MEET PROF. TAYO FAGBEMI: THE DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR NOW LEADING GBOSA

MEET PROF. TAYO FAGBEMI: THE DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR NOW LEADING GBOSA

Professor of Food Science and Technology, researcher and alumnus of Gboluji Anglican Grammar School takes the helm as National President

Professor Tayo Nathaniel Fagbemi has emerged as the new National President of the Gboluji Anglican Grammar School Old Students’ Association (GBOSA), bringing to the position a distinguished career spanning academia, research, food science and institutional leadership.

A proud son of Ile-Oluji and an alumnus of Gboluji Anglican Grammar School, Professor Fagbemi has built an academic career that has taken him from the classroom to the highest ranks of university scholarship, with significant contributions to food science and technology in Nigeria.

Born on February 14, 1955, in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Fagbemi began his early education at L.A. Primary School, Agunla, and L.A. Primary School, Ile-Oluji, where he studied between 1961 and 1967.

He proceeded to Gboluji Anglican Grammar School, Ile-Oluji, from 1968 to 1972, before attending Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure, between 1973 and 1974.

His pursuit of higher education took him to the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he studied between 1974 and 1979. He subsequently attended the University of Ibadan in 1984 and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2004.

Professor Fagbemi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Technology, a Master of Science degree in Food Technology and a PhD in Food Chemistry.

He began his professional career in 1980 as a Lecturer III at The Federal Polytechnic, Akure, an institution that later became The Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti. Through dedication and academic progression, he rose to the position of Chief Lecturer in 1997.

In 1998, he transferred his services to the Federal University of Technology, Akure, as a Senior Lecturer. He attained the rank of Professor in 2007.

His academic career has also been marked by scholarly presentations and research. In December 2015, he delivered his inaugural lecture titled, “Food Processing: Guaranteeing Food, Nutrition and Health Security.”

Professor Fagbemi specialises in Food Science and Technology, with research interests particularly focused on the product development of functional foods. His work has also resulted in patents, while his current research focus includes the development of food pilot plants.

Over the years, he has served as an external examiner for several universities and polytechnics and has participated as a principal or alternate principal researcher in a number of research projects and grants.

Among the research grants and awards associated with his academic career is the STEP-B project on the sustainable production, processing and utilisation of maize, cassava and cowpea for food security in Nigeria. The project, valued at $4,499,976.87, was undertaken between 2011 and 2013, with Professor Fagbemi serving as an alternate principal researcher.

He was also principal researcher on a TETFund research grant awarded in 2019, valued at ₦1,689,200, for which a report was submitted. In 2017, he participated as a co-researcher in another TETFund research project valued at ₦1,615,000.

In 2022, he was associated with an NLNG research award for the development of a process pilot plant for plantain flour, valued at $100,000. His research work in this area also includes a patent relating to the development of a process pilot plant for plantain flour.

Beyond his research activities, Professor Fagbemi is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (FNIFST) and a Member of the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (MIPAN).

His contribution to academic development is further reflected in his supervision of postgraduate students. He has supervised 20 PhD students and 25 master's students.

Professor Fagbemi has also published extensively, with more than 110 articles in peer-reviewed local and international journals, according to the profile provided by Ile-Oluji Times Online.

He has held several administrative responsibilities within the academic environment, including serving as Head of Department and Director of Academic Planning.

He currently serves as Director of STEP-B Projects at the Centre of Excellence in Food Security and is also involved in accreditation responsibilities.

His emergence as National President of GBOSA therefore places an accomplished academic and distinguished alumnus at the helm of the association as it begins its 2026–2028 administrative tenure.

For an old students’ association whose strength is rooted in the achievements and contributions of its members, Professor Fagbemi’s extensive academic and professional background represents a significant addition to the leadership of GBOSA.

As he assumes office, expectations will be high for the new leadership to build on the association’s existing foundation, strengthen alumni engagement and contribute to the continued development of Gboluji Anglican Grammar School and its wider community.

Congratulations to Professor Tayo Nathaniel Fagbemi on his emergence as the National President of GBOSA.

Source: Ile-Oluji Times Online