UI Former VC Hails Prof. Alexander Ugwumba at 70, Commends His Four Decades of Academic Service

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Idowu Olayinka, has congratulated renowned fisheries biologist, Alexander Obih Ugwumba, as he celebrates his 70th birthday and retirement after more than four decades of distinguished academic service.

Professor Ugwumba, who turned 70 on March 10, 2026, began his academic career at the University of Ibadan in April 1985 and has accumulated about 41 years of teaching and research experience, including 27 years as a full professor. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation in the field of Fisheries Biology.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Ibadan before earning his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Lagos, Akoka. His long and impactful career places him among the longest-serving academics in Nigeria’s university system.

During his time at the University of Ibadan, Professor Ugwumba served in several leadership roles, including Acting Director of the Zoological Garden and Head of the Department of Zoology. He also chaired and convened the university’s Mock Accreditation Ad-Hoc Committee for several years, helping departments prepare for official accreditation visits.

In this role, he drew from his extensive experience as a chairman and member of accreditation teams organised by the National Universities Commission. His contributions played a significant role in ensuring that many academic programmes at the university secured full accreditation, while others achieved interim accreditation.

Throughout his career, Professor Ugwumba supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, many of whom have gone on to hold key positions across different sectors. He also served as an external examiner and assessor for professorial promotions in several universities within and outside Nigeria.

Beyond his academic achievements, he was known for his sociable personality and active participation in campus life, including his tenure as President of the Senior Staff Club of the University of Ibadan.

In his congratulatory message, Olayinka described Ugwumba as a complete gentleman, friendly, jovial and supportive colleague whose contributions to teaching, research and academic administration have left a lasting impact.

He also congratulated Ugwumba’s wife and longtime companion, Adiaha Alda Alex Ugwumba, a professor and former Head of the Department of Zoology at the University of Ibadan, as well as their children, Alex and Bella.

Olayinka further wished the retired professor a fulfilling and blissful retirement after decades of dedicated service to education, humanity and national development.