It was a glorious end to a sterling academic career and the celebration and accolades that greeted the retirement of Professor David Babatunde Olufolaji from the services of the Federal University of Technology Akure at the statutory age of 70 were fitting tribute to an erudite scholar.
Academic colleagues, former students, mentees ,Friends and family members came from all walks of life to rejoice with and shower encomiums on Olufolaji, a Professor of Crop, Soil and Pest Management during the celebration of his 70th birthday and book launch to commemorate his retirement from active service after 40 years of meritorious service in the education sector at the CAC Glory of God Assembly Akure and reception at the FUTA Multipurpose Centre on Saturday, August 28,2021 .
Congratulating him, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape said “I wish to thank the Almighty God on your behalf for the grace bestowed on you to work to the retirement age of 70 years.
In a nation where the life expectancy is about 54 years, a man or woman of 70 years has a lot to thank God for.”
He added that the celebrant had enjoyed the privilege to shape lives and by extension contribute to nation building through his academic endeavors in teaching, research, and community service; while acknowledging that his efforts will continue to resonate for many years to come.
Commending Professor Olufolaji, the vice chancellor said “you served the University as the Head, Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management between 2005 and 2008, and also brought international award in the field of phytopathology. You indeed contributed substantially in the emergence of FUTA as Center of Excellence in Food Security in Nigeria. Your contributions to the Project FUTA are invaluable and your service will be sorely missed.”
Felicitating with the celebrant, the Registrar, Mr. Richard Adeyinka Arifalo said “Professor Olufolaji has been to me an amiable and very reliable friend and brother who is always concerned about my welfare and of people around him.
He’s one of the few people in my life who would often call, not because he needs any assistance from me but to check on my well-being. He doesn’t know how much I really appreciate that.”
In a good will message, the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection NSPP of which Professor Olufolaji is chairman, board of trustees through the president, Professor J.J Atungwu said, “on behalf of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council (NEC) and entire membership of the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection, I heartily congratulate you on your retirement from tenured service of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. As a professional body, NSPP identifies with you and your family on this joyous occasion. Agricultural research in Nigeria is better off because of the likes of you, sir. Your impact in the field of plant pathology will fondly be remembered and your sacrificial roles in advancing the science of plant pathology research in and out of Nigeria. Your immense contributions to NSPP as a past president and the current Chairman of BOT are well appreciated.”
Also speaking, the Assembly Pastor, CAC Glory of God Pastor O.T. Oladoyin described him as an amiable and a pleasant personality. He said “Your resilience and tenacity are worth of emulation. You are hardworking and lover of gospel. You are never ashamed to trek around with us during evangelism, even to the university gate where you are a professor. Dear Elder and professor, you are a very special person to us and it is an honor to be associated with you in the vineyard of God. Your life has inspired many people. Everything about you will always be remembered. Indeed, you have seen many days both good and bad and still you come out strong enough to live to celebrate 7 decades, as well as your retirement.”
Professor Olufolaji joined the services of the Federal University of Technology Akure as Lecturer I in the then Department of Crop Production now Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology on 1st February 1990. He had served at the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State from 1st August, 1980 to 31st January, 1990.