The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

  • FUNAAB VC supports calls for economic diversification via agriculture

    FUNAAB VC supports calls for economic diversification via agriculture

    Prof. Felix Salako, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta ( FUNAAB ), has voiced support for the growing calls for the diversification of the nation’s economy through agriculture.

    Salako expressed the support in a statement signed by Dr Linda Onwuka, Head of Directorate of Public Relations of the university, which was given on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The statement said that Salako spoke at the opening of the facilitation and communication skills training programme for agricultural extension agents on the university campus.

    It said the vice-chancellor described agriculture as a sustainable tool for national development and urged trainees, who were receiving training under the Agricultural Development Programmes ( ADPs ) of states, to be change catalysts.

    “The young people I see here today are the new generation of extension officers; they will be catalysts in efforts to push the nation forward, using agriculture as an alternative to crude oil export.

    “It is dawning on everybody that we are running into trouble with oil. What may even make oil more useless is the fact that people are already thinking of alternative sources of energy, even for running cars.

    “So, this training could not have come at a better time than now,” the statement quoted Salako as saying.

    It said that the vice-chancellor expressed the readiness of the university to collaborate with other bodies to strengthen the skills of agricultural workers, particularly extension services agents.

    “We are ready to strengthen the skills of extension agents, using participatory and adult-learning methodology, to enhance timely and sustained supply of cassava root by small and medium scale farmers.

    “We are confident that the completion of the course will make the participants better and help in building their capacity to facilitate effective facilitation and communication with farmers.

    “As extension officers, you need to step up your roles in contributing to the development of our nation. You need to develop good relationship with farmers and subsequently use these skills to connect yourself.

    “One thing that has come to the fore these days is that farmers do not trust agriculturists anymore. You must be ready to convince the farmer to even listen to you.

    “So, you need a lot of efforts to be able to convince farmers about innovations,’’ Salako was quoted as saying.

    The statement said that Salako stressed that the training was apt, while the approach to engage both extension agents of the state ADPs and procurement executives of cassava-processing factories would definitely achieve the desired results.

    Also, Prof. Lateef Sanni, the Country Manager of Cassava: Adding Value for Africa II (CAVA II), said in the statement that the inconsistency in the supply of raw materials was a major and critical factor affecting the survival of large scale industries.

    Sanni, who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) Designate of FUNAAB, reportedly said that sourcing cassava raw materials required a lot of effort.

    “We are aware that you have different locations where you source for raw materials but at present, there are some issues we have itemised in the last two years.

    “The major problem is that the farmers themselves have informed us that some of the extension officers or procurement officers are delaying their payments.

    “This is attitudinal and that’s why we decided to bring in a consultant that will interact with you on facilitation, communication and sustainable engagements,’’ the statement quoted Sanni as saying.

    NAN

  • FUNAAB: New Vice Chancellor resumes

    FUNAAB: New Vice Chancellor resumes

    The substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta ( FUNAAB ), Professor Felix kolawole Salako, on Tuesday received his instruments of office from the Acting Vice – Chancellor, Professor Ololade Enikuomehin.

    Salako who is the sixth Vice – Chancellor of the institution, assured that he would “be fair to all.”

    He gave the assurance shortly after Enikuomehin handed-over to him in the presence of Principal Officers and other top members of staff, according to a statement by Kola Adepoju, Acting Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta ( FUNAAB ).

    Salako noted  that God has been with the University inspite of the recent crisis, that rocked it, noting that the Governing Council should be commended for mustering courage to appoint three Principal Officers in a flawless process within same period.

    The Soil Physicist, said that his approach to administration would revolve around his core values of justice and fairness.

    According to him, the productivity of staff would be of paramount interest to him while diligence and efficiency among staff  would also be rewarded.

    “I have the responsibility of the Vice-Chancellor to protect the interest of the University. I have the responsibility to ensure that staff are comfortable. That staff have what is due to them, that students have what is due to them too,” he said.

    Professor Salako who was the pioneer Director of the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS) at FUNAAB,  would officially assume duty tomorrow, November 1.

  • FUNAAB gets new VC, Registrar

    FUNAAB gets new VC, Registrar

    The Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has appointed three new Principal Officers, in substantive capacities, for the University.

    The Principal Officers-designates are Professor Felix Kolawole Salako, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Hakeem Adebola Adekola, Registrar; and Mr. Chukwunwike Ezekpeazu, Bursar.

    Their appointment was approved by the institution’s Governing Council.

    In a statement by Adewale Kupoluyi of the Directorate of Public Relations, FUNAAB, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Council, Dr. Aboki Zhawa, the appointments followed due process

    “The process was guided by rules, regulations and the Act (establishing the University). We were guided by provisions of the Act, the rules of the University and Federal Character. 

    “We, as a Council, decided to set up the committee that will do the screening for the Council. It was after screening that the Technical Committee was mandated to look at the applicants; to see if they have complied with the spirit of the advertisement. 

    “The Technical Committee came up with a good list and they presented to the Selection Board. Having looked at the list, we made a recommendation to the Council and it approved the list and the other recommendations that were submitted,” he said.

    The Vice-Chancellor-designate, Professor Felix Salako, was born in Lagos State in 1961 and hails from Ibadan, Oyo State. A Professor of Soil Physics in the Department of Soil Science and Land Management, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) of the University, he attended the famous Igbobi College, Lagos; the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he obtained his B. Agric (Hons) and M.Sc degrees in Soil Science in 1983 and 1986, respectively before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he bagged his PhD Degree in Soil Science, in 1997.

    Professor Salako joined the services of FUNAAB in 2000 as a Senior Lecturer and moved up the academic ladder to become a Professor in 2006.

  • Contribute to nation building, LASU VC tells students

    Contribute to nation building, LASU VC tells students

    The Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, has challenged Nigerian students to always brainstorm on how to move the country forward.

    Fagbohun spoke at the close of an inter-varsity debate hosted by the LASU Students Union (LASUSU) on Friday in Lagos.

    He urged the students to see themselves as people who could make significant contributions to governance and nation building.

    The Vice Chancellor asked them to take a cue from the newly-elected President of France, Emmanuel Macron, who rose to presidency from a humble beginning.

    “Instead of involving in Aluta all the times, always consider how you can make significant impact in nation building, to propel the country to economic prosperity.

    “Be a global student who is relevant by assisting to achieve sustainable development in the country,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six universities participated in the debate on ‘Charting Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Youth Agenda’.

    University of Ibadan (UI) emerged the overall winner with 73.6 per cent and went home with a cash prize of N100,000.

    The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) came second with 65 per cent, taking home a N60,000 cash prize, while Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, came third with 61.5 per cent and got a cash prize of N40,000.

    The host, LASU, came fourth with 61 per cent, winning a cash prize of N20,000, while Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomosho (LAUTECH) won the team spirit award, with a cash prize of N10,000.

    Speaking to NAN after the debate, Mr Dara Olaniyan, a 300 level Law student of UI, said the competition was educative.

    Olaniyan urged other students to participate in subsequent editions, so to acquire more knowledge and be meaningfully engaged.

    “The competition was well planned and organised.

    “Students should engage more in this kind of academic exercise;  several schools were invited but only six eventually showed up,’’ he said.

  • Sack of 23 FUNAAB staff is vindictive, malicious – NLC

    Sack of 23 FUNAAB staff is vindictive, malicious – NLC

    … Demands immediate recall of affected staff

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the unconditional recall of the 23 staff of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) who were sacked by the management of the Institution.

    In a letter to the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, dated November 15, 2016 and signed by the NLC National President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the NLC described the actions of the management as bordering on “impunity, lawlessness and violation of the workers’ rights.”

    The apex Labour union said the anti – corruption crusade of the present administration would not succeed if whistle blowers are not protected from victimisation as was the case with those in FUNAAB.

    Many were sacked in FUNAAB following a petition against the Pro – Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and Professor Olusola Bamidele respectively to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The letter reads in part: “we have it on good authority that between November 8 and 11, 2016, twenty three staff have been relieved of their appointments maliciously and in a vindictive manner.

    “Do permit us to observe that the actions of the Council and Management of FUNAAB do not only constitute impunity and lawlessness but a violation of the fundamental human rights of these workers as enshrined in Section 39 of the 2009 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Honourable Minister Sir, in order for the war on corruption to succeed, whistle blowers must be protected by all means and not victimized as is presently the case of FUNAAB.

    “Accordingly, we request you to cause an investigation into what is going on at FUNAAB as well as ensure that the affected workers are recalled unconditionally.”

  • FUNAAB: Police arraign 50 persons over violent protest

    FUNAAB: Police arraign 50 persons over violent protest

     

    Fifty students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) were arraigned on Friday at a  magistrate court  sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, for arson and destruction of properties.

    The peaceful campus of the institution and the adjoining communities had slipped into chaos last Thursday when a peaceful protest by the students turned violent.

    At least five persons – two students and three police officers, were said to have been injured when a detachment of policemen drafted to contain the highly incensed students, clashed with them.

    For over five hours, the students took to the Alabata road and Abeokuta – Ibadan road and helped by people suspected to be street urchins and miscreants, they set ablaze nine vehicles, vandalized scores of others in their trail.

    The church where FUNAAB Vice – Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole is the founder and General Overseer, and located few metres away from the Headquarters of the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force(NPF), was not spared of the students’ wrath.

    The church’s window panes, doors and properties were vandalized. Worshippers’ and visitors’ vehicles packed at the premises of the church were also damaged.

    On Friday, the Police arraigned 50 persons in connection with the chaos and destruction. While 43 of the accused persons were charged in suit number, MA/429c/2016, the other seven were charged in a separate case with charge number, MA/430c/2016.

    But the offences for which they were all arraigned however remained the same.

    The Students who were ferried to the court in many Police vehicles were charged with arson, taking part in an unlawful assembly, riot and malicious damage of properties including a Toyota Camry Saloon Car belonging to one Assistant Superintendent of Police,  Ariyo Adejuwon.

    They were also accused of “willfully and unlawfully set fire to Osiele Police Station, property of Nigeria Police Force” and “willfully and unlawfully destroyed or damaged louvers property of Divine Height Bible Church Kotopo, Abeokuta.”

    The Police prosecutors, Sunday Eigbejiale and Emmanuel Kayode informed the court that the offences were committed at Camp Area of Abeokuta in the Abeokuta Magistrate District.

    They also told the court that the offences are punishable under section 516(a), 443(a), 70, 71 and 451 of Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.

    The accused persons however pleaded not guilty to the offences.

    Bunmi Adelabu, one of the counsel, applied for their bail before Magistrate Sofowora Oriyomi, arguing that the accused persons are presumed innocent until otherwise proven by the court.

    The prosecutors opposed the bail applications.

    Delivering her ruling on the application, Magistrate Sofowora admitted the accused persons to bail with N100, 000 each with two sureties in the like sum.

    One of the sureties, according to the Court, must be a guardian or parent of the accused person, resident in Abeokuta, depose to affidavit of means while each of them must be a regular tax payers with evidence of tax payment in the last one year.

    Magistrate Sofowora also ruled that two passport-size photograph each of the sureties and the accused person be attached to the bail bond while the addresses of the sureties should be verified by the court ordeal.

    The case was however adjourned till September 29.

  • Students protest: Our position – University

    Students protest: Our position – University

    In apparent reaction to the violent student’s protest that rocked the university community and its environs on Thursday, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) said it has declared a seven – day mid – semester break.

    Speaking through the Head, Directorate of Public Relations (DPR), FUNAAB, Emi’ Alawode, said this is to enable the university to put additional welfare and security arrangements in place.

    “The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has declared a 7-day mid-semester break for the Second Semester, 2015/2016 Academic Session with effect from Thursday, August 18, 2016.

    “This is to enable the university to put additional welfare and security arrangements in place, to further support the initiatives of the Federal and State Governments, towards the protection of lives and properties of its citizens, particularly, members of staff and students of the university.

    “As part of the efforts towards ensuring a safe haven for members of the University community, FUNAAB has partnered with the Ogun State Commissioner of Police and the Director, State Security Service (SSS), to uphold safety of lives and property of staff and students living within the school environs, following Armed Robbery reports received by students residing in Isolu, a community situated close to the University, which is highly populated by staff and students of FUNAAB.

    “To this end, the University’s Security Team, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) from Odeda and Obantoko areas, both in Abeokuta, Ogun State, often take turns, on a daily basis, to patrol the University environs at night. The University Management has also encouraged the various communities to embrace community policing and vigilante services, to support the efforts of the Police and the SSS.

    “It is also important to note that students are properly scrutinised during the University’s screening exercise after the Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, to pro-actively ensure that candidates with questionable characters are not admitted into the University.

    “Students have also been cautioned to live a low profile life, avoid attracting unnecessary attention to themselves, be alert, be vigilant about happenings in their surroundings and be free to contact the University’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), in case they notice any strange movement or occurrence around their vicinities,” she said.