Kogi mourns passing of First African Professor of Wildlife/Fisheries Ecology, Ajayi

The Government and people of Kogi State have mourned the passing of the first African Professor of Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology, Professor Emeritus Seth Sunday Ajayi, NNOM (Science).

According to the government, the distinguished son of Kogi, an outstanding scholar and a global icon in environmental protection and wildlife conservation, who passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, 5th January 2026, lived a life of uncommon service, excellence, and impact. Born on 16th May 1943, he brought honour to Kogi State, Nigeria, Africa, and the international community through his groundbreaking work in wildlife ecology, conservation, and sustainable development.

In a message signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, the government noted that Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State has described the passing of Professor Ajayi as a monumental loss, not only to Kogi State but to the entire nation and the global scientific community.

The Governor notes that Professor Ajayi’s life was defined by knowledge, humility, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of humanity.

“Professor Ajayi was a trailblazer. He made history as the first African Professor of Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology and as the Pioneer Head of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management at the University of Ibadan, the first of its kind in Africa. His academic leadership also extended to his service as Pioneer Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and Pioneer Director of the Centre for Environmental Protection and Natural Resources at the University of Ibadan.

“His scientific contributions laid the foundation for the domestication and conservation of key African wildlife species, creating sustainable solutions for food security while preserving biodiversity.

“These achievements earned him global recognition and lasting respect. In recognition of his exceptional service, Professor Ajayi was inducted into the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1994 and later conferred with the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) in 2013, Nigeria’s highest intellectual honour.

“Beyond academia, Professor Ajayi played a critical role in shaping national policy. He was instrumental in the establishment of Nigeria’s National Parks Service, contributed to the development of the country’s environmental conservation framework, and served on several national and international advisory bodies, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the World Bank.

According to Ododo, Professor Ajayi was not only a scholar of global standing but also a mentor, teacher, and nation builder who inspired generations of Nigerians.

“His legacy lives on through the countless students, researchers, and policymakers he nurtured.

“The Kogi State Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the Ajayi family, the academic community, and all those touched by the life and work of this great son of Kogi State. We pray that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

“Kogi State will always remember Professor Emeritus Seth Sunday Ajayi for the pride he brought to our land and the lasting contributions he made to humanity.”