Dr. Odedina made this known in a personal reflection on Saturday, September 20, 2025, recalling how he began his professional career in 1990 at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (formerly Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, School of Agriculture, Akure).
According to him, his journey started immediately after completing the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1989 at the same college, which later absorbed him into full service in September
1990.
“Fast forward to 2015, I was appointed as the substantive Provost of the Institution – the first alumnus to hold this position since the college's establishment in 1967. In essence, I schooled, served NYSC, worked, and became the Provost of the same institution”he recounted.
During his tenure as Provost, he recorded several landmark achievements, including transforming the Arable Crops (Edu) building into a world-class training centre using innovative non-budgetary funding.
He also established an International Training Centre, Guest House, Agro shop, Clinic, improved road and power infrastructure, introduced new courses, boosted student enrollment, and secured multiple international collaborations.
His efforts, he noted, did not go unnoticed, as both the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of State for Agriculture at the time issued him letters of commendation for his leadership and innovations.
Beyond administrative milestones, Dr. Odedina revealed that he has trained more than 300,000 individuals in Agricultural Technology and Enterprises, many of whom now occupy strategic leadership positions within Nigeria’s and the world’s agriculture and food systems.
Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude to God for granting him strength, energy, and good health throughout his career.
“Thank you, God, for these 35 years of service! I look forward to the remaining years of service as I expand my hobbies and continue to integrate fun and joy into work and service,” he said.
