In a fitting tribute to scholarly mentorship, the Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye Trust Fund (PAFOTFUL) has honoured Professor Welsey O. Okiei of the Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos, with the PAFOTFUL Overall Best Ph. D. Supervisor’s Award, which includes a sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (₦250,000) and a commemorative plaque.
Driven by a vision to ensure that mentors are not overlooked, Professor Ayo Ogunye whose trust fund champions academic excellence, sought to celebrate the pivotal role of project/thesis supervisors with the institution of the Overall Best Ph. D. Supervisor’s Award.
The prestigious award, first of its kind, recognizes Professor Okiei’s exceptional mentorship in guiding Adetoun Alaba Akitoye, whose Ph.D. thesis in Chemistry was adjudged the Overall Best Ph.D. Thesis and Best Ph.D. Thesis in Sciences at the 2024 Convocation Ceremonies.
Dr. Akitoye’s thesis, “Silver-Nanocomposites Sensors and Chitosan Treatments for Shelf-Life Elongation in Cassava“, offers innovative solutions for preserving a vital Nigerian staple crop. Its practical approach to tackling food security challenges earned it widespread acclaim.
In a brief address at the official award ceremony, the Board of Trustees Chairman of PAFOTFUL, Engineer Joseph J. Akpieyi, disclosed that the donor, Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye, established the award to honour outstanding doctoral research and the supervisors whose guidance fuel such achievements.
His words, “The philosophy underpinning this award is unassailable: the primacy of mentorship in academia; encouragement of high – quality supervision; promotion of best practices; and the attraction and retention of top-tier faculty to UNILAG. This award embodies our collective commitment to recognizing those who go above and beyond the call of duty in guiding the next generation of scholars.
I have been informed that the selection process for today’s honouree was incredibly rigorous, ensuring that only individuals who are truly extraordinary are recognized in UNILAG’s academic community. To further enhance the culture of appreciation for exemplary supervision, the BOT has decided to complement the monetary award with a plaque, symbolizing our respect and admiration for those who truly go above and beyond the call of duty in guiding the next generation of scholars.”
The official award ceremony, which was held during the University’s Senate meeting of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, drew distinguished guests, including the donor, Professor Ogunye; former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rahman A. Bello, FAENG; and Director of the Office of Advancement, Dr. (Mrs.) Folasade T. Ipaye. Their presence underscored the significance of the inaugural award.
Professor Okiei, who is currently on sabbatical outside the University, was represented by the Head of the Department of Chemistry, Professor Olusegun Ayejuyo, and Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Olayinka Asekun.
The PAFOTFUL award to Professor Okiei is more than an accolade; it is a testament to UNILAG’s legacy of fostering transformative scholarship, and research that impacts society.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Bayo Salau
