For Prof. Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta(FUNAAB), today 22nd December, 2024, is the day that God Almighty has made as he hits the diamond age.
Born 60 years ago, the 7th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, is of the Gbágùrá section of the ancient city of Abeokuta, Egbaland.
The academic icon mounted the saddle of power as the university’s helmsman, first in acting capacity on November 1, 2022 for a five months period after which he emerged as substantive Vice-Chancellor since April 1, 2023 for a five-year tenure.
As Prof Kehinde Clocks 60 today, first to cheer him up was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV Asoludero, who saluted him for his “exceptional competence and managerial acumen”.
The frontline traditional ruler, in a congratulatory message, said: “Since I assumed office as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the FUNAAB Governing Council, we have worked tirelessly to elevate the standards of this great institution.
“Prof. Kehinde’s exceptional competence and outstanding managerial acumen have been pivotal to these efforts.
“As you celebrate this remarkable milestone in your chronological age, I pray that you continue to be a beacon of excellence and a paragon of greatness.
“On behalf of the FUNAAB Governing Council and the Aragbiji Royal Household, I join countless well-wishers in celebrating you and wishing you continued success and fulfilment.”
Countless other eminent personalities have towed the path of Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi to felicitate the Vice-Chancellor on this auspicious milestone.
Prof. Kehinde obtained B.Sc (Agricultural Biology) from the University of Ibadan in 1987 and bagged doctorate degree from the same University in 1994.
He began his teaching and research career at the University then known as University of Agriculture, Abeokuta(UNAAB) as Assistant Lecturer in 1994, and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics on October 1, 2007.
He was a recipient of the Graduate Fellowship Programme of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Ibadan for his doctorate degree as well as the Fellowship Award of the Chinese Government in 2008 for a short course at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
He was also a Visiting Lecturer at the Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic in 2010.
He has served the University in many capacities including: Chairman TEFAMAC/Coordinator, Farm Practical Year programme (2001-2004); Ag. HOD, Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Technology (2004-2008); Director, Graduate Records and Career Centre (2008-2009); Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (2009- 2011); Director, Institute for Human Resources Development (2011-2013); Member, FUNAAB Governing Council (2009-2013); President, ASUU-UNAAB Multipurpose Cooperative Society (2010-2013).
He was also at different times Chairman/Member of many University standing and ad-hoc committees.
At the national level, in 2009, he was a member of the National Technical Group on VISION 20:2020 as well as the Study Group on the Reorganisation of National Agricultural Cooperative and Rural Development Bank into Bank of Agriculture.
Prof. Kehinde had 3-year stint (2016-2019) at the Lagos State University where he assisted the University to establish its School of Agriculture and became the Pioneer Dean.
He has published many articles in both local and International journals and attended conferences, workshops and training programmes in United Kingdom, United States of America, South Africa, France, China, Israel, among others.
Prof. O. B. Kehinde is a member of several professional bodies and is married to Prof. (Mrs.) Iyabode Kehinde, and they are blessed with children.
