05/04/2025
FUNERAL ORATION DELIVERED BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, PROFESSOR KAYODE O. ADEBOWALE, mni, FAS, fspsp, FOR LATE PROFESSOR GABRIEL ADETUNJI TAIWO OGUNDIPE, IN TRENCHARD HALL ON FRIDAY 04 APRIL, 2025.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration),
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic),
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships),
Registrar,
Bursar,
University Librarian,
Provosts, College of Medicine and Postgraduate College,
Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
Deans of Other Faculties and of Students,
Directors,
Heads of Departments,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Here lies the body of Professor Gabriel Adetunji Taiwo Ogundipe. A great scholar, colleague, friend, mentor, and father!
We gather today to celebrate the remarkable life of Professor Gabriel Adetunji Ogundipe, a luminary scholar, a devoted mentor, and a man of unwavering integrity. His passing leaves a void in the halls of the University of Ibadan, in the hearts of his family, and across the academic community. Yet, we take solace in the enduring legacy of knowledge, wisdom, and kindness he bequeathed to us all.
Late Professor Gabriel Adetunji Taiwo Ogundipe was born into the family of Pa Daniel Bamigbola Ayanda Ogundipe and Mrs Deborah Moradeke Oyebimpe Ogundipe, (both of blessed memory) on 03 December 1953. He was of the Ologbo/Arutu ruling House of Rore in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
He had his Secondary and Basic Studies education at Ajase-Ipo and Ilorin and obtained the West African School Certificate in 1973 and the University of Cambridge Advanced Level Certificate in 1975. He was admitted to the University of Ibadan in 1976 to study Veterinary Medicine through direct entry mode and obtained the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in June 1981. After his National Youth Service in 1982, he returned to the University of Ibadan for the Master of Preventive Medicine in 1984 and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, which he obtained in 1992. He was awarded the Fellowship of the Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons (FCVSN) in Preventive Medicine in 2010.
Professor Ogundipe began his teaching career as an academic staff member in the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan on 02 March 1983. His teaching and research interests were Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine, Veterinary Jurisprudence, Veterinary Economics and Extension and Computer Applications in Veterinary Practice. He was appointed a Consultant in (Preventive Medicine) to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in 1989 and was promoted to the grade of Professor of Preventive Medicine in October 2001.
Professor Ogundipe served the University of Ibadan in many administrative capacities, including:
Sub-Dean (Undergraduate), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (1989-1991);
Chairman, Eruwa Veterinary Field Station (1993-1996);
Ag. Head of Department, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine (1995-98);
Head of Department, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine (2005, 2010-2014, 2019-2023);
Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan (2005-2009);
Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan (2015-2018)
Programme Coordinator, Veterinary Medicine Programme, Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI) (2021-2023)
Outside the University of Ibadan, Professor Ogundipe served as a Consultant to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Veterinary Laws in Nigeria (2005-2006) under the National Special Food Security Programme (NSFSP) and to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) on the economics of disease burden on five priority diseases of livestock in Nigeria (2010). He also served as External Examiner for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and External Assessor, for promotion to the professorial grades, to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Maiduguri; Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto; Federal University of Technology, Akure; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, University of Ilorin and University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
He was registered to practice Veterinary Medicine by the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) in July 1981. He was an elected member of the VCN (2003-2018) and served as the President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) from 2008 to 2013. In that capacity, he saw to:
the take-off of the training programme of the Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, Nigeria in 2007;
completion of a befitting secretariat for the Veterinary Council of Nigeria at Abuja;
the donation of clinical equipment worth 19.5 million Naira to each of the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and
the donation of clinical equipment to each of the University of Maiduguri and Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.
He was a member of the Senate of the Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons (2007-2010) and served as the first Head of the Public Health Speciality of the College from 2007 to 2008.
Prof. Ogundipe's academic endeavours were characterized by a commitment to advancing knowledge in epidemiology and enhancing disease prevention strategies. His contributions are vital for policymakers and health practitioners working to mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic infections, particularly in regions where livestock farming is prevalent. Through his research, Prof. Ogundipe played a crucial role in fostering a better understanding of zoonotic diseases and their impact on both animal and human populations.
Late Professor G*T Ogundipe championed the struggle for approval of clinical allowances to Veterinary Surgeons and a new scheme of service for them in Nigeria between 1993 and 2005.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, Prof. Ogundipe was a teacher in the truest sense. His lectures were not mere transfers of information but transformative experiences. He nurtured countless students, many of whom are now leaders in academia, industry, and public service. His patience, clarity, and passion for teaching set a standard that will inspire generations to come.
Professor Ogundipe was a member of many learned societies including the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) and served as the Chairman of Oyo State Branch (1995-1997), the National Vice-President and Ex-Officio Officer (2003-2007). He was also a founding member of the Nigerian Society of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics.
He retired from the services of the University of Ibadan on 03 December 2023 after a total of 40 years of active academic service, of which he was a full Professor for 22 years. He mentored and supervised thirteen doctoral theses, twenty-two Fellowship Dissertations, thirty-five Masters and more than 65 undergraduate students’ projects.
He attended many national and international conferences, seminars, and symposia in Africa, Middle East, and Europe, where he presented a number of scientific papers. He published 66 academic articles in international and local journals and in proceedings of conferences. Professor Ogundipe served as a member of the Editorial Boards of several scientific journals including the Nigerian Veterinary Journal (1994-2000), Tropical Veterinarian (2000-2007, 2012-2023), and Vom Journal of Veterinary Science (2004-2022).
Late Professor Gabriel Adetunji Ogundipe was a wonderful brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather to the entire family. He was a mentor, an academic,and a friend.
We served together on a number of committees in which his contributions have been substantial
As we bid farewell, we do not say "Goodbye" but "Thank you." Thank you for the books you wrote, the minds you shaped, and the lives you touched. The University of Ibadan and the academic world at large will forever remember you as a pillar of wisdom and a guardian of knowledge.
"The oak has fallen, but the forest remains." Prof. Ogundipe may have departed this earthly realm, but his ideas, his students, and his indomitable spirit live on.
May his soul find eternal rest in the embrace of the Almighty.
Sleep on…………
Professor K. O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp
Vice Chancellor