The University of Ibadan, Professor of Industrial Chemistry,  Kayode Oyebode Adebowale  presented his academic score card as the guest lecturer of the 479th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan, was the cynosure of all eyes as the professor of Chemistry  and the  current Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration  seized the podium to unveil the long anticipated lecture topic: ‘CHEMISTRY AND THE DRIVE TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY: AN UNEDING  SEARCH FOR  SUITABLE INDIGENEOUS RAW MATERIALS’ on the 9th of January 2020.

It was indeed a moment of polling great minds from all works of lives to a sitting.

The atmosphere was charged  with eminent personalities of Scholars,  The management team of University of Ibadan led by the current Vice Chancellor , Prof Abel Idowu Olayinka , Vice Chancellors of various universities led by Prof Chinedum Peace Babalola of Chrisland University, members of different Academic Unions,  lecturers, students ,academics, scholars, family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers  to mention but few; were well seated  at the Trenchard  Hall  of the University of Ibadan,  with itching ears for what the erudite professor of Chemistry  would  make of a topic more  of SDG than the studies of matter and the changes its undergoes . It was a memorable moment to give his professorial report card first-hand about his current research works.

Prof Adebowale highlighted one of his foremost areas of research which is the production and optimisation of ethanol and citric acid from fermentation media. He further explained how ethanol and citric acids are preferred organoleptic properties and the value of ethanol as clean burning fuel because of its being an oxygenated fuel compared to those produced from petroleum sources.

Professor of Industrial Chemistry,  Kayode Oyebode Adebowale while delivering his inaugural lecture

The double receptions which, at the end of the lecture, were held at the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan and the Pope John Paul Hall, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church University of Ibadan were filled to capacity with throngs of well-wishers who were entertained with music, entertainment and refreshments.

Many of the guests, who spoke to CEOAfrica at the reception, expressed joy and happiness at the achievements of Prof Adebowale, showering accolades upon him. They described him in glowing tributes and commended his efforts and accomplishments.

Speaking with CEOAfrica, The Vice chancellor of the University, Professor A.I Olayinka who was also the Chairman of the occasion was full of praises for Professor Adebowale for doing justice to the topic and he also called for support for research works as University of Ibadan is taking the lead under his administration in West Africa. He assured that the institution is leaving no stone unturned towards making the citadel of learning a world class university.

Professor A.I Olayinka, Vice chancellor ,University  of Ibadan 

The  first female  pharmacist Vice Chancellor in Nigeria and the VC of Chrisland University, Prof Chinedum Peace Babalola described the Inaugural Lecturer as a brilliant scholar, she said ‘I love the way he used his research towards  Sustainable Development goal of ';;;; zero hunger’.  It shows years of hard work . He is a member of Academy of Science and we are here to celebrate him.’

Prof Chinedum Peace Babalola, Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University

 While extolling the efforts of Prof Kayode expended in his lecture, the current Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University Prof Edward Olanipekun , told CEOAfrica that ‘the lecture was an excellent delivery from a great scholar and an administrator per excellence, University  of Ibadan is blessed to have him.’

Prof. M.K. Yahaya of Department of Agric. Extension in the Faculty of Agriculture describe the lecture as ‘excellent delivery from a world class researcher. I will only  call on the federal  government of Nigeria to implement the recommendation of the Inaugural lecture which is  to have special funds for Research Centers in Nigeria .’ he said.

The first female Professor of the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Professor Oyeronke Adunni Odunola said '; the Inaugural Lecture was packaged and reflected years of hard work towards sustainable development and survival of the populace. Evidence was provided showing the availability of indigeneuos raw materials and that could be used for improvement of  food  quality and eventually sustainable development. In addition, the letcure calls for inward search for additional underutilised and forgotten raw materials, for eventual used at home and industries.'; Odunola concluded.

Oyeronke Adunni Odunola ,Professor  of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan.

The honoured personality of the day, Prof Kayode Oyebode Adebowale who also took time to speak with CEOAfrica, expressed his gratitude to all his colleagues, family friends, students and well-wishers who converged to honour him.

Professor of Industrial Chemistry,  Kayode Oyebode Adebowale speaking with CEOAFRICA

The erudite professor called on government at all level to create a special fund for research centres in Nigeria and indeed Africa.

The 479th inaugural lecture had in attendance the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan and the Chairman of the Inaugural Lecture, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Prof Chinedum Peace Babalola, Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University Prof Edward Olanipekun, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, UI Prof. A.B Ekanola, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships  UI, Prof Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo, Registrar Faluyi O.Olubun, Bursar ,Dr. MICHAEL AKINADE ALATISE, Provost of College of Medicine, Deans of Provost of the Postgraduate College, Deans of Faculties and of Students’ Affair, Directors of Institutes, Heads of Departments, Academic Colleagues.