ENCOMIUMS AS U.I UNVEILED LABORATORY COMPLEX DONATED BY LATE SURAJ ADESINA

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, has commissioned a newly constructed Veterinary Medical Central Laboratory for the institution’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

The newly constructed Veterinary Medical Central Laboratory named : Suraj Adesina Research and Development Centre, built by alumnus of the faculty of Veterinary Medicine and illustrious son of Ibarapa, late Alhaji Dr. Suraj Adesina Alabere was officially commissioned by the Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Kayode Adebowale on Tuesday, 24th June 2025.

The event which had in attendance the Widow of the donor, Alhaja Aminat Adesina, children of the deceased and personalities within and outside Nigeria including traditional rulers from Ibarapa region was full of praise and tributes to the donor and his family for the huge and remarkable sacrifice.

The vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale in his speech, emphasized that the role of alumni in supporting university education cannot be overemphasized.

The V-C, while noting that the overhead income for UI per month is N23 million and often comes in fraction whereas monthly expenditure is N300 million, stated that government support to universities has become grossly inadequate for world-class standard education.

According to him, his excitement lies on the support of the alumni, emphasizing that they must be recognised.

He appreciated the Widow and family of the donor for ensuring the completion of the project in spite of his demise.

Collaborating the Vice Chancellor, the Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Olufunke Ola-Davies, acknowledged that the central laboratory was her vision which gladened her heart that it was finally executed by her dear classmate and friend, Suraj Adesina, who was unable to complete before he transited into glory in August 2024.

Ola-Davies acknowledged and appreciated Adesina’s spouse Alhaja Aminat Adesina, who ensured her husband’s desire came to reality.

The Dean further acknowledged the support of his foreign partners, kexing Animal Health, and look forward to continued collaboration.

“This Central Veterinary Laboratory was borne out of the desire to improve access to research facilities for the faculty as a whole and the university at large, in the pursuit of excellence that this faculty and university is known for,” she said.

In the same vein, the wife of the donor, Alhaja Aminat Adesina while appreciating the University Community for their supports during her grief, assured the faculty that ADSA Veterinary Services and its partner would continue to maintain the building every five years.

“I am honoured to stand here today at the naming and commissioning of this Veterinary Medicine central laboratory, dedicated to my beloved husband’s memory. I am grateful to see my husband ‘s dream become a reality.

“My Gratitude goes to Almighty God who gives and takes. To Him we shall all return. Exactly 2 years ago, my husband made the promise of a Central Laboratory for his Alma mater during the tenure of one of his favorite classmates as Dean of the Faculty in person of Professor Olufunke Ola-Davies. His return to his creator delayed the project from early completion until today.

“DVM (1992), a class of compassionate professionals, that have demonstrated exceptional compassion, empathy and professionalism which are a testament to the values and principles that the University of Ibadan and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine embody. Your actions have not only supported me but have also honored the memory of my husband who was a dedicated and passionate veterinarian, and a proud Alumnus of the university of Ibadan. I am particularly grateful for the way you have come together to support me despite your busy schedules and personal commitments and for the significant financial contribution you made to support me during my grief period.

” For those I might have offended in theprocess of asserting what I needed, I tender my apology. I look forward to continuing to stay in touch and to celebrating the achievements and successes of the University of Ibadan 1992 class of Veterinary Doctors in the years to come. I am confident that the university of Ibadan 1992 class of Veterinary Doctors will continue to make a positive impact in the world and that your collective efforts will be a source of pride and inspiration to your Alma mater.

“I would like to express my heartfelt, loving and special gratitude to the Dean of the Faculty, Prof Olufunke Ola-Davies who was a sincere friend and classmate of my husband here in this faculty. I love her for her kindness, empathy, compassion and support during our time of grief. Her courage in holding us strong meant the World to me and my children. Her wisdom, counsel and support have been invaluable and I am grateful for the time she took to visit, to listen, to advise, and to provide reassurance when I needed it most. Her commitment to the well being of the alumni and their families is a shinny example of the University’s values and it’s dedication to fostering a sense of Community among it’s graduates.

“To the V.C. prof kolawole Adebowale, we acknowledged the receipt of your condolence letter full of prayers and reassurance of better life for the family after my husband’s death as a result of his legacy of hard work.
Glory to God Almighty that your wishes are now manifesting.
Thank you sir, may God reward you with your best desires in this life.
As I reflect on the life and legacy of my husband, I am reminded of the significant contribution he made to the field of Veterinary Medicine and the impact he had on the lives of those around him.

“To you ,my sister, lover, friend of my husband turned mine, Prof Olufunke Ola-Davies I want to make it clear that your support and tribute to my husband”s memory have ensured that his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of veterinarians and I am grateful for the role you have played in keeping his memory alive by your support in bringing this project to life.
Your continuous support means the world to me .

“I must also show my appreciation for the award of CAPTAIN OF INDUSTRY given to me on 3rd of June 2025 by this Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. As an appreciation for the award, Adsa vet services konsult Nig LTD is making an oath for the necessary support at all time for the students and the faculty. In addition,
As from today, Adsa vet services konsult Nig LTD will be visiting this LABORATORY ,every 5 years for Renovations , so help me God..

“To the management members of Kexing Animal health, I am grateful for your generous financial support. I pray that our partnership continues to flourish, and our business relationship remains prosperous.

“As we dedicate this Laboratory, I pray that my husband’s legacy lives on through the innovations and discoveries made here. May God accepts his return, grant him the best place in heaven and rest his soul in peace, and may his memory inspire future generations. Ameeeen.

“To my children, (those present and those unavoidably absent), today is a glaring testimony that your father – Suraju, and to the family, that your son and inlaw – Suraj, did not live or leave this world in vain.

“As I reflect on the life and legacy of my husband, I am reminded of the significant icontributions he made to the field of veterinary medicine and the impact he had on the lives of those around him,” she asserted.

The Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Titiloye in his remarks commended the wife of the donor for sustaning an evergreen legacy that would remain good reference for unborn generations.

“It is with deep gratitude, pride, and solemn reflection that I stand before you today. We are gathered here to honour the life, legacy, and enduring vision of one of our most illustrious sons, the late Alhaji Chief Dr. Suraj Adesina a man whose footsteps left indelible marks not only in his community but also in the world of veterinary medicine and national development.

“The Veterinary Medicine Central Laboratory, which we commission today, is far more than a building. It is a monument to excellence, a house of knowledge, and above all, a legacy of selfless service. This vision was conceived and initiated by our beloved son. Sadly, he did not live to witness its completion, but the seed he planted has now grown into a structure that will bear fruit for generations to come.

“I wish to specially commend and express profound appreciation to his dear wife, Alhaja Chief Mrs. Aminat Adesina, for her strength, grace, and unwavering commitment to fulfilling this noble dream. In completing what her husband began, she has not only preserved his legacy but has also elevated it. On behalf of Igboora, I say: we are proud of you, and Nigeria is indeed grateful.

“As the traditional ruler of Igboora, I affirm without hesitation that Alhaji Chief Dr. Suraj Adesina was a true son of the soil a man who never forgot his roots and who was deeply committed to the upliftment of others through education, innovation, and unwavering service”, Oba Titiloye concluded.

In a separate short remarks, Oluaso of Iberekodo, Oba Jamiu Badmos and Asawo of Ayete, Oba Ewuola Okeniyi equally commended the family and friends for sustaining what they described as good lagacies of the late Icon and compatriot.

Dignitaries at the commissioning include the executive chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Sola Adeleke, former Oyo State Head of Service, Prince Gboyega Olaoye, Oyo State APC Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abass, Alhaji and Prof. Fatima Abdulkareem, Chief Imam of Igboora land, Alhaji Moshood Salami, Alhaji Saadu Adebayo, Alhaji Hassan Okunade among others.