It was grand home-coming for the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof. Kolawole Salako as the Department of Soil Science and Land Management, organised a welcome party for him. Prof. Salako was ushered into the expansive hall within the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) by academic and non-teaching staff and students, among others. Speaking at the event, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Kehinde commended his predecessor for the landmark projects he facilitated in the school. He noted that after Prof. Salako’s tenure ended on 31st October, 2022, and some of his legacy projects were still being commissioned, which had continued to put the University on a pedestal of development.
He said “After Prof. Salako’s tenure ended on 31st October, 2022, some of the projects his administration initiated are still being commissioned while some others are ongoing. These are in addition to the numerous ones that had been completed”. Prof. Kehinde mentioned the commencement of the construction of a-3MW Hybrid Solar Plant, which comprised a new 33KV dedicated electrical line for FUNAAB, which was started by the immediate past administration. While responding, Prof. Salako advised members of staff and students to cooperate with the incumbent management and never allow anyone to poison their minds against their leaders. He further warned lecturers to be careful in handling students because whatever they do remained a seed that would germinate and eventually speaking for or against them. He said, “You will gain nothing by burning down the school, don’t allow anybody to poison your minds against the leaders. I want to appeal that you cooperate with the new management”.
Prof. Salako, who appealed to elders in COLPLANT, to be affirmative in providing quality leadership for the sake of the college, the future of the institution and that of the country, urged the students not to forget their source while climbing the ladder of achievements in life. The Dean of COLPLANT, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu described Prof. Salako as an asset to the University, Nigeria, and the world as a whole. He added that Prof. Salako had done well and the college was happy to welcome him back, after his tenure’s successful ending on 31st October, 2022. The Head, Department of SSLM, Prof. Bola Senjobi, described Prof. Salako as a good ambassador of the Department, College, and FUNAAB. He appealed to the Acting Vice-Chancellor to equip the newly-built Soil Museum in the department, and equally crave the indulgence of the authorities to have the museum named after Prof. Salako. The Students’ Union Government leader, FUNAAB, Comrade Seyi Ale, charged his colleagues to emulate Prof. Salako’s enviable leadership qualities and be good ambassadors of the institution.