By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu

In its tradition of getting newly-admitted students acquainted with the University’s structure and system, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has held an Orientation Programme for its new students to herald the 2023/2024 Academic Session.

Addressing the students at the Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Hall, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde emphasised the University’s Tripodal Mandate of Teaching, Research and Extension Services, adding that FUNAAB would guide them to become catalysts for the development of the Nigerian economy.

According to him, “This includes practical orientation towards food production, establishing businesses or farms, marketing food products, and producing well-trained graduates for the future.”

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Christian Ikeobi, the Vice-Chancellor urged the newly-admitted students to capitalise on their enrollment in FUNAAB as being among the lucky few, admonishing them to be serious with their studies.

He encouraged attentive learning, highlighting FUNAAB’s status as one of the country’s best universities, noting that the mandatory nature of attending lectures and practicals at FUNAAB shapes students into the champions they aspired to be.

Speaking in his capacity as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Ikeobi who spoke on the title, “Importance of University Education and Expectation from University Students” admonished the new students to be diligent, resilient, and work hard to make outstanding results upon graduation.

Addressing the students on the topic “University Management/Administration”, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo reeled out the structure of hierarchy in the university system, specifically urging them to acquaint themselves with memos from the Registrar’s Office.

Prof. Adebayo, therefore, assured the fresh students that he would present a 1 million Naira cheque to whoever could read and understand Academic Chinese (Mandarin) upon graduation.

In her lecture titled “History of FUNAAB, the Vision and Mission,” the Acting Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu, provided a brief history of FUNAAB, its Vision and Mission, and highlighted the University’s achievements, including being recognised as the second-best University in Nigeria and 26th in Africa in the 2023 Times Higher Education Rankings.

She also pointed out recent accolades won by FUNAAB, such as being the best University in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences in 2023.

The Acting Registrar urged the students to remain focused on achieving excellence during their time at the University, wishing them a memorable experience.

Speaking on “Bursary Activities as it Concerns Students”, the Acting Bursar who was represented by a Deputy Bursar II in the Bursary, Mr. Valentine Egbuna enlightened the students on the school fee payment processes, adding that they should keep a file of all receipts received.

The University Librarian, Dr. Abayomi Owolabi, stressed the role of the Library as a valuable resource for students, noting that the Library recently commenced a 24-hour service.

Dr. Oludayo Oduwole, who represented the Acting Director, Directorate of Health Services briefed the students on health services and enlightened them on issues like personal hygiene, sexually transmitted diseases, and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors (CODAD) and Dean, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), Prof. Olusiji Sowande took the students on the topic titled “Know your College.”

Prof. Emily Ayo-John, the Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), discussed the Entrepreneurial Skills Programme at the University, encouraging students to engage in vocational training for certification and entrepreneurial success.

In his lecture titled “FUNAAB at a Glance”, the Director, Physical Planning, Engr. Kehinde Bamisile gave an insight into the topography of the University and gave a brief detail on major buildings in FUNAAB and its occupants.

Also, the Chairman, Timetable and Examinations Committee (TIMTEC) Dr. Pius Dada took the new students on the rules and regulations guiding the conduct of Examinations in FUNAAB.

Dr. Modesta Ofodile of the Guidance and Counseling Unit provided tips on goal-setting and achieving a first-class Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). Mr. Bolarinwa Peter, the Assistant Chief Environmental Officer, represented by Mr. Ayelabola Adeogun, advised students on security consciousness and urged abstinence from social vices like violence and theft.

Highpoints of the event were the teaching and reciting of the University anthem by Prof. Segun Odeyemi, as well as the display from the University’s Theartre Troupe.