Members of the Alumni Association have been described as major stakeholders in the life of any university. It is for this reason that necessary encouragement should be given to the alumni to enable them contribute meaningfully to their alma mater. This observation was made by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Dr. (Barr.) Aboki Zhawa, during the 22nd Annual Convention and 21st Annual Lecture Series of the FUNAAB Alumni Association.
The Pro-Chancellor advised the alumni association to intensify efforts at generating more funds to enable it successfully carry out its activities. Dr. Zhawa stated that the association has an important role to play when it comes to the development of the University. According to him, “When we become alumni or alumnus, there are responsibilities that we are going to handle. (Hence), find ways of raising more funds”.
At the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kolawole Salako stressed that the good name of the University was important and that members of the association should always protect the image of FUNAAB. The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that all members of the association were key stakeholders, charging them to always mirror the University to the world. Prof. Salako affirmed that under his administration, he would not overlook any negative report about the University, as he commended the immense contributions of the alumni toward the development of their alma mater, admonishing them to remain indivisible and strong.
The National President, FUNAAB Alumni Association, Mr. Olusola Tobun, lauded the University Management for its commitment in the areas of academics and welfare of students. Mr. Tobun appreciated the Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor for the support he enjoyed during his tenure as National President, FUNAAB Alumni Association. According to the outgoing President, there was the need for the incoming President to look into the possibility of doing a general review of the association’s constitution, which appeared skewed in favour of those based in the South-West region of the country. He added that the association had formally been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with the name: “Alumni Association of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta”; making it a legal entity.
The alumni had earlier paid a courtesy call on the University Management and were received on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale, who noted that the association had been assisting the University in achieving its mission and vision through various means. Responding, Mr. Tobun stated that the meeting was an annual event, which had become part of their activities during the annual convention, stressing that it was an opportunity for them to know more about what was happening on campus, what had happened in the last one year, and to know how the alumni can support the University.
