Last Updated on September 5, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… Equips Students with Skills for Year-Long Agricultural Activities
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), through the Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), has concluded a 3-Day Orientation Programme for students participating in the 2026/2027 Farm Practical Year (FPY) Programme, equipping them with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge and professional competencies for their year-long agricultural activities.
Held from September 2 to 4, 2026, at the Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, the programme was themed, “Building Future-Ready Agricultural Professionals through Practical Skills, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Food Systems.” It brought together students from the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), and College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD).
The orientation featured keynote presentations, interactive sessions, career guidance, entrepreneurship discussions and practical briefings on professional conduct and farm safety. The opening activities emphasised the need for students to approach the FPY not merely as an academic requirement, but as an opportunity to acquire practical competencies, develop entrepreneurial mindsets and prepare for meaningful careers in agriculture.
Speaking during the programme, the Director of COBFAS, Prof. Akerele, appreciated the University Management and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, for their continued support for COBFAS and the FPY Programme. He urged the students to take the orientation and subsequent practical training seriously, maintain good character and conduct themselves as responsible ambassadors of FUNAAB.
The second day focused on emerging opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, entrepreneurship, value addition and professional development. The keynote, “The Future of Agriculture: Emerging Opportunities, Global Trends and Career Pathways,” was delivered by Dr. Bukunmi Stephen Atilade, who represented the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Psaltry International, Chief (Mrs.) Oluyemisi Iranloye.
Dr. Atilade challenged the students to move beyond conventional perceptions of agriculture and explore opportunities across the agricultural value chain. He highlighted Nigeria’s potential in the global cassava industry and stressed the roles agricultural graduates could play in production, processing, marketing, research, consultancy and technology. He urged the students to maximise the FPY experience and consider it an opportunity to develop their first business venture.
Another session, “Agribusiness, Entrepreneurship and Value Addition: Creating Wealth from Agriculture,” was facilitated by Dr. Wahab O., who represented the Executive Director of Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited, Dr. G. Jamiyu Adeyemo. The session encouraged students to identify real-life problems and develop agricultural and entrepreneurial solutions, while discussions centred on agribusiness, value creation, entrepreneurship and opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
A FUNAAB alumnus, Mr. Gabriel Oshoma, also shared his “Experience as FPY Alumnus and Opportunities,” urging the students to approach the programme with seriousness and purpose. He encouraged them to see the farm as a practical learning environment where they could acquire relevant skills, gain experience and build competencies applicable beyond the University.
The final phase featured the Dean, COLAMRUD, Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya, who spoke on “Building Future-Ready Agricultural Professionals through Practical Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” He identified knowledge, innovation, problem-solving ability and professionalism as essential qualities for future agricultural professionals, while stressing the importance of punctuality, discipline, commitment, integrity and strict compliance with farm safety procedures.
The 3-Day Orientation has reinforced the need for students to combine theoretical knowledge with practical competence, innovation and entrepreneurship as they commence their year-long FPY activities.
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