By Adeyinka Adeniran
Professor Adeniyi Sulaiman Gbadegesin is a renowned academic and expert in Geography. Born on April 6, 1955, he was educated at the University of Ibadan, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Geography with first-lass honours in 1979, and his doctorate degree in 1984, specialising in soils, natural resource analysis and management.
He has an illustrious academic career, serving as a lecturer, senior lecturer, reader, and eventually, professor at the University of Ibadan. He also held various administrative positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (2005-2007), Head of the Department of Geography (2008-2011) and Vice-Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso (2011-2019).
In addition to his academic achievements, Professor Gbadegesin made significant contributions to the field of Geography and Environmental Management. He initiated the establishment of the Disaster Risk Management Programme at the University of Ibadan in 2009 and consulted as a biodiversity and natural resource management expert at EnvironPlus.
For Professor Gbadegesin, “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think. The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.” – Robert M. Hutchins
This quote captures the essence of Prof. Gbadegesin’s contributions as a dedicated researcher, diligent teacher and outstanding university administrator. His commitment to education and academic excellence has inspired countless students and colleagues, empowering them to think critically and continue learning throughout their lives.
Throughout his career, Professor Gbadegesin received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to academia and society. He is proof of the power of dedication, diligence and passion for making a positive impact in the world.
Professor Gbadegesin’s illustrious academic career spans over four decades, with a remarkable journey that began in 1983 as a lecturer in the Department of Geography, University of Ibadan. He was appointed with such colleagues as Professors Bayo Okunade, O.B.C Nwolise and Adigun A. B. Agbaje by the University of Ibadan at the same time. His teaching expertise encompasses various courses in soils, biogeography, and land resource analysis, impacting undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nigeria and globally.
His research trajectory is equally impressive, with an initial focus on soil properties influencing crop yields, evolving into explorations of local communities’ roles, particularly women’s contributions, in managing protected ecosystems and forest patches in Nigeria’s forest and savanna zones. Notable highlights from his research endeavours include Land-use consultant for the SSRC/American Council of Learnt Societies Joint Committee-sponsored project (1991); Coordinator of the WWF-funded research project on forest resources management in southern Nigeria (1995); and Leader of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency/World Bank-sponsored research team assessing conservation status in Abuja (1998).
His expertise has been sought after nationally and internationally, leading to numerous high-profile assignments and consultancies. Some notable engagements, include Drafting the Inclusive Green Economy for Nigeria (2013); Leading the Socio-economic and environmental sectors team for Nigeria’s State Peer Review Mechanism for Ekiti State (October 2012); Heading the Socio-economic team reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment of the Nigeria Ports Authority’s Bonny Channel Dualisation project (September 2011); Participating as a member of the APRM team to Mozambique and contributing to the report writing team (2009) and Serving as a consultant to the African Development Bank for a background paper on Renewable Natural Resources Management in Africa (2007) and Preparing the Status of Socio-economic Development in Nigeria for NEPAD/APRM (2006).
These engagements demonstrate Professor Gbadegesin’s recognition as a leading expert in his field and his commitment to applying his knowledge and expertise to drive sustainable development and environmental stewardship in Nigeria and beyond.
Professor Gbadegesin is currently leading a research study as the Principal Investigator (PI) to investigate the level of multi-stakeholder engagement in disaster management in three Nigerian states: Ogun, Kwara and Enugu. The study focuses on assessing the effectiveness of coordination among agencies responsible for disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
This research is part of the Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) programme, specifically under the Resilience Building through Multi-Stakeholder Engagement in Anticipatory Action (REBUMAA) project. The project is a collaborative effort involving the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the University of Hamburg, the University of Ibadan, the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and the Red Crescent Society.
My heartwarming connection with Professor Gbadegesin deepened during his daughter, Damope’s (now Mrs Adeyemo) stint with me as the Higher Executive Officer at the University of Ibadan’s Directorate of Public Communication, where I served as the Director from 2012 to 2022. Whenever we met, Professor Gbadegesin would affectionately inquire about his daughter’s well-being, asking, “Bawo ni omo re se n sise si?” (How is your daughter faring in her duties?) I fondly recalled Damope’s exceptional work ethic, loyalty and warm demeanour. Her bright smile, accentuated by her charming gap-toothed grin was contagious, making her a joy to work with. As a diligent and dedicated staff member, Damope consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to her responsibilities, earning my appreciation and respect. Through Damope, I caught glimpses of Professor Gbadegesin’s remarkable character, values and devotion to family. His genuine interest in his daughter’s professional growth and well-being reflected his caring nature and pride in her accomplishments.
The Valedictory Programme and 70th Valedictory Lecture, to honour this distinguished geographer and academic icon, promise to be a thought-provoking event. The lecture, titled “Instrumentality of Geoinformatics as Patent Tools for Environmental Governance,” will be delivered by Dr. Usani Uguru Usani, former Minister of the Ministry of Nigeria Delta Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria, on Thursday, 3 April, 2025, at 10.00am in the Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan.
This lecture is expected to spark important discussions and reflections on the transformative power of geoinformatics in addressing environmental challenges. It will be a fitting tribute to Professor Gbadegesin’s remarkable contributions to geography and environmental research.
Professor Gbadegesin, the former President of the University of Ibadan Muslim Community, is a shining example of interfaith harmony. He is happily married to a Christian, and their union is blessed with lovely children, demonstrating that love and respect can transcend religious boundaries.
For this well-deserved retirement, I extend my deepest gratitude and best wishes for a fulfilling new chapter filled with joy, relaxation and new adventures. Thank you, Professor Gbadegesin, for your outstanding service and lasting impact.
Congratulations and cheers, Sir!
Tunji Oladejo writes from the University of Ibadan via oladejo65@gmail.com
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