The two Professors that were celebrated at the glamorous event that was held at the main campus of the University, Okitipupa on Thursday, 14th December, 2023 were Professor Ebi Amakoroma of the University of Portharcourt and Head of Department, Food Science Technology (FST), SAFNR and Prof. (Oba) A. O. Akinola of Federal University of Technology, Akure and Dean, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET).

Speaking at the event, the University number one citizen and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Temi Emmanuel Ologunorisa stated that he was happy to be at the event to celebrate the two visiting scholars, asserting they have really added value to the University.

The VC candidly stated that if they had not done well or added any value he wouldn't have approved the event. He described Prof. Amakoroma as a woman of substance who did remarkably well and as such deserve the honour.

"Professor Amakoroma was very instrumental to the eventual harmonization and setting up of the University's Central Research Laboratory, which of course got us letter of commendation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and rare applause from the Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Akinbo Adesomoju who was an eminent Professor of Chemistry. There is no time I go to that Central Research Lab. now without remembering Prof. Amakoroma.", VC disclosed.

Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor stated that Prof. (Oba) Akinola has also done excellently well by benefitting the School with his wealth of experience and by provided the needed quality academic and administrative leadership in the School.

"When I came on board as the Vice-Chancellor, I realized we had a lot of talents here, but because of lack of exposure and experience they are not moving as expected, so we have to bring in experienced people to lead, mentor and help people realize their potentials. We are taking this University to higher level, so we will continue to bring in highly experienced scholars and Professionals", VC submitted.

The VC thanked the staff of the SEET and staff and the Dean, SAFNR, Prof. Oluyemisi Akinyemiju for putting the ceremony together to appreciate the two distinguished professors. He said that he is happy we have people like Prof. Akinyemiju bringing his wealth of experience to bear on the University.

"His presence helped the University to evolve strong academic culture.”, VC remarked.

Delivering his welcome address, the Dean, SAFNR, Prof. Akinyemiju stated that when services are rendered meritoriously, it should be appreciated and celebrated. "It is not usual thing, but this should be done occasionally to appreciate key contributors", he hinted.

Prof. Akinyemiju claimed that Prof. (Oba) Akinola represented conventional professor, saying that he is always punctual at meeting and give notice of apology as appropriate when he would not be around for meeting. Prof. Akinyemiju in his address related that Prof. Amakoroma as a Fulbright scholar has really leveraged on her wealth of experience to move the Department of Food Science Technology forward and contributed effectively in managing the affairs of the School. "She did very well to merit this recognition.", he declared.

The honorees: what people say…

Commenting at the event, the Head of Department of Civil Engineering, Prof. O.S.  Aderinnola described Prof. Amakoroma as a woman of substance. He described Prof. (Oba) Akinola as a very brilliant and wise scholar who has brought royalty to bear on academic, saying no matter how tough issue is, he goes over it and resolves it.

Dr. Clement Ogidi of SAFNR in his remarks thanked Mr. Vice-Chancellor for bringing the two wonderful scholars to the University. He stated that he learnt a lot from Prof. (Oba) Akinola in terms of scholarship, organisation and management of human and material resources. He said that he corrects with simplicity and in a manner that moves you to get things done with zeal and without feeling offended. While he described Prof. Amakoroma as an open person, who always carried everyone along and takes decision collectively and unanimously. In his own remarks, Dr. Oyebode Lukman Abiodun saluted Prof. Amakoroma for her simplicity, courage, astuteness and exemplary leadership quality, wishing her more graces in her future endeavours.

Making his remarks at the event, Dr. Leke Ogunfeyimi described Prof. (Oba) Akinola's humility as very rare and excellent, despite his royal grandeur and academic accomplishment. He described Prof. Amakoroma as an enigma, and as a woman of intellectual and physical beauty. "We are going to miss you ma", he submitted.

In her contribution, a 500 level student of Food Science Technology, Owofolaju Taiwo Oluwaseun appreciated Prof. Amakoroma and described her as a mother, counsellor, administrator and teacher with listening ears. According to Owofolaju,   Kabiesi Prof. Akinola taught them technical communication and taught them well. She appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to find a way of extending Prof. Amakoroma's sabbatical so that they too can benefit from her wealth of knowledge and wise counsel.

The class rep. of the graduating 500 level, Miss Williams Oyindamola Rebecca presented a token gift on behalf of her class to Prof. Amakoroma as a form appreciation.

Reacting, Prof. (Oba) Akinola appreciated members of SEET and the University for the honour and stated that as an adjunct Professor he is part of OAUSTECH.

Responding, Prof. Amakoroma thanked the University for the Recognition. "I had a wonderful time and enjoyed my stay in Okitipupa. Thank you for this honour”, she appreciated.

The former Ag. Dean, SEET, Dr. Isaac Olaniyan in his vote of thanks stated that Prof. Amakoroma has positively touched people's life. He described Prof. (Oba) Akinola as a workaholic and very practical leader, whose contributions to the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology can never be ignored. Dr. Olaniyan thanked the VC for giving his approval and for gracing the event and appreciated everyone around for their august presence.