Otitoju Femi
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Thursday, December 18, 2025, hosted a landmark academic event as Professor Temitope Seun Babalola delivered the University’s 21st Inaugural Lecture, titled “The Story of Land and Soil: A Pedologist’s Pursuit of Productivity.”
- Held at the new 1,000 capacity lecture hall, the event marked notable firsts in the university’s academic history.
It was the third inaugural lecture presented from the Faculty of Agriculture and the first from the Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management.
Professor Babalola opened the lecture with expressions of humility and thanksgiving, attributing the occasion to divine grace.
Quoting Lamentations 3:22–23, he described the event as a manifestation of God’s faithfulness while acknowledging Vice-Chancellor, principal officers, colleagues, students, family members and friends.
Moving beyond formalities, he posed a central question that framed the lecture: What relevance does soil science hold if its knowledge does not reach the farmer?
However, he criticized conventional soil survey practices, noting that soil maps produced without detailed explanatory reports remain largely inaccessible to policymakers, land-use planners and farmers.
While such materials may serve specialists, he argued, they often failed those who depended on the land for livelihood.
Professor Babalola said: “If farmers are the custodians of the soil,” he asked, “why are they usually the last to understand its potential and limitations?”
Drawing from empirical studies, Professor Babalola observed that many farmers operated without soil survey information, a situation which would lead to land misuse, soil degradation and declining yields.
According to him, trial-and-error farming no longer sustainable amid population growth, climate variability and diminishing arable land.
This disconnect, he explained, had shaped his lifelong academic pursuit: closing the communication gap between soil scientists, policymakers and farmers.
He traced his passion for agriculture to early experiences on his uncle’s farm in Ipao-Ekiti, where exposure to food production and the counsel of his late mother, Mrs. E. O. Babalola, influenced his career path.
His academic journey later transformed curiosity into commitment, with soil scientists, he noted, playing roles similar to medical doctors in diagnosing soil health and sustainability.
Meanwhile, the lecture offered a panoramic review of agricultural evolution, from the Neolithic Revolution and ancient irrigation systems to medieval trade expansion, the British Agricultural Revolution, industrial farming, the Green Revolution and the present-day precision agriculture.
While acknowledging technological advancements, Professor Babalola cautioned that increased productivity would often come at the cost of soil health saying that “should productivity be achieved by conquering the soil,” he asked, “or by working in partnership with it?”
He specifically enriched the discourse by integrating spiritual, indigenous and scientific perspectives, referencing Biblical, Qur’anic and African traditional views which portrayed soil as a divine trust requiring stewardship rather than exploitation.
While although recognizing the value of hydroponics and controlled-environment agriculture, Professor Babalola maintained that such systems wouldn’t replace the biological complexity and food-security capacity of natural soils.
Professor Babalola highlighted his extensive research in pedology, soil survey and classification, land suitability assessment and pedogenic oxide fingerprinting.
His findings, however, revealed significant soil variability even within small land areas, influenced by factors such as parent material, slope and landscape position.
A major innovation presented was his advocacy for profit oriented land suitability indices tailored to small holder farmers.
According to him, “What matters more to the farmer,” he asked, “a technical suitability label or a guarantee of better returns on investment?”
He concluded with recommendations for national action, including digital soil mapping, compulsory land suitability assessments, farmer-friendly decision tools, economic integration into soil research and the establishment of long-term soil observatories, saying “the journey toward productivity begins with understanding the land,” stressing that Nigeria can no longer afford delay.
Professor Temitope Seun Babalola is a renowned Soil Scientist at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, specializing in pedology, soil survey and classification, land-use planning, soil conservation and environmental management.
He is particularly noted for his work in soil mapping using GIS, remote sensing and Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensor technologies.
He has served FUOYE in various capacities, including Acting Head of the Department of Soil Science, Director of Pre-Degree Programmes and Dean of Student Affairs.
Before joining FUOYE, he lectured and conducted research at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He holds a Ph.D in Soil Survey and Classification from Ekiti State University and has received international training in soil monitoring and environmental assessment in Finland, Austria and Morocco through EU-supported programmes.
Beyond academia, Professor Babalola has consulted on land-use planning, served as President of the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students and contributed to national assessments of agricultural programmes.
He is widely respected for his leadership, scholarly excellence and commitment to student welfare and sustainable land management.
In an emotional closing appreciation, Professor Babalola anchored his journey on Proverbs 3:5–6, attributing every achievement to divine guidance.
He expressed profound gratitude to God for strength, mercy and faithfulness through both challenges and triumphs.
He paid tribute to his parents—his father, Mr. J. O. Babalola, for instilling integrity and perseverance, and his late mother, Mrs. E. O. Babalola, who he described as a Proverbs 31 woman whose counsel continues to guide him.
Special recognition was given to his mentor and academic father, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, whose mentorship shaped his academic journey from undergraduate studies through doctoral training. He also appreciated Dr. Mrs. Bosede Fasina for her exceptional support.
Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole was acknowledged for reframing the inaugural lecture as a collective departmental effort and for his role as a life coach and intellectual guide.
He expressed gratitude to his extended family, academic colleagues, the Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, the Faculty of Agriculture, the Students Affairs Division, FUOYE students and professional associations that influenced his career.
He described Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as his professional foundation and FUOYE as the platform for his academic fulfilment.
Concluding, he thanked his wife, Olufunmilayo Modupe, his children, David and Bella, and his godson, describing them as divine gifts and unwavering sources of support.
“As I stand here today,” he said, “I stand on the shoulders of many. Thank you for being part of my story.”
