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Tag: FUNAAB

  • FUNAAB produces 104 First Class, 4,141 graduates

    FUNAAB produces 104 First Class, 4,141 graduates

    • …says N840m paid to students by NELFUND

    The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has graduated 4,141 students in the 2024/2025 academic session, with 104 of them earning First Class honours.

    A student of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Osiama Joy Chinyere, emerged as the overall best graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.85.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Senate Building ahead of the institution’s 33rd convocation ceremony scheduled for January 31, 2026.

    According to him, 1,771 graduates earned Second Class Upper Division degrees, 1,896 finished with Second Class Lower Division, 285 obtained Third Class degrees, two graduated with Pass, while 41 earned degrees in Veterinary Medicine.

    Read Also: Tears as slain FUNAAB student is buried in Lagos

    Prof. Kehinde said the university is releasing a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, visionary leaders and change-makers into society, adding that FUNAAB remains committed to academic excellence, moral discipline and institutional growth.

    He noted that the institution continues to produce competent and well-rounded graduates who are excelling across various sectors within Nigeria and internationally.

    The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the reinstatement of previously suspended Management Science programmes, including Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration and Economics.

    He further commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, revealing that FUNAAB students have so far received a total of N840 million under the scheme.

  • Tears as slain FUNAAB student Christianah Idowu is buried in Lagos

    Tears as slain FUNAAB student Christianah Idowu is buried in Lagos

    Tears flowed freely as 300-level student of Pure and Applied Botany, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ms. Christianah Idowu was laid to rest in Lagos. 

    The deceased was abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ikorodu-Yaba Road, Lagos State, on August 19. 

    Her abduction and senseless murder in Ikorodu area of Lagos left her immediate family broken-hearted, bringing great pain and untold sorrow.

    Recall that Lagos State Police Command arrested 23-year-old Ayomide Adeleye, suspected to have kidnapped and killed Idowu.

    Christianah’s murder generated outrage across social media platforms in the country, especially on X.

    Using the #JusticeForChristianah, many users including the Nigerian hip pop star, Ayra Starr, demand justice.

    Read Also: Abducted FUNAAB varsity student murdered

    In a bid to support the deceased family, social media users especially on X, generated N1, 103,000 by Wednesday evening to help with the burial expenses. 

    The police reportedly exhumed the deceased body during the week and conducted an autopsy. Afterwards, her remains was released to the family for final burial rites.

    A private ceremony was held at the Sabo Ikorodu Cemetary in Lagos on Thursday. 

    Meanwhile, the suspected killer is still in police custody and will be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is concluded.

  • Abducted FUNAAB varsity student murdered

    Abducted FUNAAB varsity student murdered

    A 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Christiana Idowu, who was kidnapped along the Ikorodu-Yaba Road has been murdered.

    Christiana had left her home at Itaoluwo, Ikorodu, Lagos for the University of Lagos, Yaba, where she was undergoing her industrial training (IT) when she was abducted by the kidnappers.

    The suspect has since been arrested by security agents.

    He reportedly confessed that he killed the victim and buried her in their house.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu appoints three key aides to strengthen Lagos leadership

    His action drew the ire of many Nigerians on social media with many Nigerians on Twitter, demanding justice for the victim, asking relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served.

    They trended the hashtag — #JusticeForChristianah.

    According to an insider account by @Letter_to_Jack on “X” (formerly Twitter), He said: “On the 19th of August 2024, Christiannah Idowu was declared missing after her parents were contacted by her abductors using her own WhatsApp contact.

    “The first contact with the parents was established around 8:49pm after which they sent photos of the victim in captivity to them using the WhatsApp ‘view once’ feature.

  • Why senate seeks review of suspension of management courses at FUNAAB – Shuaib

    Why senate seeks review of suspension of management courses at FUNAAB – Shuaib

    Senator Salisu Shuaib has expressed readiness to liaise with the National University Commission (NUC), Federal Ministry of Education, National Council on Education and other relevant stakeholders to ensure possible reinstatement of the suspended Management Courses at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State.

    Shuaib said there was the need to take a second look at the decision, saying agriculture being a business, the discipline cannot be divorced from the critical input of management courses.

    The Senator who vowed to “throw everything” into the move to see that Accounting, Business Administration, Banking and Finance, Entrepreneurship and Economics were returned to FUNAAB as courses of study as was the case years ago, also urged the university Vice Chancellor, Professor Olusola Kehinde, to chronicle the challenges the mono university is grappling with and forward same to him for onward presentation to the appropriate quarters.

    Read Also: Nigerians demand apology from Pastor Enenche over ‘fake testimony’ accusation against woman

    The institution had in 2017/ 18 abolished management disciplines and stopped admitting students in compliance with the federal government directive, but during a meeting with the University yesterday at the instance of the Senator, participants sought the help of Shuaib who is the Senator representing Ogun Central where the FUNAAB is a constituent, to facilitate the desired reinstatement of those academic programmes, arguing that the management courses were very important to agricultural studies, adding that the courses would bring about logistics support as agric is no longer just about production of crops, but has also become a business.

    Responding during the meeting that had in attendance, the Vice Chancellor Professor Olusola Kehinde, the university management, leaders of various academic and non – academic unions operating at the institution as well as students leaders at the New Senate building, Senator Shuaib urged FUNAAB to put up a strong proposal for the return of management disciplines, noting that students of agric need them as elective courses.

    He also pledged to facilitate a process that would lead to fixing of the deplorable FUNAAB – Alabata road until a permanent solution to it is found.

    According to him, he will put the university and her challenges into consideration during the supplementary budget presentation and during the next year’s budget circle.

  • Firm, FUNAAB partner on food security

    Firm, FUNAAB partner on food security

    Driven by a shared vision of nurturing future agricultural leaders and boosting Nigeria’s food security, natnudO Foods, the food processing arm of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, has joined forces with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) for an innovative entrepreneurial poultry project.

    Under the strategic partnership, natnudO Foods donated 1,000 broiler chicks, feeds, and medication to the university’s Department of Agriculture, as part of its “Natnupreneur University Programme.”

    The Natnupreneur University Programme is not just about raising chickens; it’s about empowering young minds with the skills and knowledge to become successful agribusiness entrepreneurs.

    This unique initiative provides an invaluable platform for students to gain hands-on experience while contributing to their development and the university’s well-being.

    Read Also: First Lady, Fagbemi, Marwa advise states on drug use prevention, treatment

    Under the program, FUNAAB students will rear the donated chicks to maturity, learning every step of the way. From the intricacies of proper ventilation and biosecurity to feed optimization and meticulous record-keeping, the program covers all aspects of broiler management.

    Natnupreneur Operations Manager at natnudO Foods, Abodunrin Wasiu Adeyemi, and Technical Assistant to the Group Managing Director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, Alaba Yunusa, personally guided 1600 students through the technical aspects.

    Senior Account Officer at natnudO Foods, Ms. Omole Iyabo Morenike, further equipped the students with essential financial skills.

    Budgeting, book-keeping, and managing profit margins are the cornerstones of any successful business, and the Natnupreneur University Programme ensures students are well-equipped to navigate the financial aspect of their poultry ventures.

    According to Adeyemi, the program holds immense potential for the future. “This initiative is about catching them young, training them as entrepreneurs with the fundamentals of raising broilers and selling them back, creating a ready market for their produce,” he said.

    He also said these skills will empower graduates to pursue their poultry businesses, contributing to increased protein availability and economic growth in Nigeria.

    While receiving the 1,000 broiler birds, FUNAAB Vice Chancellor Prof. Olusola Kehinde, commended natnudO Foods for the partnership and the school’s choice for the Natnupreneur initiative, which he said would boost its agricultural potential.

    He added that the knowledge of poultry farming and entrepreneurship imparted to the students will further enhance their skills and equip them for the future, after graduation.

    In his remark, Professor of Monogastric Nutrition and Biochemistry at FUNAAB, Fafiolu Adeboye, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.

    “We are sure that this is the way to go, and the training for our students today will go a long way in sharpening their thinking and focus, to ensure they take this as a business so that their future will be secured,” he said.

    A statement by both partners said this collaboration transcends simply donating chicks; it’s about sowing the seeds of entrepreneurial spirit and fostering a future generation of food security champions.

    The statement, which was made available to The Nation, over the weekend, said by investing in young minds and fostering practical learning, natnudO Foods and FUNAAB are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for Nigerian agriculture.

  • 122 to bag first class as FUNAAB holds 31st convocation

    122 to bag first class as FUNAAB holds 31st convocation

    Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), yesterday said 122 students of the institution would be graduating with First Class during its 31st Convocation.

    Kehinde made this known at a news conference at the school premises in Abeokuta.

    He said 1,540 students bagged Second Class honours (Upper Division) with 1, 705 bagging Second Class (Lower Division) and 187 Third Class.

    He added that 138 students bagged Masters degrees, with 48 receiving Doctoral degrees.

    The vice-chancellor added that 3,574 students would be graduating at the convocation, scheduled for Saturday.

    Kehinde said the institution had turned out well-baked graduates, adding that it had continued to embark on teaching, research and community engagements.

    Read Also: Ex-NDIC head urges govt to caution FUNAAB VC on Niqab

    “In FUNAAB, we embark on teaching, research and community engagements. We have continued to turn out well-baked graduates.

    “We have collaborated with over 35 agencies, collaborations that will make progress for the university.

    “The university has been adjudged the best university of agriculture in Africa and seventh best in the world. We can contribute our own quota to food security in the country.

    “We are in the process of launching eight new academic programmes and waiting for approval from National Universities Commission (NUC).

    “Some of the programmes have to do with computer sciences,” he said.

    The programmes, according to him, include: Data Science, System Engineering as well as Cyber Security and Information Technology.

    He said that a former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega and Co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Mr. Fola Adeola, would be honoured at the convocation.

  • Ex-NDIC head urges govt to caution FUNAAB VC on Niqab

    Ex-NDIC head urges govt to caution FUNAAB VC on Niqab

    • By Halimah Balogun

    The immediate past chairman of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, has urged the federal government to caution Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Babatunde and his management team on the use of Niqab in the institution.

    AbdulLateef enjoined the school management to desist from harassing Muslim students who use niqab.

    The Islamic scholar in a 5-minute video reacted to the ban of niqab (Muslim women veil) in the government-owned tertiary institution located in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

    Citing a previous incident where a student was denied access to the school due to wearing a niqab, despite a Supreme Court judgement affirming religious freedom, he criticised the university’s alleged intolerance and lack of proper understanding.

    He said: “We must ensure there’s peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship among all Nigerians. More than anything, we should tolerate one another, there’s a need to urgently call to order the FUNAAB Vice Chancellor on the high level of intolerance on students, who use niqab in the school.

    “For crying out, after the Supreme Court judgement of June 17, 2022 on the freedom of the Muslim students to comply with the injunctions of their religion, Islam, on their right to express themselves in the way Allah has prescribed. We do not expect an institution that is expected to enlighten and educate the public to be exhibiting crass ignorance and a high level of intolerance of Muslim students. Why deny them? Section 38 of the constitution is very clear about the freedom of all Nigerians to express themselves. The Freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience, freedom to practice their religion either as individuals or in community with others to observe and propagate their religion.”

    Read Also: FUNAAB produces 118 first-class graduates, others at 30th convocation

    AbdulLateef, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, stressed that Nigeria is a multi-religious state, and tertiary institutions, as well as primary and secondary schools, should respect the diversity of beliefs among students.

    The former lawmaker urged the university to implement proper measures, such as having female security operatives, to ensure the identification of individuals when the need arise.

    He implored anyone associated with FUNAAB to intervene and ensure that the management refrains from victimising students based on their religious practices.

    He also expressed hope for blessings, harmonious relationships, and peaceful coexistence in the country while urging university authorities to allow Muslim students to freely practice their religion and protect their fundamental human rights.

  • FUNAAB marks World Egg Day

    In commemoration of the  World Egg Day, the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), in collaboration with Premier Feed Mills, hosted pupils from select secondary schools in Abeokuta, th eOgun State capital where they learnt the importance of egg to health.

    AMREC Director, Prof. Dorcas Adegbite, represented by the Deputy Director, Dr. Olalekan Oyekunle, said the International Egg Commission (IEC) had chosen the second Friday of every October as a special day when people around the world would celebrate the importance of egg production and its role in food security.

    Adegbite further described egg “as a highly affordable, excellent source of high quality protein, which is essential to human growth because of its nutritional value”.

    She urged teachers to share their knowledge of eggs with other pupils in their schools.

    Convener and Programme Leader, Extension and Adaptive Research of AMREC, Dr. Oluwakemi Irekhore said the World Egg Day was first celebrated in 1996.

    She said the idea behind the day was to raise awareness on the importance of egg all over the world and to appreciate the contributions of  egg to the society.

    Stressing the economic and nutritional importance of egg, the Programme Leader, Livestock Research, Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Dr. Kazeem Bello said, “Egg is a very good source of cheap and high-quality protein, a rich source of Selenium, Vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as Zinc, Iron and Copper”.

    Bello enlightened the students on the benefits of egg, stating that it remained a good source of protein for good health.

    Highlights of the event were an egg race, questions and answers session, presentation of gifts to winners of the game as well as students with the best answers to the questions.

    Schools on the occasion were FUNAAB International School (FUNIS); Muslim High School, Isolu; Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Osiele; Al-Jihad International Model School, Camp; Stephen Centre International School, Odo-Eran;  and Nawair-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Obantoko, all in Abeokuta.

     

  • FUNAAB women tackle suicide among students

    Speakers at a sensitisation seminar, organised by the Nigerian Association of University Women (NAUW), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) chapter, have urged students suffering from depression to speak out, as part of measures to stem the increasing rate of suicide among students.

    In her welcome address, NAUW President, Prof Comfort Onifade, said the growing rate of suicide in Nigerian tertiary institutions was giving “mothers” grave concern.  She said the body resolved to organise the seminar to educate students that suicide is not the solution to life’s challenges.

    Speaking on “Causes, effects and solutions to depression among students”, guest speaker, Prof. Helen Bodunde and other resource persons said depressed students should discuss their challenges with parents, friends, lecturers and the university’s Counselling Unit, for solutions to their problems.

    Prof Bodunde defined depression as a mental health challenge that causes people to experience low mood, loss of interest, feelings of guilt, disturbed sleep, low appetite and poor concentration, adding that anybody can be depressed.

    She said depression may be attributed to biological or genetic factors, family background of the victim, psychological-cum-social problem, inability to sustain lifestyle, loss of loved ones, poor nutrition, drug abuse and health challenges such as terminal diseases.

    Read Also: Madonna Varsity marks 16th convocation as 38 Students bag first class

    Bodunde identified symptoms of depression as tiredness, loss of energy, anxiety, loneliness, shabby dressing and sleeplessness; and its stages as mild, moderate and severe.

    Rather than contemplate suicide, Bodunde said victims of depression could reach out to NAUW members, the Counselling Unit in the Students Affairs Division.

    She advised students to support one another, in addition to eating balanced diet.

    Another speaker, Mr. Timothy Adebesin, a graduate of Mass Communication, University of Lagos (UNILAG), called on the students to choose friends wisely because such can lead them to taking irrational steps that could cost them their lives.

    Chairman of the occasion and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof Morenike Dipeolu, informed students that challenges were part of life which bring out the best in every individual.

    “There is no challenge that cannot be surmounted because, with God all things are possible.   is not, cannot, should not and ought not to be the solution,” she said.

    Dean, Student Affairs, Prof Babatunde Idowu praised NAUW for coming up with the seminar, which he described as timely. He said the Ogun State government, University management and the Student Affairs Division were worried about the growing rate of suicide among students, urging them to shun drug abuse, and support one another, especially indigent students among them.

  • FUNAAB VC warns contractors

    The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Kolawole Salako, has read the riot act to contractors executing projects in the University to either deliver on the projects or be replaced.

    Salako gave the warning while leading Principal Officers and other top management staff of the University on an inspection tour of various project sites on campus.

    “I am highly concerned about the slow pace of some contractors, particularly for projects that we met on ground. We thought that we should have completed them by now as they have gone beyond their delivery dates and they are not yet completed so I am trying to sensitise members of the community to let us know where we are. By Wednesday, I will be meeting the contractors to tell them how we feel about the pace of work and to also hear from them what they feel about us in terms of the administration of the project”.

    Inspecting the recently rehabilitated bridge close to the University main gate, Salako, who has sent about 30 months in office, condemned the dumping of refuse into water channel, which he said was capable of blocking the channel.

    He admonished residents, shop owners and commuters along the bridge to discontinue the practice which caused the collapse of the road before  rehabilitation was done by the University.

    Projects inspected included the Academic Building Complex Blocks A and B, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) Building Phase II, Maternity Clinic, Postgraduate Students Hostel II, Refurbishment of the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE) laboratory, bakery building, NEEDS Hostel Block III, Agricbusiness Incubation Centre and two km rural road construction project among others.