking course in ‘Hatchery Technology,’ a rare specialization in poultry business.
The Emeritus Professor's textbook, Hatchery Technology for Poultry Eggs, published in 2011 with a second edition in 2014, remains a vital resource for students and practitioners alike. He also authored several other influential works, such as Poultry Ventures and Terminologies in Poultry Production, which have significantly contributed to poultry farming practices in Nigeria.
Beyond the classroom, Professor Laseinde distinguished himself as a mentor, guiding students and colleagues, some of whom have ascended to prestigious positions, such as Professor Francis Igbasan, who is currently a Vice Chancellor. His impact on students was profound, earning him the title of ‘Evergreen Professor of the Year’ in 2010 by the Department of Animal Production and Health.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Professor Laseinde served as the pioneer Chaplain of FUTA’s Protestant Chapel, the Chapel of Faith, from 1985 to 2003, a role that underscored his commitment to faith and community service. His contributions to the spiritual growth of the University community were recognized when he was appointed Chaplain Emeritus in 2002. His legacy in this role was documented in his book In the Beginning: Historical Highlights and Papers – The Chapel of Faith, The Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Professor Laseinde’s appointment as Professor Emeritus is a fitting tribute to a man whose career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements in both academia and the community. His life serves as a reflection to the power of dedication, resilience, and faith.
The FUTA community and beyond celebrate this historical achievement, recognizing Professor Laseinde’s lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and community service. His influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the Institution for years to come.

 

PROFESSOR ADEBISI BALOGUN: A LEADING LIGHT IN AGRICULTURAL BIOCHEMISTRY, FIRST CLASS ADMINISTRATOR AND LEADER OF THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

PROFESSOR ADEBISI BALOGUN

Adebisi Balogun, distinguished scholar and former Vice Chancellor, is now an Emeritus Professor of the Federal University of Technology Akure FUTA. The appointment underscores and honours his significant contributions to agricultural biochemistry, nutrition, and his dedicated service to the University at the highest level.
Born on August 2, 1952, in Ile Ife, Osun State, Professor Balogun’s illustrious academic journey began at the University of Ibadan, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Biochemistry in 1976, followed by a Master of Science in 1978, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in 1982. His research in fish nutrition and agricultural biochemistry placed him among the leading academics in his field.
After completing his doctorate, Professor Balogun served as a research fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research in Lagos from 1982 to 1983. His academic career then took him to the University of Ibadan, where he lectured from 1983 to 1988 before joining FUTA in 1988. His academic excellence and dedication to research saw him rise to the rank of Professor of Fish Nutrition in 1994.
Professor Balogun’s leadership and administrative capabilities were also well recognized within FUTA. He served as Dean of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology from 1997 to 2001, contributing to the growth and development of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT). His roles within the University’s Senate and Governing Council spanned over two decades, from 1988 to 2012, during which time he played pivotal roles in several key committees. These included the School Research Committee, the Environmental Sanitation Committee, the Sports Council, and the Ceremonials Committee, among others.
Notably, Professor Balogun served as the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA from January 2007 to January 2012, a tenure marked by significant achievements in academic and infrastructural development. Under his leadership, FUTA continued its rise as a center of excellence in Science and Technology Education, further cementing its reputation as a centre of academic excellence and leading research institution both nationally and internationally.
Throughout his career, Professor Balogun has been a leading voice in agricultural biochemistry and fish nutrition research. His contributions to academia have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also addressed key issues related to food security and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
The appointment of Professor Adebisi Balogun as Professor Emeritus is a testament to his outstanding academic career, his leadership in the field of agriculture and biochemistry, and his unwavering commitment to the Federal University of Technology, Akure. His legacy as an educator, researcher, and administrator will continue to inspire generations of scholars and students within and beyond the Institution.