The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Federal University of Agriculture

  • FUNAAB pegs cut-off mark at 180/200

    FUNAAB pegs cut-off mark at 180/200

    The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has set 180 as cut-off mark for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates seeking admission into the institution’s agricultural-based programmes.

    A statement by the Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Mrs Emi’ Alawode, noted, however, that the cut-off mark for courses outside agriculture, like Veterinary Medicine and Law is 200.

    She said: “The university operates a dual cut-off Point System for its agricultural programmes, which is fixed at 180 marks, while courses in Engineering, Sciences and Veterinary Medicine programmes are pegged at 200 marks. In other words, only candidate who scored 180 and above are eligible for the agricultural programmes, while those who made 200 and above in Engineering, Sciences and Veterinary Medicine programmes are eligible to take part in the forthcoming Post-UTME Screening.”

    The registration opened on the university’s portal yesterday and would close September 21.

    The Computer-Based Test (CBT) would hold between September 27 and 28 for UTME candidates.

    Mrs Alawode urged candidates to check the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal regularly, to track their admission.

  • FUNAAB dismisses driver

    The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has dismissed Mr Abiodun Abolade, a driver/Mechanic II attached to its Bureau of Transportation for being found with contraband items leading to his arrest.

    He was arrested by law enforcement agencies along Imeko-Afon/Olorunda area of the Idiroko border, Ogun State.

    His letter of dismissal, referenced FUNAAB/R/JP.1804/1/43 and signed by the Acting Registrar of the University, Dr Linda Onwuka, reads in part: “I write to inform you that your services, as a Driver/Mechanic II in the Bureau of Transportation are no longer required by the university and consequently, you are hereby dismissed from the services of the university with immediate effect”.

    A statement signed by the university’s Director of Public Relations, Mrs Emi Alawode, noted that the University was also investigating what led to Abolade’s arrest.

    It however, denied claims that the university asked students to pay “certain amount of money as reputation fees, and present letters of undertaking to be of good behaviour.”

    “This piece of information is untrue, embarrassing, misleading, mischievous and should be disregarded.” the statement said.

  • FUNAAB for world varsity games

    Two students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), are to join the Nigerian contingent to the 29th World University Games (WUG) holding in Taipei, Taiwan, between August 19 and 30, 2017.

    Naomi Oyinloye, a postgraduate student of Zoology, will play Badminton, while Folashade Adedotun of Chemistry will play Table Tennis.

    The duo will be led by Dr. Sam Olabanji, Acting Director, Directorate of Sports, FUNAAB to the competition which had as theme: “University sports: globalising and universalising participation”.

    According to the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), FUNAAB was selected because “of the university’s role in the development of sports in Nigeria”.

    FUNAAB won one Gold, four Silver and eight Bronze medals at the 25th NUGA hosted by the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.

    The university’s contingent of over 70 athletes took part in eight different sports such as Squash, Badminton, Chess, Table Tennis, Tennis, Taekwondo, Athletic and Hockey. The Squash female team won the Gold by defeating the defending champion, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in the finals by two straight sets.

    Olabanji, suggested that for optimum performance by the coaching crew and the athletes in subsequent games, the University Management could grant discretionary admission to some identified and talented athletes seeking admission into FUNAAB; and give scholarships to gold medalists as well as financial reward and befitting reception.

  • 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.

  • FUNAAB’s VC suspended over alleged fraud

    FUNAAB’s VC suspended over alleged fraud

    The Federal Ministry of Education has suspended the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), Abeokuta, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, over alleged criminal charges against him by the Economic for Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

    Prof. Oyewole was arraigned last November 24 at a State high court sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, by the EFCC over an alleged fraudulent handling of some of the university’s fund.

    But in a Letter dated May 5, 2017  titled: Suspension of the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and signed by Dr. Hussaini Adamu, Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry on behalf of the  Hon. Minister, the ministry stated that Oyewole should proceed on immediate suspension pending the “determination of the Court case” against him.

    The letter reads: “sequel to your arraignment before an Ogun State High Court on Criminal charges by Economic for Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Monday, 24th November 2016, I am directed to convey the Honourable Minister’s approval to place you on suspension from office with immediate effect pending the determination of the Court case against you in accordance with extant rules.

    “You are therefore directed to hand over the affairs of your office to the most senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor in the university.”

    Responding, the University through the Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Emi’ Alawode (Mrs) said the institution is undergoing consultation to ascertain the true position of things.

    It added that upon conclusion of consultation, a “formal statement will be issued in due course.”

    “The Directorate of Public Relations, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, has been inundated with inquiries on whether the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olusola Oyewole, has been suspended from office or not.

    “Consultations are in progress with the University Administration on the true position of things, while a formal statement will be issued in due course. Meanwhile, all normal academic and administrative activities are ongoing unabated, in the University,” Mrs. Alawode said.

     

  • NUGA: UNIPORT dominate athletics

    NUGA: UNIPORT dominate athletics

    The University of PortHarcourt has so far established its dominance in athletics at the ongoing Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) Games at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (UAM), by grabbing medals across athletic events.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that athletics are being staged at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi.

    The institution won its first medal in the women’s 200m through Idamadu Oghenefejiro, who finished the race in 23.75 secs beating another UNIPORT contender, Etim Alphosus who returned 24.08secs to settle for silver.

    Moyosore Badejo of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) won the bronze with 24.92 secs.

    Also in the men’s 200m, UNIPORT’s Harry Harrison, returned 21.68 secs to earn a gold, Adegoke Enoch of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), clinched the silver medal in 21.79 secs, while Ogoma Eseroghene also of UNIPORT finished in 22.10 secs for the bronze.

    However, in the men’s 400m hurdles, Ochonogor Chibuzor of UNIBEN won gold medal in 53.9 secs, pushing Jugo Daniel of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) to claim silver in 55.8 secs, while Emoji Stephen of UNILORIN took bronze with 56.4 secs.

    In the women 400m Hurdles, Nathaniel Glory of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu Ode, won gold wth 58.87 secs, while Akpan Uwemdimo of UNIPORTclaimed silver in 63.06 secs.

    Ogochukwu Njoku of Delta State University, DELSU to bronze having returned 67.73 secs.

    Also, the 100m Hurdles women gold was won by Oghenekome Okolosi of DELSU in 16.23, Akpan Uwemdimo of UNIPORT clinched silverin 16.35 and Moyosore Badejo of UNILAG bronze 18.48 secs.

    The men’s 110m hurdles was won by Yusuf Mohammed of ABU who returned 15.26 secs, while Ochnogo Chibuzor of UNIBEN finished in 16.25 secs for silver and Onyianta Chidubem of UNN bronze with 16.25 secs.

    In the Pole Vaults men final, Ababa Edwin of UNIPORT, vaulted 3.85m to win gold, Biamegh Bernard of UAM took the the silver with 3.10m, while  Paul Azubike of BSU clinched the bronze after a 2.80m vault.

    In men’s Javelin, Onyejiaka Uchenna of UNIZIK threw 51.82m for gold, Nwaonicha Precious of UNIPORT 49.40m for silver and Nwoye Ifeanyi also of UNIPORT took the bronze with 46.37m.

    In the women’s category, Aniefuma Judith of UNIPORT, threw of 34.60m to win gold, while her schoolmate, Ugeh Veronica, threw 32.90m for silver and the bronze went to Nyough Ternenge with 26.18m.

    UNIPORT also established its supremacy in the women’s Short Put when Aniefuna Judith, hit a distance of 12.88m, Ugeh Veronica also of the same institution threw 10.41m for silver and Blessing Bede of ATBU won bronze with 8.32m throw.

    In the men’s Discus event, Nwonye Ifeanyi of UNIPORT won gold with 52.70m, Onyejiaka Uchenna of UNIZIK, got silver with 36.18m, while Shadrach Julius of FUD took bronze with 34.44m.

    The Triple Jump women produced Uche Brown of UNIPORT as winner with a jump of 12.18m, her schoolmate Nwaelehia Chingarum jumped 11.93m for silver and Olaosebikan Esther from EKSU claimed the bronze with 10.30m.

    In the high jump for men, Madago Prosper of UNIBEN jumped 1.80m for the gold, Oluwayemi Jerry of UNIPORT, 1.75m for silver and Osehel Meshack of AAU 1.75m for the bronze medal.

  • FUNAAB: Senator Ogunlewe loses bid to quash charges

    FUNAAB: Senator Ogunlewe loses bid to quash charges

    Former Works and Housing Minister and Pro-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Senator Adesewe Ogunlewe, standing trial alongside the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, and Mr. Moses Olusola Ilesanmi, before Justice O.C Majekodunmi of the Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta lost his bid to quash the charges proffered against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    Counsel to Ogunlewe, the first accused in the matter, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN),  leading other counsel  had approached the court earlier seeking to quash the charges against the first accused, Senator Ogunlewe, on the grounds that the charges are bad for misjoinder of offences,  misjoinder of offenders and for duplicity; that the proof of evidence produced by the complainant does not link the first accused with the aforesaid counts nor does it disclose any prima facie against the first accused person; and that the consent of the Attorney General of Ogun State/Law officer was not obtained as required by law before filing the charge.

    At the resumed hearing of the matter, after the adoption of the written addresses made by parties, Justice Majekodunmi delivered a ruling on the application before the court in favour of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    All the grounds raised by first accused defence Counsel Team were dismissed.

    The prosecution Counsel, Dr. Ben Ubi thereafter sought for commencement of trial.

    He informed the court that there were three witnesses in court ready to testify but all the counsel to the three accused person sought for an adjournment on the ground that they were just been served additional proof of evidence and would need time to study the documents.

    The court conceded to their application and adjourned the case to March 8 and 9, 2017 for the commencement of trial.

    It would be recalled that the trio of Senator Adesewe Ogunlewe, former Works and Housing Minister and Pro-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAB Prof. Olusola Oyewole, the Vice Chancellor and Mr. Moses Olusola Ilesanmi were arraigned on Friday, November 25, 2016 on an 18 -count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, obtaining money by false pretence and abuse of office.

  • 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.