Sam Maris University (SMU), Supare-Akoko, Ondo State, has honoured the former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Professor Michael Faborode, on his retirement, describing his career as a significant contribution to scholarship, university administration and the development of higher education in Nigeria.

The university, in a congratulatory message signed by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Ayodeji Gbore, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff and students, said Faborode’s career reflected intellectual excellence, leadership and commitment to public service.

Faborode, a Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, served as Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Ile-Ife, from 2006 to 2011. 

A Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering and the International Academy of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, he has contributed significantly to engineering scholarship, professional practice and higher education in Nigeria and beyond.

“Professor Faborode has had an illustrious career marked by intellectual distinction, dedicated service and significant contributions to the development of higher education in Nigeria,” Gbore said.

He noted that Faborode’s tenure at OAU represented an important chapter in his record of academic and administrative service, while his work in agricultural and environmental engineering had further enriched scholarship and professional practice.

Gbore also highlighted Faborode’s international recognition as a Fellow of the International Academy of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and his selection as a Resident Scholar at the Rockefeller Foundation Study and Conference Center in Bellagio, Italy, as notable milestones in his professional journey.

The Vice-Chancellor said Faborode’s status as an indigene of Supare-Akoko gave the occasion a special significance, noting his longstanding commitment to and support for the development of his community.

“For us at Sam Maris University, this occasion carries a special significance. Professor Faborode is an illustrious son of Supare-Akoko, the host community of our young and promising university,” he said.

Gbore also acknowledged Faborode’s identification with Sam Maris University and the support and goodwill he had consistently extended towards its growth and aspirations.

According to him, Faborode’s retirement from active university service marked the beginning of a new phase in which his wealth of experience and knowledge could continue to benefit the university system, his community and the nation.

“His distinguished career exemplifies the heights that can be attained through dedication to learning, service and humanity,” Gbore stated.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed confidence that the retired don would continue to contribute to society and inspire younger academics and leaders through his wealth of experience.

He wished Faborode good health, peace and fulfillment in retirement, noting that his legacy of scholarship, leadership and service would continue to inspire future generations.

“Professor Faborode, we celebrate you, we honour your service, and we wish you a most fulfilling and rewarding retirement,” the Vice-Chancellor said.