By Isaac Lewu

The University of Ilorin, last Wednesday (December 3, 2025) held a grand Valedictory Lecture in honour of a former Chairman of the University’s Ceremonials Committee, Prof. Job Olutimehin Atteh, who recently retired from the services of the University after attaining the age of 70.

Prof. Atteh, a distinguished scholar of Animal Production, whose career has been defined by uncommon humility, institutional patriotism, and unwavering loyalty to the Better by Far University.

The event, which was held in the University Auditorium, drew eminent scholars, administrators, students, alumni, and friends of the honouree, all gathered to celebrate a professor described as an embodiment of academic excellence and moral fortitude.

The honouree, who taught at the Department of Animal Production, was described as a man blessed with uncommon humility, institutional patriotism, and unwavering loyalty to the Better by Far University.

Speaking during the ceremony, Prof. Atteh recalled his deep belief in the University and affirmed that the name UNILORIN meant more to him than any personal achievement.

Prof. Atteh, who was the longest-serving Chairman of the University’s Ceremonials Committee, stated that even when he contested for the position of Vice Chancellor and did not emerge, he never withdrew from contributing to the progress of the institution.

Instead, he intensified his service, insisting that in UNILORIN, winners and losers work together for the greater good of the institution.

He urged political actors in the country to visit the University to learn how harmony, cooperation, and shared purpose can thrive even in competitive terrains.

According to him, the University’s culture of collective success remains one of its greatest strengths and a model that the wider society urgently needs.

In his welcome address, the  Chairman of the event, Prof. Badmas Olanrewaju Yusuf, described the honouree as a towering academic figure whose contributions have shaped the Faculty of Agriculture and strengthened the University’s reputation for excellence.

He noted that Prof. Atteh’s retirement marks a significant transition, not of closure, but of a new phase where his wealth of experience would continue to inspire future scholars.

Prof. Yusuf praised the celebrant’s exceptional work ethic and commitment to mentoring young academics.

He explained that the large turnout recorded at the event was a proof of Prof. Atteh’s far-reaching influence across generations of staff and students.

According to him, few academics have demonstrated such consistency of character, diligence, and institutional loyalty.

Prof. Yusuf said that the committee resolved to make the event memorable because Prof. Atteh represents the true spirit of UNILORIN’s discipline, integrity, and service.

He congratulated him for a fulfilling career and wished him greater accomplishments in his post-retirement engagements.

In her address, the Head of the Department of Animal Production, Prof. Eunice Sola-Ojo, commended Prof. Atteh for decades of academic stewardship that shaped the Department into a centre of innovation and high-quality teaching.

She disclosed that many of the Department’s current strengths were built on foundations laid by the honouree.

Prof. Sola-Ojo highlighted Prof. Atteh’s scholarly output, record of grantsmanship, and commitment to transformational teaching.

She emphasised that Prof. Atteh’s ability to build collaborations and mentor promising academics contributed significantly to the department’s prominence within and outside Nigeria.

She stressed that the Department was not merely bidding farewell to a senior colleague but celebrating a mentor, father figure, and pillar of stability.

Prof. Atteh’s footprints are indelible, and he has set standards that will continue to guide the University for decades.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Israel Ogunlade, described Prof. Atteh as a scholar whose integrity and dedication enhanced the Faculty’s credibility across the national agricultural research landscape.

He noted that the honouree’s influence cut across teaching, research, community service, and leadership.

Prof. Ogunlade recalled several milestones championed by Prof. Atteh, including curriculum development, research breakthroughs in Animal Production, and the nurturing of world-class graduates who now hold important positions globally.

He stated that the Faculty’s enviable reputation is inseparable from the celebrant’s contributions.

The Dean said that the Faculty of Agriculture is proud to celebrate one of its finest exports and reaffirmed that Prof. Atteh’s legacy would continue to guide policy formulation, staff development, and student engagement for years to come.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, lauded Prof. Atteh for exemplifying the virtues of loyalty, discipline, and academic excellence that the University cherishes.

Prof. Egbewole, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, commended the honouree for refusing to allow personal setbacks to interfere with his dedication to the institution.

He noted that Prof. Atteh’s conduct during and after the Vice Chancellorship contest remains a model of sportsmanship and maturity.

The Vice Chancellor affirmed that UNILORIN owes Prof. Atteh a debt of gratitude for his long-standing service, contributions to scholarship, and commitment to building the human capital of the University.

He congratulated him on the successful celebration and prayed for greater grace in the years ahead.

The event also featured the presentation of a scholarly book, “POULTGENIUS”, authored by Prof. Atteh, which chronicles his academic journey, research experiences, and reflections on the development of Agricultural Science in Nigeria.

The publication was warmly received by colleagues and guests as a significant addition to intellectual discourse in the field.

The event was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology, and Innovation), Prof. Muktahir Adeiza Etudiaye, the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, and the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa, among others.