The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has marked a historic moment in its 38-year existence by officially welcoming a record-breaking number of new students. A total of 6,356 students were matriculated for the 2025/2026 academic session, the highest intake the institution has ever recorded.
A Landmark Achievement and a Clear Warning
Speaking at the ceremony held on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the massive enrolment as a major milestone for the university. While celebrating the growing confidence of parents and prospective students in FUNAAB, Prof. Kehinde delivered a firm message to the new entrants.
He reaffirmed the university's zero tolerance for misconduct and urged students to uphold discipline, decent dressing, and strict adherence to the institution's rules. The VC emphasized that student union activities on campus would be guided strictly by dialogue and responsible leadership. He assured the students that their rights would be protected, describing FUNAAB as a training ground for future leaders.
Shaping Future Leaders of Character
The matriculation lecture, titled "Future Leaders of Character in Agriculture: Building Capacity Today for National and Global Impact Tomorrow," was delivered by Prof. Subuola Fasoyiro from the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan.
Prof. Fasoyiro challenged the fresh students to diligently cultivate character, competence, and capacity, which she identified as the essential prerequisites for effective leadership. She outlined the key qualities needed to shape the future, including vision, strategic thinking, courage, emotional intelligence, integrity, teamwork, and resilience.
She further elaborated on the 6Cs of leadership: Clarity, Commitment, Capacity, Character, Consistency, and Contribution, stating that these are indispensable for meaningful national development. Prof. Fasoyiro concluded by advising the students that a predictable future can be secured through discipline and continuous learning, noting that "When you take care of your character, it will help you take care of your reputation."
Major Academic Expansion with New Programmes
In a significant parallel development, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for the reintroduction of Management Degree Programmes at FUNAAB. This marks a major academic breakthrough for the institution, ending a suspension that lasted several years.
The approval, which followed a successful resource assessment visit by the NUC, covers four undergraduate programmes:
- B.Sc. Accounting
- B.Sc. Banking and Finance
- B.Sc. Business Administration
- B.Sc. Economics
Additionally, a newly introduced postgraduate programme, M.Sc. Agroecology, also received the green light. According to the Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, this expansion is a significant milestone in the university's commitment to academic excellence and institutional growth, which will enhance its contribution to national development.
This ceremony solidifies FUNAAB's ongoing mission to expand access to quality education in agriculture, entrepreneurship, science, and technology, while nurturing the next generation of leaders for Nigeria and the world.
