Last Updated on September 3, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Raymond Osemene
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), through its Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), has commenced a Three-Day Orientation Programme for students participating in the 2026/2027 Academic Session Farm Practical Year (FPY) Programme. The programme, which began today, September 1, 2026, at the Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, is themed, “Building Future-Ready Agricultural Professionals through Practical Skills, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Food System.”
The programme attracted FPY 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). Declaring the programme open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, charged the students to approach agriculture as a viable business by maximising productivity and profitability through appropriate technologies, improved practices and effective management strategies.
Prof. Kehinde urged the students to participate actively in the practical sessions, noting that the FPY programme was designed to provide hands-on experience in agricultural production and value addition. He stressed that modern agriculture extends beyond crop and animal production, offering opportunities in storage, processing, marketing, mechanisation, consultancy and other areas of the agricultural value chain.
The Vice-Chancellor also emphasised the importance of technology, innovation and collaboration in addressing challenges confronting the agricultural sector. He encouraged the students to embrace emerging technologies, think creatively, ask questions, remain open to new ideas and build networks with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.
In his Goodwill Message, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, urged the students to complement theoretical knowledge with practical skills that would enhance their productivity and contribution to the agricultural sector. He identified practical exposure and technical competence as key objectives of the FPY, noting that students would gain experience in farm machinery operation, farm capital and labour management, post-harvest handling and other aspects of agricultural production.
The Focal Officer, SERVICOM, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu, represented by the Principal Assistant Registrar, Mrs. Gladys Solanke, assured the students of Management’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for learning, personal development and wellbeing. Welcoming the students, the Director, COBFAS, Prof. Dare Akerele, said the orientation was designed to complement classroom learning by exposing students directly to agricultural enterprises through practical sessions, field activities and interactions with academic and professional experts.
Prof. Akerele described the philosophy of the FPY as “learning by doing,” urging the students to participate actively in the practical activities and take the programme seriously. The Dean, Students Affairs, Prof. Festus Adeosun, similarly charged them to remain focused on their studies while demonstrating discipline, teamwork, good character and positive relationships with their colleagues.
The Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Prof. Oluwatoyin Afolabi, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Essienekpo, sensitised the students on the University’s transition from paper-based procedures to digital platforms. He advised them to familiarise themselves with the University’s online assessment, reporting and payment procedures, while paying close attention to instructions communicated through their official emails and other approved platforms.
The Director, Health Services, Dr. Oluseyi Anjorin, represented by Dr. Oyelekan Nasiru, advised the students to prioritise safety throughout the compulsory one-year programme. He urged them to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), particularly farm boots and suitable head protection, to guard against hazards such as lacerations, puncture wounds, snake bites, scorpion stings and falling objects. The Deputy Director II, Farms, Mrs. Olubukola Fasae, and the Assistant Chief Environmental Officer, Mr. Peter Bolarinwa, represented by Mr. Ayelabola Adeogun, also urged the students to uphold discipline, good character, responsibility and teamwork throughout their training.
The Three-Day o
Orientation Programme is expected to prepare the students for the practical phase of their Farm Practical Year Programme by equipping them with relevant knowledge, practical skills, discipline and professional orientation needed to become future-ready agricultural professionals.
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