Last Updated on September 15, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Aduragbemi Oke
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School (FUNIS) has commenced its 3rd Annual Staff Retreat, themed “Facing the Future Together,” a 3-Day programme designed to prepare educators, administrators, and stakeholders for the new academic session through reflection, learning, and strategic planning.
Addressing participants, the Chairman, FUNAAB Schools Management Board and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, urged staff members to approach the retreat with seriousness and openness. According to him, “Before we can face the future, we must look back critically at the past.” He encouraged participants to honestly review the successes and challenges of the last academic session, noting that such reflection would pave the way for improved collective performance.
Earlier, the Principal of FUNIS, Mr. Olusola Ilori stressed the importance of teamwork and collaboration in realising the school’s mission and vision, describing the retreat as “an opportunity to learn, relearn, and engage with experts in the field.”
The first paper presentation, “Teaching with Empathy: Building a Strong Teacher-Student Relationship for Improved Productivity and Academic Excellence,” was delivered by Mrs. Folashade Philips, Executive Director, Vine-Crest College, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State. She underscored the role of empathy in education, stressing that “If you don’t touch the heart first, you cannot teach the child.” She advised teachers to cultivate trust, respect individuality, and build positive relationships as foundations for effective teaching and learning.
Delivering the Keynote Address on the retreat’s theme, Mr. Adedoyin Adewolu, a Human Resource Expert from Lagos State, highlighted resilience and adaptability as vital qualities for teachers in today’s dynamic educational landscape. He charged teachers to remain united and innovative in meeting the demands of modern-day education.
Spanning three days, the retreat would feature more expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and strategy meetings, all aimed at equipping the teachers and other staff members with tools and insights for a more impactful academic year.
