FUNAAB Confirms Kafayat Omowumi Adebayo as Professor of Animal Nutrition: A Milestone for Food Security and Sustainable Livestock Production

​The Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has officially approved the promotion of distinguished scholar Dr. Kafayat Omowumi Adebayo to the rank of Professor of Animal Nutrition. The appointment, which retroactively takes effect from October 1, 2025, was formally confirmed during the council’s meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. This promotion marks a major milestone in the academic journey of one of Nigeria’s foremost animal nutritionists.

​Professor Adebayo, a respected academic within the Department of Animal Nutrition under the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production, has built an impressive career spanning teaching, research, mentorship, and community service. Her elevation to full professor is widely celebrated as well-deserved recognition for years of scholarly excellence and highly impactful contributions to livestock development, national food security, and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.

​Born on May 13, 1976, Professor Adebayo’s foundational academic journey began at St. Andrew’s College of Education in Oyo, Oyo State. She later moved to the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (now FUNAAB), where she successfully obtained her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) specializing in Ruminant Animal Nutrition.

​According to reports from ValidViewNetwork, Professor Adebayo’s research has primarily focused on improving nutrient utilization in livestock. She has pioneered innovative work using feed additives, phytogenic supplements, enzyme technologies, and locally available feed resources. Notably, her studies directly address the global challenge of methane emissions from ruminants, offering practical pathways toward environmentally sustainable livestock production systems.

​Over the years, she has rigorously investigated the use of medicinal and indigenous plants—such as bitter leaf, scent leaf, Guinea hen weed, clove, and the brimstone tree—as natural rumen modifiers. These local resources are capable of enhancing animal productivity while simultaneously reducing environmental impacts. Her research has also explored specialized methods to improve the nutritional value of crop residues and agro-industrial by-products, ensuring livestock farmers have reliable options for dry-season feeding.

​Prof. Adebayo’s extensive research portfolio provides highly practical solutions for livestock farmers across Nigeria, spanning ruminant nutrition, feed safety, nutrient utilization, dairy science, and alternative feed resources. Beyond advancing basic scientific knowledge, her research aligns strongly with key development milestones. Her work supports the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger by boosting animal protein availability, promotes environmental sustainability through efficient feed resource use, and advances gender equality through her exemplary role as a leading female scholar and mentor in the agricultural sciences.

​Her academic accomplishments include the successful supervision of more than 59 undergraduate students and over 25 postgraduate students, all while maintaining a robust publication record comprising dozens of peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers. Her vital contributions to animal nutrition research have earned her highly competitive grants, including the World Bank-supported STEP-B “Innovators of Tomorrow” Grant and a Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) research grant.

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​Beyond the classroom and the laboratory, she remains an active and influential member of several professional associations. These include the Nigerian Society for Animal Production (NSAP), the Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN), the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), the International Goat Association (IGA), and the Nigerian Association of University Women (NAUW). Notably, she was admitted to the prestigious Roll of Honour of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production as a Member of the Society in 2020.

​Colleagues and students alike describe Professor Adebayo as a dedicated, selfless scholar whose innovative work continues to shape the future of animal nutrition and livestock development in Nigeria. Professor Adebayo is also a valued member of the ValidViewNetwork Platform, joining a growing community of accomplished scholars, researchers, policymakers, and professionals who are collectively committed to advancing knowledge, innovation, and societal development.