End of a Glorious Era, Beginning of a Greater Mission as Prof. Oluwalana Bows Out in Grace and Glory from FUNAAB

Today, September 19, 2025, marks the glorious retirement of Professor Elizabeth Olufunmilayo Ayokunnumi Oluwalana (née Sorinmade) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). An icon of knowledge, a trailblazer in agricultural and resource economics, and a woman of unyielding faith, Prof. Oluwalana’s life and career remain a shining example of diligence, brilliance, and service to humanity.

Born on September 19, 1955, into the distinguished Sorinmade family of Egbaland, Prof. Oluwalana was named Elizabeth in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting a destiny of excellence. She holds multiple degrees, including a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics, an M.Sc. in Banking and Finance (University of Ibadan), and both an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Forestry Economics and Management from FUNAAB.

Before joining academia, she served meritoriously in the banking industry for two decades, rising to become the District Manager (Southwest) of the then National Bank of Nigeria, overseeing 26 branches across eight states. Her rare combination of financial acumen and agricultural expertise later found full expression when she joined FUNAAB in 2001. From Banking Halls to Lecture Halls,  the Inspiring Journey of Prof. Oluwalana resonates.

At FUNAAB, Prof. Oluwalana distinguished herself as a lecturer, researcher, administrator, and mentor. She was the Pioneer Deputy Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), a Programme Leader for Gender Issues and Youth Development (GIYD) at AMREC, and among the founding lecturers of the College of Management Sciences (COLMAS) of the University. She spearheaded numerous initiatives in entrepreneurship training in collaboration with international organizations such as GIZ (Germany), the Wadhwani Foundation (USA), and the FADAMA projects.

Her scholarly contributions include over 50 journal articles, several books, and three patents — the UNAAB Twin Beehive, Sheabutter Balm, and Honey-based Herbal Soap. She has supervised over 100 undergraduate students and more than 40 postgraduates, many of whom are now respected scientists and professionals across the globe.

Prof. Oluwalana’s research and innovations in herbal therapy, apiculture, and value-added agricultural products earned her multiple awards and recognitions. Among them are the Entrepreneurship Promoter of the Year (2009, 2011), the Outstanding Lecturer of the Year (2018, Southwest Nigeria Education Awards), the Ogun State Outstanding Personality Award (2015), and the Fellowship Award of the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (2023)

 Internationally, she proudly represented Nigeria at the Nigeria@50 Export Trade Fair in the United Kingdom, where her herbal products gained global acclaim, ValidViewNetwork reports.

Beyond academia, she co-founded Honey Medica Group, the RohiCare Capacity Development Foundation, and HerbalDev Enterprise with her husband, Prof. Samuel Oluwalana. Together, they combined scholarship, entrepreneurship, and faith-based service, leaving indelible footprints in community development.

Her 85th Inaugural Lecture at FUNAAB in February 2024, “Value–Addition to Agricultural and Forest Resources: Means for Herbal Therapy and Entrepreneurial Skills Development”, encapsulated her lifelong commitment to bridging science, enterprise, and healthy living.

Together with her husband, Professor Samuel Oluwalana, former Dean of the Student Affairs Division at FUNAAB, she has been a strong pillar in the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI). Prof. Samuel serves as an International Director and trustee member on the Board in Nigeria, while Prof. Elizabeth has faithfully contributed as a Prayer Coordinator for the Ladies of the Fellowship at the national level. Both are renowned not just as academics, but as vessels of faith and kingdom service — an inspiring blend of intellect and spirituality.

As the curtain falls on her formal academic career, the expectations for her post-retirement years are high, yet deeply inspiring. Many believe her retirement will only open new chapters for greater global influence. She is expected to deepen her humanitarian and faith-based commitments, particularly through RohiCare Foundation and HerbalDev Enterprise. With her proven expertise in entrepreneurship, herbal therapy, and healthy living, she is poised to continue training women, youths, and farm families across Nigeria and abroad. Her mentoring spirit — which has already birthed scientists scattered all over the world — is expected to flourish even more in advisory, consultancy, and inspirational roles.

ADVERTISEMENT

In celebrating this woman of excellence, those who know her closely speak of her as a woman of rare grace, humility, and resilience. Her colleagues describe her as brilliant yet approachable, firm yet compassionate, a mother in every sense. Students who passed through her mentorship often recall her emphasis on discipline, integrity, and innovation. She is indeed a model of “beauty with brains, elegance with substance, and faith with works” ValidViewNetwork reports.

In her words of encouragement to the younger generation, she stated:
“Never despise small beginnings. Build capacity, embrace innovation, and let integrity guide your journey. Your ideas, when nurtured with discipline and faith, can transform lives, industries, and nations.”

As part of activities to celebrate God’s faithfulness in her life is a Thanksgiving Service at Ibara Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, starting by 12 noon, ValidViewNetwork reports.

As she steps into retirement, we pray that her wisdom will continue to guide generations and her days will be filled with peace, health, and joy. May her impact through science, faith, and humanitarian service grow even greater and her home remain a beacon of light to many families.

Indeed, retirement for Prof. Elizabeth Oluwalana is not the end of service but the beginning of a new mission — a mission to mentor more, inspire deeper, and impact farther, ValidViewNetwork reports