Without FUNAAB, I Could Not Attain This feat. In My Mentoring Lab, We Are All Equal. We Share The Gains And Pains Of All Opportunities

In this exciting interview with a distinguished Alumnus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) , proud son of Ibadanland and Mogaji Olukunle, Isale Alfa, Ibadan, Prof Lateef Oladimeji Sanni shared his humble beginning and meteoric rise to stardom with ValidViewNetwork attributing all to God Almighty, the people that supported him and FUNAAB that nurtured him. His disposition teaches humility, reverence for humanity and remarkable impact on the sand of time.

Can we meet you Sir? 

I am Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, Professor of Food Science and Technology. I am currently the Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. I was also a former Deputy Vice – Chancellor (Development), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). I am a Fellow of the International Academy of Science, Fellow, Nigerian Academy of Science, Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology and so on. I am also the President, International Society of Tropical Root Crops, Chairman, Steering Committee of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development, and Chairman, Governing Council of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.  

I  was born and bred in Isale Alfa, Iyana Adeoyo and Oje Atipe, Ibadan, Oyo State. I am the third (3rd) child of my mother and tenth (10th) of his father, Pa. Rufai Sanni of blessed memory.  I am also Mogaji Olukunle, Isale Alfa, Ibadan. I am married with an Alumnus of FUNAAB, Professor Silifa Ajoke Sanni (Nee Aboaba) and blessed with children. To God Be the Glory.  

Can you share with us a bit of your early life? 

I attended Ibadan Municipal Government Primary School (1973 – 1978) and then Baptist Grammar School, Ikire from (1978–1983). I was trained to be punctual by my mother. This earned me Janior and Punctuality Prefect positions in my primary and secondary schools. I had opportunity of trekking from Isale Alfa to Oje covering about 8km to visit my grandparent ewe (leaf) shop. I supported them by hawking ewe eran (moinmoin pudding leaves) from Oje to Isale Alfa, bere or gate in Ibadan. Hence, my agility and fast pace of walking up till now.  

(Cuts in : No wonder you find it easy to walk around the campus and in town)

I had a brief stint at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before my admission to the Pre-Degree Programme at the then Federal University of Technology, Abeokuta (FUTAB) during the 1984/85 academic session. I enrolled for the Undergraduate programme in the Department of Food Science and Technology in 1985. I witnessed the metamorphosis of our University from FUTAB to College of Science and Technology , University of Lagos Abeokuta (COSTAB) and the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) in 1988. My class was the pioneer set that graduated in 1990, and I was the best graduating student in my Department. 

You had your first degree in UNAAB. What was the experience like 

I had a total training from the classroom, to campus politics, socials and religion learning. I facilated quite a number of tutorials for colleagues and secondary schools.  It was an experience I can never forget.

Can you share the transformational stages of the University to the present FUNAAB with us please? 

1984 was the year that I began my training at what was then known as the Federal University of Technology (FUTAB), where I was a pre-degree student. As a witness, I was present at the transition of FUTAB into the College of Science and Technology, University of Lagos Abeokuta (COSTAB), as well as the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB). In the year 1988, we were blessed with the presence of pure Mother Luck.  

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The Federal Government of Nigeria founded the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State (FUNAAB) on January 1, 1988. This occurred when four Universities of Technology, which had previously joined in 1984, were demerged. The establishment of the first two universities of agriculture in Abeokuta and Makurdi, respectively, was a direct result of this.  The appointment of Professor Nurudeen Olorun-Nimbe Adedipe as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University took place on the same day.On the 28th of January in 1988, Professor Adedipe formally started his new position.  

In October of 1988, the University was one of the first institutions to establish five colleges, which were designated as follows: 

The College of Agricultural Management, Rural Development and Studies (COLAMRUD), the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), the College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), the College of Natural Sciences (COLNAS), and the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) are the colleges that are included in this list. 

The month of March in 2002 saw the establishment of two new colleges: the College of Engineering (COLENG) and the College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET). In the course of the 2008/2009 academic year, the College of Agricultural Management, Rural Development, and Consumer Studies was segmented into two distinct colleges, with the following two new colleges coming into existence: 

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The College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC) and the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD) are two types of educational institutions. 

Additionally, the College of Management Sciences was established as a new college among the universities. The College of Natural Sciences (COLNAS) was divided into two, and the result was the establishment of two new colleges, which are as follows: 

The College of Biological Sciences (COLBIOS) and the College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS) are both referred to as such. 

How did you join the services of UNAAB? 

After going through a hard and competitive process, I was given the position of Assistant Lecturer in February 1983. I was interviewed by nine different panellists. It is to the glory of God. I began teaching students at the 500 level with FST 506 (a second semester course), which is a course that focuses on automatic devices.  

You have won many academic awards; can you share some of them with us please? 

To God be the Glory, quite a lot by counting, but major ones are:  

• 2020 UK Research and Innovation International Development Peer Review College  
• 2019  highly commended Award from Emerald Publishing in 2019 alongside my colleagues. 
• 2012 Outstanding International Ambassador Award, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.  
• 2011 Research Productivity Award (Senior Academic Category), University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.  
• 2010 Most Enterprising Governing Council Award received during the 31st Annual Conference/AGM of NIFST, PortHarcourt.  
• 2009 Honorary Fellow of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) by the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions, Lagos, Nigeria 
• 2 Dec 2008 CGIAR Award Regional Technology Development in Sub Saharan Africa, http://www.cgiar.org/newsroom/scientific.html) 

You recently emerged as one of the best researchers in Nigeria, can you share the details with us. 

Yes, I was ranked among the top three percent of scientists, ranked 1st in FUNAAB, 47th and 947th among Nigerian and African universities. The ranking simply collated trends of research publications, citations of your published articles and currency of your publication in your areas of specialization. The organisation (https://www.adscientificindex.com/scientist/lateef-sanni/4310659) screened over 10,000 African Scientists. This is the same ranking that made FUNAAB as No 1 university of Agriculture in Africa. For my own, Food Science and Technology, Engineering and Technology, and Engineering and Technology are the three categories that are included in this ranking. It is a yearly exercise and you can follow the trend. The lesson is that humans make an entity. Without FUNAAB, I could not attain this feat. Without colleagues, I may not attain this feat. Yes, together, we can.  

How did you feel starting the new year with that achievement? 

God, in His infinite mercy, just celebrated my university, myself, and a few other colleagues, including my mentors. In spite of the difficulties that I was facing, I was filled with joy, encouragement, a sense of renewed energy, and a determination to continue the progression of quality, hard work, friendliness, and resilience.  

You must have enjoyed great mentorship. Who are your mentors? 

The beginning of my research career occurred during the academic session of 1989/90, and I was working under the direction of Professor Olugbenga Ben Ogunmoyela, who is now retired. He supervised my Bachelor of Science project in the Department of Food Science and Technology in the year 1990 .  I am obligated to acknowledge the support of some teachers and mentors, Professor Folake Henshaw, Dr. Mrs. Bisi Akinlua, Prof Sam Oluwalana, Prof Bamiro (Uncle B), Late Professor Okuneye, and Late Professor Awonorin. I pray that the Lord will consider them to be living in paradise. 

In the field of food technology, I received tutelage for both my Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the late Dr. A. O. Oguntunde and Professor J. A. Akingbala. I had the opportunity to receive guidance from Professor Andrew Westby, who was the immediate past Director of the Natural Resources Institute and is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Partnership, Innovation, and Linkages) at the University of Greenwich in Chatham, United Kingdom. This opportunity was made possible by the World Bank facility through the years 1995 and 1996. After I had finished my doctoral studies in 1999, Professor Westby established a fufu research team, and Professor Olusola Oyewole was in charge of the FUNAAB team. The DFID fufu project, the EU cassava growth markets, the GRATITUDE and ACP science projects, the BMGF Cassava Adding Value for Africa (CAVA) projects, and the IFAD projects were also among the initiatives that we handled.  

Alh Engr Bimbo Makinde, who also happens to be my uncle, was the one who introduced me to the possibility of receiving mentoring. Then, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole of FUNAAB, who not only provided me with the opportunity to work with cassava but also demonstrated a personal interest in my professional development. I will always be thankful to him and his beloved family. Uncle Professor Adewale Dipeolu is more than just a teacher; he is also my father, my mentor, and my favourite friend. Until tomorrow, he will continue to be fully present on the ground, both literally and spiritually. He has been there since the time I was an undergraduate student. I have a lot of gratitude. Prof Ayoade Kuye and Prof Abdul Ganiy Raji were God sent angels in my career sojourn.

During the years 2003 to the present day, I have had the privilege of receiving guidance from Chief Dr. Alfred Dixon, who is currently serving as the IITA Representative in Sierra Leone. He instructed me in the fundamentals of maintaining consistency in the planning, execution, reporting, and dissemination of projects. Transparency, openness, readiness to raise downtrodden folks, smart action to invigorate potential achievers, and long working hours facing quality, quantity and time (QQT) are all examples of things that may be drawn from his life that are worthy of reflection. As part of my mentorship opportunity, his wife, Chief Dr. Mrs. Maziya Busie Dixon, demonstrated her ability to extend her soft talents.  

To crown it all, I had opportunity of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) mentoring Lab. It is a win win solution, learning from your mentees (ie. Prof Adebowale, Prof Petra Seghir, Dr. Peju Phorbee,…). I mentored Six African Women Scientists (5 Nigerians and 1 Zambian) for 2 years. It opened vistas of options in human relations, tracking purpose road map, and leading a change organisation.

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I am obligated to notify you that during my time as an undergraduate, I was fortunate enough to receive some guidance from Alhaji Adebowale (Spencer). At the spiritual level, Dr. Taofik Salisu (Amir Emeritus), Prof Toyin Arowolo, Professor Taofik Adesina Azeez, Professor AbdulRasaq Kilani, Sister Salimot Alagabi, Prof. Silifat Ajoke Aboaba (now mrs sanni), Alhaji Abdul Rafiu Adeniji, Alhaji Akinwumi Abd Semi, Dr Khidri Mustapha of Zulikha College, Prof Taofik Shittu, Dr Abdul Rafiu Majolagbe, Alh Abdul Lateef Oridota and Alh Ibrahim Adeyemi, played critical role.   

You had served as the Deputy Vice – Chancellor in FUNAAB. How do you feel about that achievement as a product of the University 

As the First Alumnus to have served FUNAAB in the capacities of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Dean of the College of Food Science and Human Ecology, Head of the Food Science and Technology Department, and Director of the AG Leventis Memorial Centre for Learning at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria, I have always felt that it is a privilege and an honour to have held these positions. I would like to express my gratitude to the Vice Chancellors, Professor Oluwafemi Balogun, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole, and Professor Felix Kolawole Salako that appointed me into those offices. For the privilege of serving the system, I would want to express my gratitude to our previous Vice Chancellors.   

You have been part of every stratum of FUNAAB ( Students Union, ASUU, Alumni, Management and Council) Can you give a brief on this Sir. 

I was fortunate enough to serve as the foundation Chairman of the Electoral Body for the formation of the FUNAAB Student Union Government, which later led to the election of Fatai Omotola Adebowale as the first President of the Student body. I served as the Secretary of ASUU- UNAAB . I served meritorioisly as President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association and represented the Convocation on the Council of FUNAAB for six years. In addition, I served as the DVC (D) for a period of two years, working under the direction of Professor Felix Kolawole Salako. When it came to expanding the FUNAAB reform process, we did everything in our power.  To God be the Glory.  

One of your mentees paid glowing  tributes to your mentorship recently, what is your drive for mentorship? 

God enjoins us to be good to humanities. You alone cannot make a forest. Be ready to listen, share, train, understand, and learn from all. In my mentoring lab, we are all equal. We share the gains and pains of all opportunities. I thank some of my mentees namely Prof Abdul Rasaq Adebowale, Prof T. A. Shittu, Prof. O Philip Sobukola, Prof Joy Eke Ejiofor (HOD, FST, Rivers State University), Prof Rahmat Kareem (VC, Fountain University), Prof Esther KajiHausa (my HOD, FST, FUNAAB), Prof Sarafdeen Kareem, and so on.  

Who is Prof Lateef Sanni, the Amir of the University community? 

Prof. Lateef Sanni continues to be a friend and servant to everyone. I cherish interactions that are peaceful. I take great pleasure in being completely dedicated to the development of our university. I always have access to first-hand information from my Deputy Amir, My Egbon, Professor Akeem Adesina Agboola throughout this time. Having productive consultations is the guiding principle.  

Permit me to take advantage of this opportunity to on behalf of the FUNAAB Muslim Community, convey our appreciation to Professor Olusola Babatunde Kehinde, Vice Chancellor of FUNAAB, who is known for being friendly, straightforward, gentle, and forward-thinking. As I refer to him, OB, he is a man who walks the talk. FUNAAB will be a successful endeavour. His tenure will bring about additional landmarks, which will allow FUNAAB to continue to maintain her excellence. Aamin.  

You are a man of many parts. There is also the Prof Sanni who is Magaji in the great Ibadanland. Can you give us a hint of Prof Lateef Sanni, the Mogaji 

I would want to use this opportunity to convey my profound appreciation to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Balogun, Olubadan of Ibadan, for establishing my family and myself as deserving of this blessing.  

I am the leader of Olukunle Compound, which encompasses the village, the village itself, and the village outside. Isale Alfa, Olukunle, and Ile Igbon are the three locations where our ancestral homes have been brought together by God during the time that I have been on the throne. He will make it feasible for us to achieve more than we already have. Every aspect of Mogaji Olukunle’s character, including his modesty, friendliness, openness, generosity, and desire for good things, remains unchanged. Under the capable leadership of Alh Tiri Bakare, I would like to express my gratitude to the Mogaji Olukunle Management Committee. 

You are a man of many parts. There is also the Prof Sanni, the Administrator. How would you describe your experience as Chairman of Governing Council of Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora. 

I have to be honest with you. In order to acquire my administrative expertise, I have gained knowledge from individuals such as Professor Julius Amoeaba Okojie, who served as our Vice – Chancellor and Executive Secretary of NUC in the past. “Keep it simple, stupid” (KISS) is the mantra that was used. It is important to maintain openness, patience, and focus. Maintain, concentrate and assist everyone in comprehending you. Be happy and creative at the same time.  

The ability to initiate and develop is something that we are grateful for, and we appreciate His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. We are grateful to ESs and TETFund. We began with no TETFuND initiatives in 2018, and as of today, we have more than five TETFund projects under our umbrella. now that OYSCATECH is a polytechnic.  With Professor Akinlabi Akinola serving as the Rector, OYSCATECH was able to have a fully functional management system.  

Despite several laurels and accomplishments, you still keep your old university friends and eventually served as the President of the Alumni. What was the drive and what were your major achievements. 

Our roots serve as both our foundation and our propulsion system for further achievements. I am of the opinion that you should continue to care for it. This is the trademark that I have used. You must make every effort to maintain the bridges, regardless of what has transpired. Through the efforts of my friends, colleagues, students, mentors, and other influential people, I was able to achieve the position of President. I had a stellar group of people working for me, including Professor Sam Wobo, Mr. Bambo Adelaja, the present President, Dr. Ogundiran, Mr. Gbadamosi, Mr. Ogundeko, Dr. Celestina Omohimi, and many more. Outstanding works were done by the Chairmen of Branches, such as Alh Mustapha, Alaafin from Lagos, and so on. With his words of wisdom and kegiterian slang, my ex-officio, Professor BJO Ayorinde, was completely available. Nearly three alumni relations officials served: Dr. Mrs. Funmi Adenuga, Mr. Adeniran, and Dr. Halima Folashade Akide (Sade Royal). It was a very powerful group of people. As President, it was my responsibility to vote in favour of every suggestion. It is to the glory of God.  

All of them came together to form a transformational leadership team during my presidency of six years. There were a few Alumni events that we were able to successfully maintain. As well as that, we started some. The United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Canada have all embraced the tuition fee support program. The provision of examination support is yet another initiative, and we have more in the works. The motivation is to be accessible to all Alumni at all times. When I am talking with members of the Alumni community, I do not carry titles. This paves the way for more access to additional proposals and achievements.  

What is your personal definition of multitasking? 

Efficient completion of all tasks within the allotted time frame, taking into consideration the quality, quantity, and length of the activities in question.  

What should Nigerians be expecting from your current national assignment at Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute 

Networking and relationship with public and commercial organizations that are both effective and efficient in delivering sustainable postharvest solutions to reduce the amount of agricultural commodities that are lost after harvesting.  

How do you relax? 

Activities such as prayer, walking, conversing, golfing, and even a little bit of swimming. 

Do you want to share with us your immediate family as your support mechanism 

For being there from 1987 until the present day, I would want to express my deepest gratitude to my wife, Professor Silifat Ajoke Sanni (Nee Aboaba). The relationship began when we were students and continued till we got married in November of 1992 and continues to this day. We are grateful for the prayers, support, and understanding that she has been providing. In addition, I expresse my gratitude to my children for being able to tolerate having a father who was constantly on the move. Our little accomplishments are a testament to the glory of God. Without a doubt, God will bless us even more in this life and in the world to come. Aamin.  

Thank you, Sir for your time. 

You are welcome.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Prof. Lateef Oladimeji Sanni is a classical example of composite of town and grown.