By Opeyemi Olawore
The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Prof. Akinola Kehinde Akinlabi as rector and three other Principal Officers for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
Other Principal Officers are Mr. Rasheed Fasasi Adenrele Adeniji as Registrar, Dr. Olatundun Oluwatoyin as Librarian, and Engr. Salaam Dauda Adeniran as the Director of Works.
In a letter dated December 16, 2022 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, the appointment takes effect from December 14, 2022.
The letter reads, “I am delighted to convey the approval of the Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde on your appointment as Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igbo-Ora with effect from 14th December, 2022.
“The tenure is for the appointment shall be five years in accordance with the terms and conditions of the office and status as spelt out in the relevant laws of the institution.”
While congratulating the Rector, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun noted that Government desires the discharge of his duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and professionalism, towards enhancement of the institution current status.
The Government also called for the sustenance of peace and further development of the institution, in line with the vision of Oyo State Government.
Prof. Akinola Kehinde Akinlabi hails from Igboora in Ibarapa Central Local Government area of Oyo State.
He had his primary and secondary school educations at Local Authority Primary School Igboora and Igboora High School Igboora respectively before, proceeding to the then, Ogun State Polytechnic, now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic for his Advanced Level studies in 1986.
He got admitted into the University of Lagos, Akoka in 1987 and graduated in 1991 with a BSc degree in Chemistry Education.
After completing his Bachelor’s degree, he proceeded for his NYSC in Kaduna and in 1992, he secured admission into the University of Benin (Uniben) for his Master’s degrees in Industrial Chemistry and in Business Administration, which he completed in 1995 and 1996 respectively.
In September 1996, he joined the services of the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) as a Research Officer 1 and was posted to the Rubber Technology Laboratory where he was seconded to Bata and Imoniyamme rubber processing factories to study how rubber is being processed.
In September 1997 he had the opportunity of presenting a paper on ‘Problems affecting rubber processing factories in Nigeria’ at the International Conference organized in Benin City, Nigeria by United Nations for Office Projects (UNOPS) for all Africa rubber producing countries.
With that singular opportunity, he was interviewed and selected by UNOPS to represent Nigeria for a course in France and United Kingdom on rubber science and Technology.
In 1998 he proceeded to France for a short training programme in Rubber Processing, Technology and Characterization, which he completed in 1999 January and later proceeded to the University of North London, Holloway Road United Kingdom now London Metropolitan University for another Masters in Polymer Science, computing and Engineering.
After completing this, he returned to Nigeria and continued with his PhD programme in Uniben, which he completed in the year 2003.
Prof. Akinola K. Akinlabi rose to the position of Principal Research Officer at the RRIN before he left in 2006 to join the services of the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB) as Lecturer 1 on June 1, 2006.
He rose through the rank to become a Professor of Industrial Chemistry in 2015. He had served and still serving the University in various positions as Chairman, FUNAAB Ceremonial Committee, April 2019 to date.
He served as Deputy Dean of the College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS) for two terms August 2016 to March 2021.
He also serves as representative of College of Physical Sciences in different committees of the institution.
Prof. Akinlabi served as the Acting Head of the Department of Chemistry from May 2011 to June 2013.
Akinlabi served as a resource person to Nigerian University Commission (NUC) for programme assessment and accreditation.
He is a member of some charity and social organizations which include; Rotary International where he is the current Chairman of District Education and Welfare Endowment Fund (DEWEF)- that gives scholarship to indigent students.
He served as President, Rotary club of Abeokuta between 2010- 2011 and District Deputy Secretary (2013-14) as well as District Governor Special Rep (2015 – 2018) coupled with Assistant Governor (2018 – 2021).
The Rector is the Vice-Chairman of Ogun chapter of Unilag Alumni Association and Secretary for Uniben Alumni Association for the past seven years.
Distinguished Prof Akinlabi is a member Abeokuta Sports Club and the immediately Past Mayor (head) of Moonlight Section and had served as Manager, Tombola committee, Secretary Bar committee among others.
He is also the Coordinator for Ibarapa Des Amie Club.
Prof. Akinlabi has won several scholarship, Awards, Prizes, National and International recognition some of which include: 2019- French Government Research visiting award at CIRAD, France, 2015- University of Benin Alumni Association commendation award, 2013- Fellow award of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, 2011-Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR ) Grant by FUNAAB.
Others are 2010 Chemical Society of Nigeria commendation at the OGUN 2010 International Conference, 2004 Biographee at the International Biographical Centre, UK, 2004- Who is who in Igboora Award, by Federation of Igboora Students’ Union, 2003- Outstanding researcher, Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria, 2003- Outstanding scientist, French Government Postdoctoral fellowship and 1997 ANRA fellow, Professional Association of Natural Rubber in Africa.
Prof. Akinlabi is a regular reviewer to the following journals: Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria, Journal of Applied Polymer Science in America, Journal of Composite and Composite Technology in UK, Polymer Engineering and Science Journal in Europe, Journal of Materials Science and Polymer Institute of Nigeria Journal.
Prof. Akinlabi had demonstrated high exemplary leadership skills in various ways at his work and community. He has been tested and trusted in many ways which accounted for why people give him responsibilities.
He is given to philantrophy and has graduated Twelve (12) Doctorate students (Major supervisors to 4 and co-supervisors to 8). He had supervised over 18 and 90 Masters and undergraduate students respectively.
He is well published with over 75 articles in various local and international journals. His research works has earned him several recognitions both home and abroad.
Prof. Akinola K. Akinlabi is a socialite, friendly, leader worthy to be emulated, a disciplined, trustworthy, an encourager, a motivator, role model, a mentor and a good listener that is always willing to help.
He likes Playing lawn tennis, studying, traveling, meeting people and swimming.
He is happily married to Mrs Jumoke Omowunmi Akinlabi and blessed with children, Akinbami (Oxford Scholar) and twins (Tolu and Temi).
