The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo inducted its pioneer food scientists on Tuesday, 18th November, 2025 at the Main Auditorium, Odosida Campus of the institution.

Speaking on the topic “Impacting Communities through Functional Foods: A Pathway to Sustainable Development”, the guest lecturer, Prof Abiodun Adeola represented by Associate Prof. Dare Adekoyemi emphasized the health benefits of food. He then charged the inductees to always educate the populace on health and food benefits. In his words, “Good food serves as a solution to the health issues happening around us, it is just so unfortunate that some of these foods are underutilized and gradually going into extinction. It is your duty to educate the public about the health benefits of these foods as a healthy diet is tantamount to good health.  Your food should be your medicine”, the don said.

Abiodun Adeola added that “integrating functional foods into community diets promote a more resilient food system, improves public health, lowers the risk of chronic diseases, promotes gut health and immune function, reduces inflammation, serves as a veritable tool in accomplishing SDG 3 by 2030” He further said that implementation in communities “requires a coordinated approach which includes involvement of local communities, NGOs and Governmental units”.

The Vice Chancellor of UNIMED, Prof Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, represented by Prof Abdulazeez Abubakar, stated the importance of the profession and charged them to uphold the ethics of the profession and be distinct in the discharge of their duties, “Food Science is a profession needed by all, as food security helps any nation a great deal. As food scientists, no nation can ignore you, as you hold the ace to people’s survival. Ensure that you uphold the ethics of the profession”, she said.

 A total number of 6 students were inducted into the profession by the National President of Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Dr Bola Osinowo, represented by Professor Matthew Oluwamukomi, as Esan Modupe Mary emerged the overall best graduating student.

The Department of Food Science was established in the Faculty of Science UNIMED Ondo in the year 2020 to align with UNIMED‘s mission of providing exceptional, quality and comprehensive health care and integrated education and research in all health care for underserved population, and to lead the scientific pathway for reducing the burden of diseases in our area of operation.