…as FUNAAB inaugurates revitalised Zoo Park Museum
_By Joy Adeyiga & Bolanle Olawepo_
The Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, Prof. Lateef Sanni, has called on alumni, philanthropists and the private sector to support tertiary institutions in achieving sustainable development.
He made the call during the inauguration of the revitalised FUNAAB Zoological Park Museum, which was supported by TETFund IBR grant, and the donated female horse, including an enclosure for Ungulates projects he personally supported, reflecting his enduring passion for giving back to the institution that shaped his academic and professional journey.
The ceremony, which marked another milestone in the University’s commitment to wildlife conservation, education, research and recreation, was attended by top officials of the University, staff, students, and distinguished guests.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Dean, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD) and Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (CODAD), Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya, commended the VC and TETFund IBR through the
Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP) facilitated by the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo and Prof. Mutiu Busari for the successful revitalisation of the museum.
He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Prof. Lateef Sanni, describing him as Primus inter pares (first among equals), for his visionary and consistent support towards the growth and development of the University through donations of a female horse and the paddock. He prayed for divine blessings upon the donor, acknowledging his exemplary spirit of service and generosity.
In his remarks, Prof. Sanni, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) of the University, expressed gratitude to the University for the platform that shaped his career, explaining that his contribution to the Zoological Park was driven by a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to institutional advancement.
He stressed that universities alone cannot shoulder the burden of development, adding that the synergy of alumni, private sector players, and friends of the University was critical to achieving sustainable progress in education and research.
Earlier in his address, the Director, FUNAAB Zoological Park, Prof. Sam Olufemi Sam-Wobo, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and TETFund for the revitalised museum and Prof. Sanni for his unwavering support towards the Zoo. He revealed that the donor had been instrumental to the Park’s growth through financial, material, and moral support over the years.
Highlighting the Park’s current status, Prof. Sam-Wobo disclosed that the facility now houses nearly 90 animal species. He appealed for continued institutional and individual support to ensure the sustainability and expansion of the Park’s operations.
The Director also lauded the FUNAAB Alumni Association for their timely intervention, especially for replacing the ostriches recently lost, describing their gesture as a shining example of collective responsibility and alumni solidarity.
Goodwill messages poured in from distinguished personalities including Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH); Prof. Morenike Dipeolu, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Prof. Adewale Dipeolu, former Dean, COLAMRUD.
They all extolled Prof. Sanni’s generosity and devotion to the University’s progress, describing his contribution as a model of alumni engagement worthy of emulation.
In her remarks, Prof. Morenike Dipeolu praised the donor’s enduring legacy of kindness and support, recalling his consistent interventions in advancing institutional projects. She encouraged staff, alumni, and friends of the University to emulate his example by supporting the FUNAAB Zoological Park and other university initiatives.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), Prof. Adebukunola Omemu; Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Bolarinwa Senjobi; Dean, College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), Prof. Olusegun Oguntoke; Director, Institute of Communication and General Studies (ICGNS), Prof. Remi Aduradola; former Dean, COLFHEC, Prof. Folake Henshaw, and the Global President of FUNAAB Alumni Association, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi, among others.
The event climaxed with a guided tour of the revitalised Museum and animal enclosures, where guests expressed admiration for the enhanced facilities and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting wildlife education, research, and conservation at FUNAAB.
#SDG14, #SDG15, #SDG17
