By Olasunkanmi Olajide
On August 23, 2024, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) led by the President and Chairman of the Council, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju paid a Courtesy-Visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde to reaffirm the Institute’s commitment to renew the existing strategic partnership with the University.
While welcoming the guests, the Vice-Chancellor expressed his enthusiasm in receiving the CIBN leadership, highlighting the University’s interest in not just renewing but also expanding the partnership. “Fostering, enlarging, and renewing our existing partnership with the Institute is a priority,” Prof. Kehinde stated.
The Vice-Chancellor, who is a Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, emphasised the relevance of Banking and Finance in agribusiness, including other related disciplines that were removed from the defunct College of Management Sciences (COLMAS), now restructured into the College of Entrepreneurial and Development Studies (COLENDS). He revealed ongoing plans to reinstate the courses, reflecting the University’s commitment to comprehensive educational offerings that align with industry needs.
Responding, Prof. Olanrewaju, who assumed office as the 23rd President of CIBN in May 2024, reiterated FUNAAB’s status as one of the Institute’s strategic partners. As part of his Legacy Agenda, he stressed the importance of renewing and intensifying collaborations, particularly in bridging the gap between the Town and Gown relationship.
The CIBN President also highlighted advancements in the Institute’s examination processes, which now allowed candidates to sit for exams from anywhere in the world, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to innovation and accessibility.
The meeting, which was attended by key officials from both FUNAAB and CIBN, including Mr. Moses Ayanda, Deputy Registrar II, Vice-Chancellor’s Office; Mr. Akin Morakinyo, Registrar of CIBN; Mr. Isaac Arokan, Ogun State Chairman of CIBN; and Dr. Segun Oshadare, a CIBN Council Member, among other top members, served as a platform to explore new avenues of collaboration, particularly in entrepreneurship, a field where FUNAAB has demonstrated significant strength.
