FUNAAB Hosts NUC Team to Facilitate FUMMSA’s Take-Off

Published On:

July 31, 2025

Last Updated on August 1, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

By Joy Adeyiga

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, July 31, 2025, played host to a high-level Resource Verification meeting at the Red Chamber, organised to facilitate the take-off and accreditation of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA).

The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, warmly welcomed the National Universities Commission (NUC) Resource Verification Team and other stakeholders. He described FUMMSA as FUNAAB’s “adopted child,” stating that the University was excited to support the new institution as it prepares to commence academic activities in the 2025/2026 Academic Session.

*Ag. Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Dr. Adekunle Adediran giving his remarks at the event*

“We are proud to serve as the host and backbone of this noble initiative. We understand the journey, having been in a similar position ourselves many years ago when FUNAAB was in its formative stage,” the Vice-Chancellor noted, reaffirming FUNAAB’s commitment to making its human and material resources available to ensure the successful commencement of FUMMSA.

The meeting focused on critical aspects such as the development of academic requirements, the proposed use of adjunct lecturers, and infrastructural readiness. A comprehensive resource verification process was conducted by the NUC Team, covering essential Academic and Non-Teaching infrastructure such as libraries, hostels, lecture halls, and laboratories.

*The Vice-Chancellor, FUMMSA, Prof. Fatiu Arogundade delivering his address at the meeting*

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUMMSA, Prof. Fatiu Arogundade, expressed deep gratitude to FUNAAB for its unwavering support. He acknowledged the intellectual, academic, and infrastructural contributions made by the host institution, stressing the values of excellence, diplomacy, and inclusive access to quality higher education.

Prof. Arogundade also introduced key academic personnel and outlined FUMMSA’s vision, stating that most of its faculty would be adjuncts drawn from established institutions. He expressed optimism about the university’s academic take-off in the 2025/2026 academic year.

FUNAAB’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde (Right), with FUMMSA’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fatiu Arogundade (Left), and the former OOU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Saburi Adesanya before the commencement of the meeting

Also present at the meeting was the Acting Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Dr. Adekunle Adediran, who reiterated the full support of FMC for FUMMSA. He referenced the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions and emphasised the synergy in ensuring medical excellence.

The Chairman of the NUC Resource Verification Team, Prof. Ibrahim Yakasai while initiating the inspection process, highlighted the importance of institutional preparedness and the availability of necessary documentation. He commended FUNAAB for its hospitality and proactive support, stressing the importance of collaboration in developing a world-class medical university.

*A cross-section of the NUC Team at the meeting*

The visit also included a site inspection of FUMMSA’s temporary facilities, including the Wole Soyinka Library and academic buildings, all aimed at ensuring compliance with NUC standards for new universities.

The Resource Verification marked a major milestone in the establishment of FUMMSA, with FUNAAB standing firmly as a strategic partner in this developmental stride for Nigeria’s educational and healthcare landscape.