Professor of Environmental Physiology of Animals in the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Rosemary Iriowen Egonmwan, FZSN, has bowed out of active service. The distinguished end to her sterling career was marked at a Valedictory Programme organised in her honour by the Zoology Department on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
In heartfelt gratitude, Professor Rosemary Egonmwan appreciated all eminent personalities and esteemed guests who took out the time to attend the programme.
She passionately appealed to the younger generation to be inspired by her illustrious academic career. She graduated as the Best Student in her department during her undergraduate and masters studies at the University of Lagos, and performed excellently in her doctorate studies at Oxford University. She emphasised the value of dedication, entreating the younger generations to immerse themselves fully in their studies, as hard work truly pays off.
Exemplifying how commitment to education and excellence can lead to a successful and rewarding career, Professor Egonmwan’s earnest charge to all young people was for them to reflect on the testimonials about her studious and meticulous nature and to adopt similar habits to excel in their educational endeavours.
She highlighted that her glorious retirement, marked by numerous accolades, was a direct result of consistently putting her best foot forward, both as a student and in her professional life. Her message was clear: it is never too late to refocus and intensify efforts toward excellence in academic and life achievements.
Earlier in the programme, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services), Professor Ayodele V. Atsenuwa, who represented the Vice-Chancellor at the event, lauded the celebrant for her much appreciated impact and contributions to knowledge.
She encouraged Professor Rosemary Egonmwan to remain a member of the University community through mentorship and sharing her insights on viable research direction.
Professor Atsenuwa acknowledged the University’s admiration for diligent individuals like Professor Egonmwan, who have added value in various ways to the university, enabling its continuity and securing a legacy of excellence for it.
Chairman of the occasion, Dr Bamidele Osuolale Makanjuola, who is also the Chairman of Vitafoam Group, expressed his high regard for Professor Rosemary Egonmwan. He regaled the audience with her an admirable account of her excellent service in the corporate world. According to him, it was this excellence that gained her the appointment as the first female Chairperson in the Board of Vitafoam.
The Honouree, Prof. Egonmwan, received glowing tributes from several colleagues, associates and mentees. They celebrated her humility, despite her privileged royal background as a princess of the Benin Kingdom. They also praised her compassion and mentorship, for which one of the speakers fondly described her as a “strict academic mother-hen”.
As part of activities to honour the academics-loving Professor Rosemary Egonmwan, her valedictory programme featured an engaging lecture by Mr. Nedo Osayande, Chairman of Belema Oil Producing Ltd. The lecture was titled “Preparing Nigeria for the Impending AI Disruption”, and explored the definition, attributes, and possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He shared insights on the embrace of AI by Nigerian businesses, AI legislation and how Nigeria can prepare for its disruption.
The celebrant’s husband, Sir Ndi Egonmwan, described the event as a very emotional one for his wife amd expressed gratitude to the Department of Zoology and the University of Lagos, where, according to him, his had spent the past fifty (50) years of her life – from Matriculation to Retirement. He noted, with pride, that his family has made a tradition of keeping the University of Lagos as a part of them. He illustrated with a postgraduate degree he obtained from UNILAG; and the graduation of one other children from the same university as a Medical Doctor.
Filled with joy for how beautifully his precious wife was celebrated, Sir Ndi Egonmwan said: “Anyone who has in one way or the other been connected with what my wife has become today, I thank you all and may God bless you all.”
As the event drew to its close, Professor Kehinde Kemabonta, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for the valedictory programme in honour of Professor Rosemary Iriowen Egonmwan, FZSN, conveyed the Department’s sincere appreciation to all guests present and those online. She noted that Professor Egonmwan is an erudite scholar, a mentor and a great icon whom the Department of Zoology, University of Lagos (UNILAG) is highly proud of.
Other highlights of the occasion were the Ugho cultural dance performance by Benin women robed elegantly in the traditional attire of the Benin culture, velvet red wrappers and coral coloured beaded accessories as well as group photographs.
Author: Nike Ogunshakin
Photographer: Joshua Michael
Text Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem
Photo Editor: Joshua Michael
Click the play button or this link ——> https://youtube.com/live/OZzsBA3aqjU below to watch the livestream of the event:
Some of the pictorial highlights of the programme are as follows:
