By Diran Laolu

The University of Ibadan has commissioned classrooms named after four retired academics from its forestry departments in recognition of their contributions to teaching, research, mentorship, and the development of forestry education in Nigeria.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, said the university maintains a tradition of immortalizing distinguished members of its community by naming key facilities after them.

He explained that this tradition began with the naming of the first hall of residence after Dr. Kenneth Mellanby, the university’s first Principal when it was a University College under the University of London.

“The tradition of immortalizing icons of the university started with the naming of the first hall of residence after Dr. Kenneth Mellanby, its first Principal as a University College under the University of London,” he said.

“The two principals who followed, Dr. J.T. Saunders and Professor J.H. Parry also has major roads in the university named after them.”

He added that the achievements and values of the university’s pioneering scholars have sustained its position as the leading university in Nigeria, reaffirming that their enduring legacies remain the bedrock of the university’s reputation.

“The university’s central library, an iconic building in the Nigerian educational sector, was named after Professor Kenneth Dike, who served as the fourth principal and first Vice-Chancellor when the institution became an autonomous university,” Professor Adebowale noted.

He lauded the departments for the initiative, stating that naming the classrooms after the retired scholars is an act of appreciation for their contributions to teaching, research, mentorship, and the growth of forestry education in Nigeria and across Africa.

“The university cannot fully repay its founding fathers for the services they rendered, but such initiatives highlight their sacrifices and legacies,” he said.

“Preserving the legacies of the distinguished academics is essential to strengthening the university’s tradition of excellence and inspiring future generations to uphold the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service.” The VC added.

The classrooms were named after Professors Saka Obafemi Bada, Johnson Sunday Osho, and Adebola Omodele Adegeye, and Dr. Lasisi Ayandeyi Adebisi, all of whom also received meritorious service awards at the occasion.

Credit: UI Directorate of Public Communication