Pius Nsabe
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has described the decision to serve the university as an academic staff as a big sacrifice.
He stated this while receiving the Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor Ibrahim A. Oladosu, who led a team on a courtesy visit ahead of the valedictory lecture of a retiring scholar, Professor Alexander B. Odaibo of the Department of Zoology.
Professor Adebowale said older scholars like Professor Odaibo sacrificed greatly for the educational sector despite meagre salaries at the beginning of their careers. He noted that many of them had viable alternatives but chose to dedicate their lives to the service of the university.
“The system cannot fully reward them for their courage and patriotism,” the Vice Chancellor said, adding that the future of UI depends on how the strength and contributions of older scholars are harnessed.
He praised Professor Odaibo for his academic excellence, professional integrity, and selfless service, stressing that his impact on students and colleagues represents the foundation upon which the university continues to thrive.
Earlier, Professor Oladosu explained that the visit was to notify the university management of Professor Odaibo’s retirement and the valedictory lecture in his honour. The lecture, titled “An Uncharted Journey with my Childhood Parasites: Memoir of a Parasitologist,” reflects his lifelong contributions to parasitology.
Professor Odaibo was accompanied by his wife, Professor Georgina N. Odaibo, also an academic at the university. Others on the Dean’s entourage included Professor Aina Adeogun, a member of the University Council and Head, Department of Zoology, and the Faculty Officer, Mr. M. A. Raji, who is also a Deputy Registrar.
The visit and statements were disclosed by the University of Ibadan Directorate of Public Communication.