The maxim that “selfless service is the highest form of giving, where one expects nothing in return” is very fitting to the life of the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the Premier University, the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, mni, FAS, as he adds another year on the terrestrial plane celebrating his 62nd birthday on Thursday, 11 January, 2024.
Indeed, “True service springs from a selfless heart, with no motive other than to bring joy and comfort to others”, appropriately describes Professor Adebowale.
Kayode Adebowale is a true native of the University of Ibadan! A professor of Industrial Chemistry, Prof. Adebowale stepped his feet on the soil of the University of Ibadan in September, 1980 as a student and has since found succour in remaining as a true and thorough bred ambassador of the University of Ibadan by giving of his intellectual prowess to the community and rising to the peak of his career as the Vice-Chancellor of the same University with effect from 01 November, 2021 for a five- year tenure.
Professor Adebowale hails from Laanisa compound, Ita Okoro, Isale Ijebu, Ibadan, Oyo State. A true ‘son of the soil’.
He completed his B.Sc in Chemistry in 1984, M.Sc in Industrial Chemistry in 1986, and Ph.D in 1991, and obtained all his degrees from the University of Ibadan.
He began his academic journey at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) but came to the University of Ibadan in 1999 as a Senior Lecturer and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in October, 2006. He had his post-doctoral experience in Germany and Italy. He belongs in the group of the topmost researchers/scientists in Africa.
Professor Adebowale was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration before his eventual emergence as the 13th Vice-Chancellor. He had also served the University of Ibadan as a Dean of the Faculty of Science and member of many institutional committees.
Upon assumption of duty as the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebowale toed the line of his predecessors to sustain the University of Ibadan as a frontline institution of higher learning not only in Africa but also in the world at large.
All his efforts are targeted at achieving this lofty aim by encouraging the alumni to give back to the institution that made them through the setting up of the UI@75 committee.
Kayode Adebowale an embodiment of humility gives honour and respect to all, irrespective of age and position.
‘Baba mi o’ as you grow in age so shall your wisdom to be able to steer the ship of the University of Ibadan. We celebrate you and wish you many happy returns of the day. Longer life and more prosperity.
Congratulations, sir.
