At a low-key ceremony held on September 1, 2021 at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room A, the Management of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), sent-forth two top Non-Teaching Staff of the University. They were Dr. Linda Onwuka, a former Head, Directorate of Public Relations (DPR), and Mr. Joseph Olobashola, the immediate past Director, Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Felix Kolawole Salako stated that it was an honour to celebrate those that have really delivered and contributed immensely to the development of the University, commending the efforts and contributions of the retiring top officers towards staff development and University growth.
According to him, discipline at work is very important as the culture of when people rise in their careers, they feel they should not come to work again or not discharge their duties accordingly, should stop. He noted that it was not about disliking people, but getting them to do what is right always.
He lamented the growing unemployment rate in the country, saying that if anyone crashes the system, there won’t be jobs for the future generations.
Lauding the commitment and loyalty to the University system, the Vice-Chancellor commended Dr. Onwuka for her outstanding insistence on due processes as regards to job-related functions of the Registry Department, calling her a very sound and disciplined Administrator.
On the other hand, the Vice-Chancellor commended Mr. Olobasola for transforming the University Farms from the usual hoe and cutlass farming to a mechanised one, stressing that with the rising population in the country, mechanisation was the way to go.
He, therefore, charged the staff members of DUFARMS to continue to operate the equipment properly to maximise the production of farm produce.
Noting the availability of abundant equipment in the University that are not being utilised, Professor Salako urged staff members to properly and effectively use the equipment for the development of the University.
In the same vein, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale extolled the virtues Dr. Onwuka upheld, saying that she has worked excellently and helped the University grow administratively. The DVC, A, added that Mr. Olobasola has raised the bar at the Farms which has brought unprecedented growth to DUFARMS.
Similarly, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Professor Clement Adeofun maintained that Dr. Onwuka was a quintessential administrator that couldn’t be easily influenced, especially when it has to do with rules, guidelines and regulations, even as he referred to Mr. Olobasola as a dedicated officer who revolutionalised the University Farms.
Corroborating the two DVCs, the Registrar, Dr. ‘Bola Adekola revealed that he has enjoyed a smooth relationship with Dr. Onwuka who assisted the University greatly at the Registry Department, while he appreciated Mr. Olobasola for his services to DUFARMS in terms of enhancing production.
The Bursar, Mr. Chukwuwinke Ezekpeazu and the University Librarian, Dr. Fehintola Onifade thanked the duo for their immense contributions to the growth of the University, praying that God should endow them with good health to enjoy the fruit of their labour.
In their separate remarks, the two retirees thanked and appreciated the University Management for honouring them, praying to God that the University should continue to grow in leaps and bounds.
Meanwhile, Dr. Onwuka was a former Registrar at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun and a former Acting Registrar in FUNAAB, while Mr. Olobashola was a staff of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), before taking up appointment with FUNAAB.
Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of gifts and Commendation Letter to each of the retirees.
Present at the ceremony were the representative of the Deputy Registrar I, VCO and the Principal Assistant Registrar, VCO, Mrs. Folasade Giwa; Ag. Director, DUFARMS, Mr. Olumuyiwa Maraiyesa; Deputy Burasr II, Mr. Valentine Egbuna as well as some members of staff of the Directorate of Public Relations led by its Head, Mr. Kola Adepoju.
