At exactly 1.28 pm, the 16th Triennial Symposium of the International Society for Tropical Roots Crops (ISTRC) ended gloriously, amid commendation galore for the University, for being a “Super Host”
The Closing Ceremony witnessed the emergence of Professor Keith Tomlins, a Professor of Food Science, Food and Markets Department, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich as the new President of ISTRC.
He took over from Professor Andrew Westby, who disclosed at the ceremony that he had served as President of ISTRC for 9 years.
The Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the Symposium, and Deputy Dean, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), FUNAAB, Professor Lateef Sanni emerged the Secretary of the body, among other executives.
However, FUNAAB became the toast of the leadership of ISTRC, who commended the institution profusely for being a good host.
The new President of ISTRC, Professor Tomlins actually set the pace. He did not only described FUNAAB’s hosting of the symposium as “Superb”, the Professor of Food Science expressed confidence that the University has the wherewithal to host bigger international events.
According to him, “I cannot but thank this University for the superb way you have hosted this symposium. The support we received here was from the top, that is from the Vice-Chancellor and willingly down to the LOC and other staff”.
Professor Tomlins evoked emotions when he declared that “ I am sad that this is the end of the Symposium but I am happy because it has afforded me the opportunity, not only to make new friends from my country but worldwide”.
He added that “More importantly it has afforded ISTRC the opportunity to review its activities, plan for the next stage and forge ahead.”
Speaking earlier, the immediate past President of ISTRC, Professor Westby also commended the commitment of the University to the success of the Symposium.
His words, “I want to reiterate my thanks to this University, great amount of work, FUNAAB has put into this meeting”.
Like Professor Tomlins, Professor Westby also betrayed emotions, saying “we have reached the end of our meeting but I’m really sad. I’m really sad because we’ve shared a lot, we have shared passion and we’ve met old friends. I am sad because I enjoyed being President for the past nine years”.
He expressed confidence that the new leadership of ISTRC will take the Society to the next level.
Award for meritorious service was presented to the University and outstanding individuals for their brilliant research.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole led Principal Officers and other members of the University Community to the closing ceremony.