Our paths crossed between 2011 and 2012 when I served as the Faculty Officer, and Prof. Victor Olusegun Taiwo was the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan. This stint enabled me to identify the virtues of a high sense of responsibility and dedication to duty in Prof. Taiwo. He accorded the highest priority to meeting the demands of his teaching, research, and services at the University. He was and is still always seen in the Faculty mentoring his students and inspiring his colleagues.
Prof. Taiwo is thoughtful, kind, truthful, accommodating, a decent socialite, and a wonderful family man. Between 2009 and 2013, he was the Chairman of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Appointments and Promotion Panel (Parts I & II), and I was aware of the time and energy he invested in ensuring that the Faculty’s candidates were promoted at the Central Appointments and Promotion Committee, University of Ibadan. He was also a member of this Central Committee from 2006 to 2015. Prof. Taiwo will be remembered for the critical role he played in elevating a faculty member, whose name I will not mention in this birthday treatise, to the rank of Professor in 2012.
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He is perhaps, at present, the oldest academic staff in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and is the current Head of the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the same Faculty.
A proud native of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, he earned all his degrees at the University of Ibadan: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (with distinctions) in 1983, Master of Veterinary Science in 1987, and Doctor of Philosophy (Veterinary Medicine) in 1993.
An insatiable collector of awards and prizes, he received the Federal Government of Nigeria Merit Award (1979-1983) for undergraduate studies; Research Fellowship Award for Master in Veterinary Science (M.Vet.Sci.) degree studies by the International Laboratory for Research in Animal Diseases (ILRAD), Nairobi, Kenya (1986-1987); Research Fellowship Award for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research work by the International Laboratory for Research in Animal Diseases (ILRAD), Nairobi, Kenya (1988-1992); Veterinary Pathology Departmental Prize (1981); Veterinary Microbiology & Parasitology Departmental Prize (1982); Veterinary Public Health & Preventive Medicine Departmental Prize (1983); NUPEMECO Prize for the best all-round student in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (1983); University of Ibadan Senate Prize for the best final year student in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (1983); COOMASSIE Prize (endowed by Mallam Ahmadu Coomassie, O.B.E.) for the student with the highest marks in the DVM final degree examination (1983), among others.
Prof. Taiwo began his career as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 1985 and rose through the ranks to Professor on October 1, 2006. He has an extensive background in veterinary nutrition and toxicologic pathology. Indeed, he is among those who contributed to putting UI on the global academic map and has served the University in a variety of capacities.
He is a member or fellow of numerous learned societies and professional organisations, notably a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (FCVSN).
Despite our age difference, he treats me as both a colleague and a friend. May God keep strengthening the bond.
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This occasion of your birthday is an opportunity to thank God for creating a wonderful person like you. Over the years, you have shown that life itself is a duty, and doing good to fellow human beings is the greatest expression or practice of religion. Your life’s journey thus remains a shining example and a testimony to those who know you. Wishing you everything that is closest to your heart and the best of God’s love.
Have a wonderful and fulfilling birthday, sir!
Cheers!
Olatunji Oladejo
Director, Ibadan University Press (Publishing House)
Saturday, 13 May, 2023.
