Members of the Ibadan Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide, led by the president, Dr. Ibikunle Faramade, have held an appreciation get-together in honour of the outgoing Dean of the Faculty, Professor Olufunke E. Ola-Davies, applauded for her landmark achievements during her tenure.
Speaking during the ceremony, president of the association, Dr. Ibikunle Faramade described Professor Ola-Davies’ leadership as remarkable and transformative, despite the economic constraints facing tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He explained that being the 16th and first female Dean in over 50 years of the Faculty’s existence, Professor Ola-Davies recorded several milestones, including the creation of the Alumni Association, full accreditation by both the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, improved global ranking of the Faculty, and infrastructural development across departments.
Other achievements highlighted included the promotion of 16 academic staff to professorial rank, recruitment of 26 new lecturers, renovation and upgrade of academic buildings, construction of a Faculty Lounge and Restaurant, and the successful hosting of the Faculty’s 60th Anniversary in 2024.
Dr. Faramade also acknowledged the facilitation of key partnerships and the donation of a research and development building, describing the achievements as unprecedented and commended professor Ola-Davies as a “brave and innovative administrator” and urging the celebrant to extend her counsel and support to the incoming Dean, Professor B.O. Olugasa.
In her response, Professor Ola-Davies expressed gratitude to the Alumni Association for the celebration and pledged her support to ensure continuity of progress in the Faculty.
Present at the event were former Deans, Professors V.O. Taiwo and M.O. Oyeyemi; incoming Dean, Professor B.O. Olugasa; Heads of Departments, senior academics, and other members of staff.
