VC Urges Participants at TFCs Training for Final Year Students
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde has emphasised the importance of becoming an exemplary ambassador of one’s alma mater.
Prof. Kehinde said this during the Opening Ceremony of the 5-Day Training Workshop for 2023 final-year students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) put together by the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), in conjunction with GIZ, GOPA Trainers, Facilitators, and Coaches (TFCs) CREATE.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Christian Ikeobi, the Vice-Chancellor charged participants in the training to always Project, Protect, and Promote the University’s image in their future endeavours.
Encouraging an open-minded approach as the students venture beyond the academic system, Prof. Kehinde admonished them to seize diverse opportunities in the real world, citing examples of FUNAAB graduates thriving in fields unrelated to their University studies.
He urged them to break away from the conventional pursuit of white-collar jobs and instead, focus on creating a fulfilling life by embracing creativity and innovation.
Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Vice-Chancellor in equipping CENTS and promoting entrepreneurial skills among FUNAAB students, Prof. Emily Ayo-John, the Director, CENTS, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his commitment to the directive of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
She commended FUNAAB TFCs for their dedication in planning, organising, and facilitating the training, restating the essential role of the staff in making the programme a success.
Prof. Ayo-John highlighted CENTS’ ongoing commitment to providing training, facilities, and opportunities that foster entrepreneurial mindset and development for students, the University community, and beyond, as well as contributing to societal change.
Recognising the Vice-Chancellor’s support, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, the Dean, College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), and the Technical Coordinator of the Training Workshop applauded the successful execution of the programme for the second graduating set under the initiative.
She commended the organisers and FUNAAB for their forward-thinking approach and encouraged participants to approach the training with seriousness, noting that the experience would prove beneficial to them in the long run.
Present at the event were the representative of the Dean, Student Affairs and the Deputy Dean, Student Affairs, Prof. Oluseyi Ojekunle; Coordinator CENTS, Dr. Oladele Oladeji; Secretary, TFCs, Dr. Oose Mathew; Prof. Elijah Obayelu; Dr. Segun Oshadare and other members of TFCs, including staff members of CENTS and participating final year students of the University.
