… Earns Commendation from Senator Adeola

 By Emeka Oluka, Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has commended the University’s consistent developmental achievements during the Commissioning of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Sponsored Projects at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on December 7, 2023.

Senator Adeola expressed confidence that the projects would significantly enhance teaching, learning, and elevate academic standards within the University.

The commissioned projects were the Academic Office Complex with Seminar Rooms and an e-library, including the Block of Offices and Information Centre, as well as an Extension to the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD).

Represented by the Bobajiro of Yewaland and former Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Tope Popoola, Senator Adeola extended commendations to the Executive Secretary (ES), TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, as he applauds TETFund’s efforts in effectively fulfilling the Fund’s mandate for continuous development in public tertiary education in Nigeria.

Popularly known as Yayi by his teeming followers, Senator Adeola re-affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to collaborating with the Executive to globally position educational institutions for economic and technological development in the country.

Highlighting the broader impact of TETFund, Senator Yayi said that various institutions, including FUNAAB, have benefited from the Fund, both in terms of infrastructure and human capital development.

Earlier in his Opening Address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development (DVCD), Prof. Kola Adebayo, expressed gratitude to TETFund for their continuous support to FUNAAB.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged TETFund’s prompt and unbiased response in funding universities to ensure adequate infrastructure and human capital resources.

He, therefore, appreciated Senator Adeola and the ES, TETFund,  Arch. Sonny Echono for ensuring equitable distribution of the Fund to institutions, regardless of geographical location or political affiliation.

The Vice-Chancellor appealed to TETFund for special consideration in funding FUNAAB, emphasising its unique needs as an agricultural University, adding that the state of the FUNAAB road needed urgent attention.

In his Address, the ES TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, represented by the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, TETFund, Arch. Babatunde Olajide congratulated the University for the successful completion of the 2020/2021 TETFund High Impact Special Intervention project.

He expressed joy at FUNAAB’s inclusion in this success story and commended the University Management for effectively monitoring and executing the project in line with TETFund guidelines, despite prevailing economic challenges.

Present at the Commissioning grounds included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Christian Ikeobi; Ag. Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu; representative of the Ag. Bursar, Mr. Ibukun Fadairo; Director, Public Affairs, TETFund, Mr. Abdulmumin Oniyangi, and the TETFund Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Salau Oladipo.

Others were the Dean, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya; Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), Prof. Jonathan Atungwu; Director, Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Director, TETFund Centre of Excellence in Agriculture (TCoE), Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu; Chairman, Ceremonials Committee, Prof. Adegoke Bakare; Director, Works and Services, Engr. Olawole Akinyele and the Director, Physical Planning, Engr. Kehinde Bamisile, as well as several others within and outside of the University.