It was not business as usual but another day to reckon with history during the 21st Annual Convention and 20th Annual Lecture series of the Alumni Association of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, as the association laid the foundation for its 11-Room Guest House in the University.
Speaking during the Lecture, the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Barr. Aboki Zhawa, OON commended the Alumni Chairman and his team for their achievements in the area of linkage.
Dr. Aboki noted that the industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is affecting the students and appealed to the Union to consider the students and end the strike.
According to him, “I will appeal to ASUU to end their strike because of our children. I believe the Federal Government is making efforts to end the strike”, he said. He congratulated the Alumni and promised them adequate support by the University Management.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor charged the Association and reminded them that Alumni is the University’s image-maker. He also tasked them on the responsibilities that alumni should shoulder.
The Vice-Chancellor charged the youths to engage in positive activities that will bring about change in their immediate environment and condemned those that engage in fraudulent means of enriching themselves, especially, the self-acclaimed “yahoo boys”, warning that they do not have a place in FUNAAB and should not be part of the Alumni.
He also frowned at those people that want to use FUNAAB campus for their political ambitions to desist. He stated that he would not allow anybody to kill FUNAAB. Instead, FUNAAB would continue to wax stronger.
“We are not going to kill FUNAAB, FUNAAB shall live”, he stressed.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Association, Mr. Olusola Tobun stated that FUNAAB Alumni have assisted members to gain employment and admission of their children into the University.
He said that the association is working towards creation of business opportunities and attracting development of facilities to the University by philanthropists and corporate organisations.
Mr. Tobun revealed that the association has increased the number of buses in its fleet to 13 and said that the alumni branch in North America and the United Kingdom are active and ready to give back to FUNAAB.
The President solicited for more bonding among members, and charged those members in position of authority and influence to think of the less privileged and equally direct any opportunity of development towards their Alma-mater.
The highpoint of the ceremony was the investiture of His Royal Highness, Oba Awosanya Abimbola Akinyemi, Fesogboye, Erinjogunola III, Ebi of Idena, Iperu-Remo as the Patron of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Alumni Association.
Distinguished alumni and dignitaries who have made their marks in their various endeavours were also honoured.
