Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

… Announces ₦1M Endowment in Perpetuity as the Institution Holds Maiden Matriculation Ceremony

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga

The Fourth Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, has described the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), as a “miracle baby,” during the institution’s maiden Matriculation Ceremony held today, November 20, 2025.

Delivering the Inaugural Matriculation Lecture titled “FUMMSA: The Making of a Great Citadel of Learning,” Prof. Balogun recounted the long and determined journey towards establishing the university. He highlighted the early advocacy for a College of Medicine during his tenure at FUNAAB and applauded the rekindled collaboration with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, which ultimately brought the vision to fruition.

In a major gesture of support, Prof. Balogun announced a ₦1 million endowment fund in perpetuity, to be invested in a low-risk instrument such as Treasury Bills through First Bank or GT Bank. He stated that the annual accrued interest would fund the Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun Cash Prize for the best student in Biochemistry in the pre-clinical examination.

Recognising the critical roles played by various stakeholders, he lauded the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, for his leadership in fast-tracking FUMMSA’s approval, and commended the efforts of the FMC leadership and the newly inaugurated Governing Council. He urged the young university to uphold a clear vision, pursue global competitiveness, embrace financial innovation, and ensure disciplined leadership. He also recommended the establishment of an Honours Roll to acknowledge individuals who contributed to the institution’s take-off.

In his Goodwill Message, the Alake congratulated the matriculants and commended FUNAAB for providing strong institutional support. He encouraged the students to complement their academic “gown” with a symbolic “hood,” representing graduating with excellence and diligence.

Speaking also, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, expressed delight at witnessing the historic moment and appreciated his management team and staff for their dedicated support towards FUMMSA’s emergence.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUMMSA, Prof. Mutiu Arogundade, celebrated the success of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Resource Verification exercise, congratulating the new students and charging them to make the most of the opportunity, emphasising that their admission was based strictly on merit.

Present at the ceremony were the former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; FUNAAB’s Principal Officers; Provost, FCAIB, Prof. Jonathan Atungwu and members of the prestigious Abeokuta Club, including some Alake’s High Chiefs, among many eminent sons and daughters of Ogun State.