President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Emeritus Professor Seth Sunday Ajayi, a foremost Nigerian scholar, environmental scientist, and a global pioneer in Wildlife and Fisheries Management, who died at the age of 82.
A Life of “Many Firsts”
In a condolence message released on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu hailed the Mopa, Kogi State-born academic as a “giant” whose life was characterized by groundbreaking scientific research and innovation.
In a condolence message released on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu hailed the Mopa, Kogi State-born academic as a “giant” whose life was characterized by groundbreaking scientific research and innovation.
“Emeritus Professor Ajayi was a giant. The story of his life is laced with many firsts, leaving indelible footprints across the realms of Environmental Sciences, Agriculture, Academia, Innovation and Technological Development,” the President stated.
From Research to the Dinner Table
Ajayi’s pioneering work laid the scientific foundation for the domestication and conservation of key African wildlife species, including the African giant rat, the grasscutter, and the Nigerian helmeted guinea fowl.
Ajayi’s pioneering work laid the scientific foundation for the domestication and conservation of key African wildlife species, including the African giant rat, the grasscutter, and the Nigerian helmeted guinea fowl.
President Tinubu noted that these globally acclaimed breakthroughs solved critical African problems: “These globally acclaimed breakthroughs created sustainable pathways for increased animal protein supply in Africa while safeguarding biodiversity and preventing species extinction.”
Global Recognition
The late scholar’s impact extended far beyond Nigeria, influencing policy at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In recognition of his contributions, Ajayi was inducted into UNEP’s Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1994 and conferred with the prestigious Nigerian National Order of Merit in 2013.
The late scholar’s impact extended far beyond Nigeria, influencing policy at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In recognition of his contributions, Ajayi was inducted into UNEP’s Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1994 and conferred with the prestigious Nigerian National Order of Merit in 2013.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Ajayi family, the people of Kogi State, and the Nigerian environmental sciences community, describing the loss of the dedicated professional as a blow to the nation.