Last Updated on September 9, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olaoye Oyewole & Wuraola Dada
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School (FUNIS), has commenced its 4th Annual Retreat, with staff members charged to embrace change, uphold professional ethics and adopt innovative approaches to teaching and administration.
Declaring the retreat open today, September 8, 2026, the Chairman, FUNAAB Schools Management Board and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, described the programme as an important platform for strengthening the School’s mission, improving performance and advancing institutional excellence.
Prof. Idowu commended the teaching and other categories of staff for their dedication, urging them to raise their standards, exceed expectations and take ownership of established standards while exploring innovative ways of improving their work.
He said the retreat would provide an opportunity for constructive dialogue, experience-sharing and the development of practical insights capable of enhancing service delivery and contributing to the growth of the School.
The Board Chairman urged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the retreat and ensure that its lessons and outcomes translate into improved performance in their respective responsibilities.
Also speaking, the Principal of FUNIS, Mr. Olusola Ilori, described the retreat as a platform for professional renewal, self-development and institutional growth. He urged staff to “learn, unlearn and relearn”, stressing that knowledge acquired must translate into improved practices and better service delivery.
Mr. Ilori noted that meaningful change begins with individuals, charging every staff member to take responsibility for driving positive transformation within the School and continually adding value to the students, whom he described as the primary beneficiaries of their efforts.
Delivering a lecture titled, “Re-imagining Change: Building Resilience, Rebranding, and Reigniting Passion for the Teaching Profession,” Dr. Matthew Oose urged teachers to develop resilience, renew their passion for teaching and commit themselves to producing students who demonstrate excellence, integrity, accountability and resilience.
The second lecture, delivered by the Senior Deputy Registrar, Senate and Admissions, Dr. Abdussobur Salaam, was titled, “Re-imagining Ethics and Excellence: Planning, Preparation, Punctuality, Presence, and Meeting Deadlines.” He identified the five principles as key pillars of professional excellence, stressing that they demonstrate responsibility, accountability and commitment to institutional goals.
Dr. Salaam explained that planning and preparation require deliberate readiness, while punctuality demonstrates respect for time and professionalism. He added that presence requires active engagement and accountability, while meeting deadlines reflects commitment and responsibility, urging staff to uphold the principles as non-negotiable standards for personal and institutional excellence.
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