The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Kehinde has restated the commitment of the University’s Management to  making teaching, learning and extension activities more convenient for all stakeholders in the University, even as he solicits for their continued support.

Speaking at the 34th Congregation Meeting of the University held on Thursday, 19th January, 2023 at the Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, Prof. Kehinde disclosed that since he came on Board as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University, the Management has not rested on its oars but has continued to explore possible ways of improving the culture of excellence in all aspects of the system.

He stated that steps have been taken to assuage the financial imbroglio by blocking all identified loopholes in the University’s revenue generating units, in order to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The Acting Vice-Chancellor implored the Congregation and the University staff in general to bear with the Management on the  current financial challenges, noting that a Committee on Revenue Enhancement and Monitoring Unit (REMU) has been constituted with all administrative backings necessary to perform its duties, and  has since swung into action.

According to him, “Although, academic and administrative activities have resumed fully on campus, it is pathetic that the prolonged face-off of the previous year did not spare the University of its negative consequences, especially on its finances. One may find it incredible that as at today, we are yet to conclude the 2020/2021 Academic Session!”.

“The implication is that revenue from payment of fees by the students which is a major source of IGR to the University was not forthcoming and this has forced us to re- prioritize our needs. Hence, in case some of the requests made to the Management have not been met, just have it in mind that our actions were not deliberate or punitive, they were borne out of paucity of funds and the need to keep the University afloat. I appeal to all and sundry to bear with the University with the hope that normalcy would soon return to the system”, he said.

Speaking on power supply in the University, Prof.Kehinde revealed that the amount the University is spending  on weekly basis to purchase diesel to power the generators is staggering because of the fact that power is central to all facets of the institution’s both in the academic and infrastructures, especially in respect to maintenance of  the  hostels.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor hinted that a Solar Power Project has taken off and it  is expected to be completed within 12 months, assuring that on completion it will help reduce Management’s expenses on diesel to the barest minimum, and  boost power supply to campus, to a large extent.

He also stated that the Management has procured and distributed into lecture halls quite a large number of Public Address Systems that will function either with or without power supply.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor further said the University is working on some major projects in order to overcome the identified problems among which are; 3 Megawatt Solar Farm being executed by Rural Electrification Agency (REA), reticulation of processed water from the just completed dam, procurement and delivery of Fire Fighting truck, partnership with a Private Enterprise (OMU RESORT) with the desire to turn the University’s Zoo Park into a nationally-recognized tourist centre, and others.

While disclosing that the 34th Congregation Meeting is the first he is presiding over as the Acting. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kehinde appreciated the University Community for the moral, physical and spiritual supports he has received since his appointment, stating that he is grateful to all members of Senate for the confidence reposed on his leadership ability as evidenced in his nomination.

He solicited for the continued cooperation and commitment of all members of staff, saying that it is important for them to perform their duties efficiently and assiduously in order to “build the FUNAAB of our dreams together”.

The climax of the Congregation was the election of Prof. Yemi Akegbejo-Samsons (Aquaculture and Fishries Management) who was returned unopposed and Mr. Bayo Ogundimu (Registry), whose opponent stepped down for, in the spirit of sportsmanship, as Congregation Representatives on Search Committee for the Appointment of the Vice- Chancellor.

Mr. Olajide Obanla (ICTREC) was elected as Congregation Representative on Physical Planning and Capital Works Committee and Mr. Moses Olaleke (ICTREC), returned unopposed as Congregation Representative on Board of Survey.

Also elected was Mr. Valentine Egbuna (Bursary) as Congregation Representative on Budget Monitoring Committee, while the duo of Mr. Adewale Ojoye (Registry) and Mr. Davies Stevens (Bursary) were both returned unopposed as the Congregation Representative on FUNAAB Schools Management Board and Congregation Representative on CERECOM respectively.