In a heartfelt ceremony during the College of Plant Science and Crop Production’s (COLPLANT) Heroes Day, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu, the immediate past Dean of COLPLANT, paid tribute to the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako, with the launch of a book titled “Contemporary Issues in University Administration and Research: A Festschrift in Honour of the Immediate Past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako.” It should be noted that Prof. Atungwu celebrated the former Vice-Chancellor when he was still the Dean of the College.
Prof. Salako was celebrated alongside other distinguished figures, including Prof. Tolulope Ladeinde, Prof. Oladokun Fawusi, Prof. Abayomi Ojanuga, Emeritus Prof. Michael Adetunji, Prof. Segun Lagoke, Prof. Omolayo Ariyo, Prof. Adepoju Adeoti, Prof. Kehinde Okeleye, and Prof. Steve Afolami.
The event, themed “System Re-thinking: Celebration of COLPLANT Heroes,” also featured the unveiling of commemorative marble portraits of the honourees and the public presentation of the Journal of Plant Science and Crop Production.
In his remarks, Prof. Atungwu lauded the College as the cornerstone of FUNAAB, praising its unwavering commitment to excellence. He acknowledged the pioneering members for their mentorship and efforts in fostering a conducive work environment, emphasising that Heroes Day was established to honour the foundation they laid, which has been instrumental in the University’s success.
Prof. Atungwu, a member of the University Council representing the Congregation, also highlighted the significance of the book launch in recognition of Prof. Salako’s exceptional contributions to infrastructure and human capital development during his tenure as the Sixth Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University.
During the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, applauded the exceptional efforts of the COLPLANT heroes, acknowledging their vital contributions to the College’s and the University’s progress.
He urged current staff to take inspiration from these outstanding figures, commending COLPLANT for its unwavering commitment to excellence and teamwork. He highlighted that the celebration represented a key moment in the College’s history.
Prof. Kehinde, who had previously served as the Dean of COLPLANT, praised the College as “first among equals,” reflecting on its crucial role in supporting other colleges during the University’s movement to Alabata. He encouraged current staff to learn from their predecessors’ experiences to avoid future pitfalls.
Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Prof. Salako conveyed deep appreciation to the College and the organising committee for the recognition. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for his accomplishments and credited the support of esteemed senior colleagues such as Prof. Omolayo Ariyo, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Abayomi Ojanuga, and Prof. Faucett Olasantan for their pivotal roles in his journey.
Prof. Salako appreciated the initiative to honour those who have served with distinction, noting that such recognition would motivate others to pursue excellence. He also expressed his gratitude to the current Vice-Chancellor for continuing key projects and advancing the University’s development.
Looking back on his tenure, Prof. Salako emphasised that wisdom had been his guiding light in overcoming challenges. He urged University unions to prioritise truth and fairness in their actions, calling for an end to behaviours that harm others.
Meanwhile, the Visitation Panel to the University, which reviewed the periods of 2011-2015 and 2016-2020, chaired by Prof. Essien Akaranem, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, commended Prof. Salako for his passionate leadership, which has translated into significant international academic achievements for FUNAAB. The commendation was noted in the Recommendation section, page B11, of the document titled “Views of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (WHITE PAPER) on the Visitation Panel’s Report into the Affairs of FUNAAB, 2016-2020,” published in December 2022.
Before the above event, the Institute for Human Resources Development (INHURD) in FUNAAB celebrated Professor F.K. Salako on October 31, 2022, to mark the last day in the office of a father and wonderful Vice-Chancellor who did his best for FUNAAB.
