Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As the University Marks World Book Day 2026
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has described the University as home to one of Nigeria’s most outstanding library systems.
Prof. Kehinde made the remarks today, March 11, 2026, during activities commemorating World Book Day at the University, emphasising the vital role of libraries in advancing teaching, learning and research.
The celebration featured the 2026 Annual Book Exhibition organised by the University’s Nimbe Adedipe Library, showcasing newly acquired books, academic journals and digital learning resources. The exhibition, which commenced at the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT), demonstrated the University’s commitment to strengthening academic scholarship through expanded access to knowledge resources.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the University’s sustained investment in library infrastructure, describing the library system as a critical pillar of academic excellence. According to him, increased funding, the acquisition of modern learning materials, and the expansion of both digital and physical collections have positioned the Nimbe Adedipe Library to support innovative teaching and high-impact research.
Prof. Kehinde also encouraged greater use of the College libraries across the University, advising students to reduce excessive smartphone use, which he noted could contribute to declining reading habits.
He further called on the University Librarian and College Deans to ensure that both students and academic staff fully benefit from the institution’s investments through effective management, improved access and active utilisation of library resources.
The Vice-Chancellor urged students to cultivate stronger reading habits, while encouraging lecturers to integrate library resources more actively into their teaching, stressing that engagement with scholarly materials was essential for academic development.
Earlier, the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining a world-class library system. He noted that the Library regularly acquires new books, resources and information materials to meet the evolving needs of the University Community.
Prof. Owolabi expressed confidence that the continued expansion of library resources would significantly enhance research productivity while fostering a culture of lifelong learning at FUNAAB.
A major highlight of the event was the ceremonial ribbon-cutting by the Vice-Chancellor to officially declare the Book Exhibition open. Dignitaries present at the event included the former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin; Dean of the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), Prof. Emmanuel Fakoya; Dean of the College of Engineering (COLENG), Prof. Adedayo Badejo; Dean of the College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS), Prof. Victor Makinde; and Dean of COLPLANT, Prof. Bolarinwa Senjobi, among others.
