The Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, on Monday, celebrated the retirement of two of their scholars, Prof. Boladale O. Silva and Dr Adebowale O. Adeluola, for their remarkable contributions and invaluable impacts while in the service of the institution and to also honour their enduring legacy.
Silva, a professor of Pharmaceutics joined the service of the university in 1983 and became professor in 2013, putting in 41 years and three months of service. Dr Adeluola, on the other hand whose area of focus is Pharmaceutical Microbiology, joined the university in 2005 and rose to the rank of senior lecturer, putting in 19 years of service.
While speaking at the retirement programme, with the theme “Golden Years, Timeless Impact: Legacy of Learning and Innovation”, a former Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Professor Afolabi Lesi, who is the Board chairperson, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, described Prof. Silva and Dr Adeluola as dedicated scholars, who contributed immensely to the faculty.
In her welcome address, the Dean of the faculty, Prof. Gloria Ayoola said the theme of the event encapsulates the invaluable contributions and remarkable journeys of Prof. Silva and Dr Adeluola. “Throughout their years with us, they have epitomised the value of scholarship, leadership and innovation. They have not only imparted knowledge but have also fostered a culture of thinking, resilience and creativity in our students and faculty alike”, Prof. Ayoola said.
Speaking further on their service at the faculty, Prof. Ayoola who was ably represented at the event by a former Dean, Prof. Glory Ajayi said “Prof. Silva and Dr Adeluola’s contributions have been deeply woven into the fabric of this institution. Through their tireless efforts, they have nurtured generations of thinkers and achievers, leaving an indelible mark on the academic community. Their works, dedication and compassionate guidance have transformed lives, inspired colleagues and elevated the standards of teaching and research within our faculty”.
Distinguished Professor C. Igwilo, in her tribute said Prof. Silva is gentle, dedicated and endowed with wisdom, even as she commended Dr Adeluola for his dedication to service. A United States based lecturer, Prof. Adeboye Adejare also commended the celebrants for their contributions to the faculty.
Speaking on the theme, “Golden Years, Timeless Impact: Legacy of Learning and Innovation”, the guest speaker, Prof. Grace Otinwa, noted that the celebrants did not only educate but also built sustained vibrant academic programmes and actively committed to them. He noted that the celebrants’ works festered synergy and innovation, ensuring a legacy of excellence for future generations and in particular, upcoming scholars.
“The celebrants are a template for humility, commitment and continuous self-improvement which serving academia should emulate and embrace. They have built a legacy that the faculty should emulate”, the guest speaker said. Prof. Otinwa however urged serving academia to spend their time to influence the students and people they meet, saying the legacy of academia transcends career.
The Managing Director, Pharmasolutions, Pharm. Bisi Oyeleye, described Prof. Silva who was her lecturer and mentor as a meticulous and excellent formulator. “Though he’s our lecturer, he relates with us as friend. He will “gist” with us while we are formulating. I wish every lecturer was like Prof. silva”, Pharma Oyeleye said.
Many staff of the faculty also showered tributes on the retirees. Prof. Chukwuemeka Azubuike said Prof Silva loves innovation. Dr Kehinde Salako described Prof. Silva as a scrupulous, intelligent and lovely person.
Professor Arinola Joda said the celebrants have contributed immensely to the faculty, noting that the faculty will always remember them for their good deeds.
On her part, Dr, M.O. Ologunagba, described Prof. Silva as a quiet and peace loving personality since she knew him in the last fourteen (14) years, not only as a junior academic and professional colleague but as her teacher, guide and mentor.
Dr Ologunagba said “Prof Silva is a brilliant, intelligent, skilled, innovative formulation scientist and has significantly contributed to my academic scholarship in Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology and specifically in Formulation Design and Development. He is a quiet, peaceful, self-content, prudent and firm personality, who demonstrates committed, strategic, caring, accountable, economic and resilient leadership style.
“Prof. Silva was always a source of inspiration, encouragement and motivation to the staff of the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology and specifically the academic staff with the introduction and sponsorships of conference markings of examination papers. …a strategic and innovative gesture for team bonding
“He has a philanthropic spirit and effortlessly demonstrates this through his givings; by words of advice/counsel or encouragement, cash or gifts (confectioneries, food) to faculty of pharmacy community members and beyond. The slogan … “You do not leave Prof’s office on a visit empty handed “suffices to describe this godly attribute in him”.
Dr Ologunagba also describes Dr Adeluola as a quiet personality but with a great mind that displays the virtue of self- discipline and tolerance. “He is an amiable and honourable professional colleague and competent pharmaceutical microbiologist with research bias in the space of antimicrobial resistance. I greatly enjoyed the research collaboration with you on antimicrobial resistance using clinical isolates. It is no gainsaying that you are a happy and fulfilled husband, father and great grandfather which are obvious of abundance of God’s grace upon your life”, Dr Ologunagba said.
The Sub-Dean of the faculty, Dr Foluke A. Ayeni;.head of departments, lecturers and other staff of the faculty also eulogised the celebrants for their invaluable contributions to the faculty, while wishing them a restful retirement.
Responding to the tributes, Dr Adeluola expressed profound gratitude to everyone that attended the event and all members of the faculty. “I also thank God who made me enter into the service of the university and finished well”, Dr Adeluola said.
On his part, Prof. Silva expressed appreciation to members of the faculty and well-wishers, even as he extolled God for 41 years and three months of service without blemish.
