Agri-Business student honoured with Albert Knab Memorial Award

Adetola Adejo, a soon-to-be-graduate of the Agri-Business Management program, was recently named the 2026 recipient of the Albert Knab Memorial Award.

The award, established in honour of former professor Albert Knab who played a central role in developing Fanshawe’s Agri-Business program, recognizes Adetola’s strong academic achievement, dedication to her studies and a demonstrated passion for the agri-business industry.

Christine Reymer, professor and coordinator of the Agri-Business Management program, says Adetola is a highly deserving recipient. “She is always prepared for class, contributes meaningfully to discussions and submits insightful, well supported assignments,” she says. “In addition, Adetola regularly brings relevant, real world agri-business examples into class and applies her learning directly to her family’s business.”

Adetola’s connection to agriculture began early through her family’s business, Abbis Farm Limited, an oil-palm plantation and processing operation in Nigeria. Spending time on the farm growing up – and later selling its palm oil to wholesalers – helped her build both operational knowledge and business insight. Today, Adetola serves as managing director, focusing on improving systems, productivity and long-term sustainability.

“The program has been very practical for me,” says Adetola. “Many concepts connect directly to real operational challenges and decision-making in a working farm or agri-business.” She credits hands-on learning opportunities – including farm visits, industry shows and exposure to new agricultural technologies – for broadening her perspective and deepening her understanding of the sector.

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Receiving the Albert Knab Memorial Award was both humbling and meaningful, Adetola says. Beyond the recognition itself, she valued the opportunity to meet members of the Knab family and learn more about Albert’s legacy and impact on the program. “I’m honoured to receive the recognition, and I’m truly grateful to the Knab family for continuing Mr. Knab’s legacy through this award,” she says.

Following graduation, Adetola plans to grow her agri-business career in Canada while continuing to support the family business especially around planning, budgeting and operational improvements, working closely with on-site supervisors and managers to implement changes. Eventually, she intends to return to Nigeria to take on a more direct, on-the-ground leadership role.