A Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Ilorin, Elizabeth Abidemi Balogun, has said that leadership at all levels must foster an environment that supports career growth, employee development and staff wellbeing.
Prof. Balogun made the call last Wednesday (March 26, 2025) while delivering her Valedictory Lecture at the New Science Lecture Theatre 1, (NSLT1).
In the Lecture, titled “My Journey as a Toxicologist”, the retiring don said, “By building on our strong foundation with a happy, committed and dedicated workforce, we can take our University to greater heights.”
She maintained that to achieve excellence in research and training, available infrastructural facilities must be improved upon to meet with evolving global standards.
Prof. Balogun chronicled her journey from a young scholar to a respected authority in biochemical toxicology, emphasising the challenges and breakthroughs in studying the effects of toxic substances on human health.
She spoke passionately about her research on anti malarial agents and biochemical toxicology, which have contributed significantly to scientific knowledge and public health advancements.”My journey has been one of dedication, curiosity, and the desire to make a difference in the scientific world”, she added.
Prof. Balogun made a case for the election of female lecturers into the University Council and urged the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, to seriously look into this suggestion.
She commended the Vice Chancellor’s sensitivity to gender balancing since his assumption of office, pointing out that Prof. Egbewole has really appointed more women into positions of responsibilities in the University since he mounted the saddle.
In his remarks at the event, the Vice-Chancellor praised the retiring professor for her dedication to teaching, research, and mentorship, emphasising that “one good turn deserves another.”
Prof. Egbewole noted that Prof. Balogun’s impact on students and colleagues alike had left a lasting legacy that would continue to shape the academic excellence of the University.
“Your leadership and commitment have elevated not only the Faculty of Life Sciences but the entire University of Ilorin,” the Vice-Chancellor told Prof. Balogun, noting that “many of your students, now accomplished professionals, are testaments to your unwavering dedication.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Rotimi Arise, commended Prof. Balogun for her meritorious service to the University and humanity at large.
Prof. Arise said, “We celebrate not just the culmination of your distinguished career at the University, but the indelible mark you have left on the world of Biochemistry and Toxicology.”
Also speaking, a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), who is also a former Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Olufemi Olaiya Balogun, appreciated the University of Ilorin for allowing his family to serve the institution.
While saying that he was very happy to be one of the pioneer lecturers of the Department of Biochemistry, Prof. Olufemi Balogun, who is the husband of the celebrant, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for all the development and transformation that the University has undergone and prayed that Prof. Egbewole’s tenure remains successful.
In her goodwill message, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sylvia Malomo, congratulated Prof. Balogun on her retirement, noting that her unwavering commitment to her students and invaluable contributions to the academic community will be remembered by countless students and colleagues.
Also in his tribute, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Fountain University, Osogbo and Summit University, Offa, Prof. H. O. B. Oloyede, noted that the celebrant embodies the characteristics of a loving and supportive mother figure with nurturing and caring attitude.
Prof. Oloyede said that Prof. Balogun’s mentorship and guidance, empathy and compassion, encouragement and motivation to assist all lend credence to her mother figure status.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards and gift items by the Faculty, Department, friends and family alike.
Other dignitaries at the event were a former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Yetunde Sidikat Ijaya; a former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Olayinka Buhari; the Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Victor Owoyele; the immediate past Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Patricia Omojasola; the immediate past Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Musa Toyin Yakubu; the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof Yemisi Fawole; a former Dean of the Postgraduate School, Prof. Clement Bewaji; the International Coordinator of TEC ASBE, Prof Eunice Sola-Ojo; the Ag. Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Dr Fauziyat Suleiman, and students of the Faculty, among others.
