By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
125 students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), have benefited from the support of the United Kingdom (UK) Branch of the Alumni Association through the provision of foodstuffs and beverages to aid their preparation for the upcoming examinations.
The event took place today, January 7, 2025, at the FUNAAB Alumni Secretariat. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, at the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, commended the initiative, noting that the gesture, timed to coincide with the examination period, was a thoughtful way to support students facing various challenges.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the awareness of the UK Alumni Branch about the pressure students often endure, particularly during examinations. He emphasised that the University and its alumni were committed to alleviating these challenges to ensure the students excel academically.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” Prof. Kehinde said, adding that such gestures reinforce the hope that the students would one day become proud and worthy ambassadors of FUNAAB. He urged the beneficiaries to focus on their examinations and make the most of the University’s support services, including the Guidance and Counselling Unit while praying for their success.
The Global President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi, in his remarks, traced the origin of the initiative to 2010, adding that the programme, inspired by the struggles, students faced at the former Isale-Igbein campus, was later adopted and sustained by the UK Branch of the Association. Since 2018, the UK Branch has sponsored the programme annually to support students during examination periods.
Quoting an age-long Yoruba adage, Mr. Gbadamosi said, “When hunger is removed from poverty, then poverty ceases to exist,” underscoring the rationale behind the initiative.
The event was graced by key figures, including the Global Secretary of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, Mr. Femi Ajayi; the Global Social Director, Mrs. Tolu Akinola; and Mrs. Felicia Olaleye of the University’s Guidance and Counselling Unit.
