FCAIB Provost Pays Courtesy Visits to Retired Legends

By Oyekemi Wilson, Oluwatobi Fadairo & Ayodeji Adedokun

In a deliberate effort to preserve the rich history of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAIB) and celebrate the men and women whose dedication and service laid the foundation for the institution's growth, the Provost, Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu, embarked on a series of surprise courtesy visits to retired principal officers and distinguished former staff whose leadership, commitment and sacrifices contributed immensely to the development of the College.

The visits, which took place at the residences of the retired officers, formed part of the College's commitment to honouring individuals whose vision and dedication continue to shape the institution, more than a century after its establishment.

The Provost was accompanied on the visits by the Bursar, Mr. Adeyemi Jaguno and the Registrar, represented by Mrs. Olanike A. Popoola.

The initiative commenced with a courtesy visit to the residence of Mrs. Caroline Daramola, the widow of the late Professor David Sola Daramola, who served as the Provost of the College from 1991 until his retirement in year 2000.

Professor Atungwu described the late Professor Daramola as one of the institution's foremost leaders whose vision and commitment helped shape the modern identity of the College.

Born in Ipoti-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Professor Daramola obtained his National Diploma from the School of Agriculture, Akure, his Higher National Diploma from the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and both his Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science from the University of Ibadan.

During his nine-year tenure as the Provost, he secured the College's first National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) accreditation for the Agricultural Engineering Programme in 1998 and laid a solid academic and administrative foundation that continues to benefit the institution till date. Beyond his administrative accomplishments, he distinguished himself as a renowned soil scientist, researcher and mentor whose contributions to agricultural education earned national and international recognition.

Professor Atungwu appreciated the Daramola family for the sacrifices they made in supporting the late Provost throughout his years of service, noting that behind every successful leader is a family whose unwavering support often goes unnoticed.

Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs. Daramola expressed appreciation to the Provost and members of the College Management for remembering her late husband. She described him as a disciplined, hardworking and dedicated administrator whose passion for excellence defined his years of service.

The delegation then visited Dr. Adetayo, Badeji Osunniyi, who served as the Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan from year 2000 to 2008.

Born on 28th June, 1948 in Iwo, Osun State, Dr. Adetayo obtained his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma from the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure. He later earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife before obtaining his Master of Science in Agronomy and Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Science from the University of Ibadan.

He joined the College on 2nd February, 1981 as an Assistant Tutor II in the Department of Crop Production Technology. Through dedication and professional excellence, he rose steadily through the academic ranks before he was appointed the Provost of the College in year 2000. During his eight-year tenure, he provided purposeful leadership that strengthened the College's academic programmes, staff development and institutional growth. He retired on 28th June, 2011 as a Chief Lecturer, after a distinguished career spanning three decades.

Dr. Adetayo appreciated the Provost for the august visit and kind gesture extended to him. He offered a hand of fellowship to the College's Department of Crop Production, inviting them to bring students for practical training and hands-on agricultural experience in his 'total' farm.

One of the most memorable moments of the initiative was the surprise courtesy visit to Reverend Dr. Gideon Oyeleke Bolaji, the former College Registrar, which coincided with his 74th birthday celebration.

Speaking during the visit, Professor Atungwu recalled that shortly after assuming office, he deliberately studied the College's historical records to gain a better understanding of its journey and the contributions of those who served before him. While going through the files, he discovered that a significant number of the College's official records bore Reverend Dr. Bolaji's signature, reflecting his immense contribution to the institution's administration.

Born on 23rd June, 1953 in Otu, Oyo State, Reverend Bolaji began his career at the College on 18th September, 1989 as an Administrative Officer I under the supervision of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He rose through the ranks to become College Registrar and retired meritoriously in 2013.

He received his education at Baptist Day School, Ota, Baptist Secondary School, Ota, Ladigbolu Grammar School, Oyo, St. Andrew's College, Oyo and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Throughout his years of service, he established an efficient administrative system and served as Secretary to virtually all the major committees of both the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation and the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan.

The surprise visit, which coincided with his birthday celebration, left Reverend Dr. Bolaji deeply touched. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Provost and the College Management for remembering him, describing the gesture as a memorable birthday gift and a great honour.

The delegation further paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Thomas Adelanke Adegbulugbe.

Born on 5th May, 1954 in Ondo State, Dr. Adegbulugbe obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and both his Master's and Doctorate degrees from the University of Ibadan.

He joined the College on 2nd October, 1981 as an Assistant Tutor in the Department of Agricultural Engineering. Throughout his distinguished career, he designed and fabricated several agricultural tools and equipment that enhanced practical teaching and learning within the College. He also served as the Acting Provost within January and December 2014, authored numerous scholarly publications that contributed significantly to Agricultural Engineering in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Engr. Dr. Adegbulugbe expressed gratitude for the auspicious visit and gifts extended to him but saddened at the low level of technological based training, without which no county can grow optimally, especially in relation to Nigeria youths. He then pleaded with the Provost to convey his humble request to the powers that be.

The Provost equally visited Mr. Samuel Olusoji Sonibare, the former College Bursar.

Born on 1st January, 1958 in Moga Village, Ode-Omu, Osun State, Mr. Sonibare began his education at Baptist Primary School, Ode-Omu and Baptist Modern Secondary School, Ode-Omu. He later attended Lagos State College of Science and Technology before obtaining a degree from the University of Lagos. He furthered his education at the University of Ado-Ekiti, Ondo State University, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

Mr. Sonibare joined the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan on 27th July, 1992 as an Accountant I under the supervision of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T). Through diligence, professionalism and integrity, he rose through the ranks to become the College Bursar on 1st October, 2013. Throughout his years of service, he earned the respect of colleagues for his prudent financial management, accountability and professionalism.

While responding, Mr. Sonibare expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Provost and members of the College Management for the thoughtful visit, describing it as the first of its kind since his retirement. He commended the present administration for recognising the contributions of former principal officers and encouraged the Management to remain committed to policies and programmes that will continue to advance the College.

The Provost however intended to pay a courtesy visit to Dr. Oluwatoyinbo Foluke Iyabo, who served as the Provost of the College from 2009 to 2014. The visit was postponed because she was unavailable at the time.

Born on 4th February, 1955 in Oke-Imesi, Ekiti State, Dr. Oluwatoyinbo obtained her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Ibadan. She joined the College in 1977 as an Assistant Tutor I and rose steadily through the academic ranks to become a Chief Lecturer on 1st October, 2001. She was appointed Provost on 15th December, 2009 and later served as the Acting Provost from 3rd July, 2019 until her retirement on 30th December, 2019.

Professor Atungwu noted that arrangements would be made to visit her at a later date in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the College.

Speaking during the visits, Professor Atungwu said the initiative was inspired by his conviction that no institution can truly preserve its future without recognising those who built its past.

"These distinguished individuals devoted the best years of their lives to serving the College with dedication, integrity and excellence. The progress we enjoy today is built on the sacrifices they made. It is our responsibility to celebrate them, learn from their experiences and ensure that their legacies continue to inspire generation yet unborn," he said.

The retired officers and members of the Daramola family expressed profound appreciation to the Provost and the College Management for the thoughtful initiative. They described the visits as emotional, memorable and unprecedented, noting that the gesture reflects an administration that values service, institutional memory and the people whose efforts laid the foundation for the College's continued success.

The visits concluded with prayers, moments of reflection and interactive sessions during which the retired officers and family members shared valuable experiences, memories and words of encouragement for the continued progress of the College.

The courtesy visits reflects Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu's commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan while strengthening the bond between the institution and the distinguished individuals whose dedication helped shape its proud history.

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