Scientific Homage Organised for Dr. Ayuk-Takem

The eminent researcher will be buried in his home town, Besongabang on Saturday February 28.

The esplanade of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) was the venue for the ceremony for Scientific Honours to the Late Dr. Jacob Assam Ayuk-Takem yesterday February 28 in Nkolbisson, Yaounde.

Relatives, friends and research colleagues came together to remember, commemorate, weep and mourn for the life of Dr. Ayuk-Takem. Speaking during the occasion, the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation, Madeleine Tchuinte, described him as an erudite researcher who despite the difficult moments faced by research in Cameroon, stayed on till his retirement to serve his country humbly.

Dr. Ayuk-Takem was born at Besongabang-Mamfe in Manyu Division on December 23, 1944. He started his career as an agricultural assistant in 1964 after graduating from the Cameroon Protestant College Bali in 1963. After obtaining his M.S. Degree in 1971, he successfully became a researcher in Bambui in the North West Region where as a breeder he worked on maize, yams, sweet potatoes, rice and wheat.

His achievements as a scientist and research leader gave him national and international recognition. He was the former Minister of Scientific and Technical Research from 1992 to1994 and former Director General of IRAD from 1996 to 2006. The remains of Dr. Ayuk-Takem will be taken to his town to his town in Besongabang where he will be buried tomorrow.