Greenwich University, United Kingdom, has honoured former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof Lateef Sanni, with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree.
The conferment ceremony, according to a statement, was held at the Rochester Cathedral.
The Nigerian scholar and incumbent Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute was also the convocation speaker to the Class of 2025.
Prof Sanni, in his convocation address, urged the graduates to learn how to “dream big, even if it’s from a small place, underscoring the power of resilience, purpose, and service to humanity.”
Prof Sanni, with the award, became the first alumnus of FUNAAB to be so honoured by the University of Greenwich.
His career spans over three decades and includes more than 109 peer-reviewed publications, 30 books, mentorship of over 140 graduate students, and fellowship of several national and international science academies.
The former DVC is widely regarded as a pioneer in post-harvest food systems research and has contributed immensely to agricultural sustainability and food security policy both in Nigeria and globally.
The researcher, according to the statement, had been honoured numerous times for his significant contributions to the cassava value chain through the Cassava Adding Value for Africa and CAVA II projects.
He served as the Country Manager for Nigeria for the projects and had been a project manager for the Building of an Economically Sustainable, Integrated Cassava Seed System Phase II, otherwise called BASICS II project.
The FUNAAB Alumni Association hailed the award, describing it as a “priceless testament” to Prof Sanni’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and global relevance.
The Global President of the alumni, Bolaji Gbadamosi, said, “This is more than a personal achievement, it is a national pride.
“Prof. Sanni’s journey from Abeokuta to global acclaim reflects the limitless possibilities of Nigerian scholars when excellence is nurtured and service is prioritised.
“Prof Sanni’s recognition is not only a feather in the cap of Nigerian academia but a call to the nation to celebrate and invest in the intellect and integrity of its brightest minds.”
