Last Updated on August 21, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

By Olasunkanmi Olajide

The former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, and a legal luminary, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, has commended the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), for attaining a position of pride among Nigerian universities, stressing the need to sustain its culture of excellence.

Prof. Fagbohun, a renowned expert in Environmental Law, gave the commendation, while delivering a paper titled “Administering a University in a Challenging Environment: The Role of Deans and Directors” on the second day of the ongoing Retreat for Deans and Directors in Sagamu.

According to him, Deans and Directors are not just Frontline Officers but the “generalissimos” of the University, whose collective strength significantly shapes institutional success. Drawing from his LASU experience, he noted that effective teamwork and leadership among Frontline Officers contributed immensely to the stability and progress of his administration.

Prof. Fagbohun, also a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, lauded FUNAAB’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, for fostering a culture of self-inquiry and critical reflection, describing it as a defining trait of progressive leadership. He emphasised that effective leadership remained not only an asset but a necessity for institutional survival and growth in today’s competitive academic landscape.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Fagbogun, said people make systems, noting that leadership must not only address immediate challenges as they arise, but it must also focus on long-term strategic goals. His words, “To drive our institutions through difficult times requires a collective vision for the future.”

Also speaking, Mr. Kuro Ngoboh, in his presentation titled “Unlocking the Future: Enhancing Service Delivery and Revenue Generation through FUNAAB’s Strategic Position,” highlighted the importance of value creation as a driver of sustainable revenue generation.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, had reiterated the state of the University, highlighting achievements in infrastructural development, agricultural revitalisation, partnerships, and research opportunities.

He encouraged participants to not only identify challenges but also proffer actionable solutions, stressing that as leaders of the University, their role was pivotal in charting the path forward.

Meanwhile, the Retreat continues tomorrow with the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi and the Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga taking different sessions.