By Omotayo OlatundeAdo Ekiti
In a show of profuse appreciation for his sterling contributions, staff and students of the School of Earth and Mineral Sciences (SEMS), organized a befitting retirement celebration to honor Professor Idowu Bolofinde Odeyemi, a renowned scholar and consultant geologist. He was the Acting Dean of the school from 1985-1986 and the substantive dean from 2014-2018.
Speaking at the occasion which held on October 28,2021, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Development, Professor Philip Oguntunde described Professor Odeyemi as a scholar per excellence and a prolific academic who had left indelible prints in the lives of all who knew him in the academic community and beyond
.The Vice Chancellor said Odeyemi had contributed immensely to human resources development and was instrumental in mentoring younger colleagues in their academic pursuit. He said Professor Odeyemi was one of three professors to emerge from the pioneer set of the Department of Geology of the University of Ibadan. He enjoined Professor Odeyemi not to relent in being an inspiration to his colleagues and mentees.
Former Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola represented by Professor Boniface Alese paid glowing tributes to Professor Odeyemi describing him as a quintessential scholar and a foremost geologist who had played a significant role in advancing frontiers of knowledge in geology in the university and the nation as a whole.
Also speaking, the Dean, School of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Professor A.Y.B Anifowose praised Professor Idowu Odeyemi for his selfless service and dedication to the university. He described him as a professor per excellence who was dearly loved by his peers, students and subordinates. He described him as an intelligent and exceptional geologist who had carved a niche for himself locally and globally and commended him for imparting knowledge and contributing significantly in the Geo Science field.
Responding Professor Odeyemi expressed gratitude for the honor accorded him. He advised academics to endeavour to be committed to excellence and to leave a legacy worthy of emulation both to contemporaries and upcoming academics alike. He thanked the University Management for the opportunity to contribute his own quota to the university.
