Last Updated on April 22, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), on April 15, 2026, inaugurated a new set of SERVICOM Marshals and Brigades as part of renewed efforts to enhance quality service delivery, accountability, and institutional efficiency across the University.
Speaking at the Inauguration Ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, noted the significant milestone of the event in the University’s drive to uphold excellence and best practices in service delivery. He added that the initiative aligned with FUNAAB’s guiding philosophy, “Knowledge for Development,” and reinforces its commitment to meeting the expectations of both internal and external stakeholders.
The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Olusiji Sowande explained that SERVICOM, Service Compact with All Nigerians was established in March 2004 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to promote timely, honest, and transparent service delivery in public institutions. According to him, the SERVICOM Charter at FUNAAB reflects these principles and serves as a framework for ensuring efficiency in all service windows of the University.
Prof. Kehinde emphasised that the newly inaugurated Marshals, comprising Academic and Non-Teaching staff, as well as the Brigades, drawn from the student body, would play critical roles in monitoring compliance with University regulations, identifying service delivery gaps, and reporting observed shortcomings to the SERVICOM Unit for prompt redress.
He charged the appointees to discharge their duties with integrity, responsibility, and professionalism, warning against misconduct such as extortion, harassment, intimidation, and other unethical behaviours that could tarnish the image of the University. He further urged them not to accept gifts or favours capable of influencing their judgment, while encouraging them to also report instances of excellent performance for recognition.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the SERVICOM Focal Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu, stated that the inauguration marked the second phase of engaging staff and students as active participants in strengthening service delivery and institutional accountability. She described SERVICOM as a social contract between the Federal Government and citizens, which guarantees the right to quality service and provides avenues for redress when standards are not met.
Mrs. Dawodu, a former Ag. Registrar of the University, stated that the SERVICOM Unit monitors service delivery across key areas of the University, including Colleges, Departments, Directorates, Centres, Institutes, hostels, lecture rooms, laboratories, and major academic processes such as examinations, matriculation, and convocation. She added that periodic reports are compiled and submitted to University Management to address observed gaps and sustain high performance standards.
While noting that many service units have performed commendably, she called for a review of the existing SERVICOM Charter to reflect current realities and further improve operational effectiveness.
The Focal Officer expressed optimism that the inauguration of the Marshals and Brigades would significantly boost the Unit’s capacity to ensure compliance, promote awareness of SERVICOM principles, and sustain efficient service delivery throughout the University.
Present at the occasion were the Head, Office of Advancement, Mr. Olujinmi Ogundimu; representative of the Headteacher, FUNAAB Staff School, Mr. Saburi Sanusi; Matron, FUNAAB SUG, Mrs. Olukemi Fashina, among several others.
The ceremony concluded with appreciation to the University Management for its continued support, as well as to staff and students who volunteered to serve, with a shared commitment to advancing FUNAAB’s service delivery to greater heights.
