By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Joy Adeyiga
In a significant move towards advancing the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde has declared an unwavering support to be part of the ongoing AFD (Agencie Francaise de Développement) Supported ICT development project in Nigerian higher institutions.
Prof. Kehinde disclosed this on January 29, 2024, during a meeting with the National Universities Commission( NUC) Team visiting the university for the onsite evaluation exercise as FUNAAB also submitted proposal for the grant provided by AFD.
Prof. Kehinde, expressing his dedication to the cause, recounted his involvement dating back to the initial invitation stage in 2022. He conveyed the University’s eagerness to secure the project and expressed joy on behalf of the Management.
During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor assured the NUC Team of the Management’s solid backing, highlighting the University’s existing structures and infrastructure that would significantly contribute to the success of the project if awarded to FUNAAB.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde addressing the visiting NUC Team during the meeting
Photo credit: Gbolahan Lawal
Barrister Paschal Eruaga, the Team Lead, conveyed gratitude to the University Management for the warm and hospitable reception while commending the serene, peaceful, and comfortable environment.
Addressing the purpose of their visit, Barrister Eruaga explained that the on-site evaluation aimed to ensure the Vice-Chancellor’s awareness, involvement, and commitment to the realisation of the project.
He revealed that the current visit was prompted by the 2018 Federal Government survey on challenges faced by Nigerian universities, emphasising the need for a competitive selection process through a proposal to ensure fair treatment.
Highlighting the essence of the project, Barrister Eruagu restated its goal of enhancing ICT development and promoting collaboration in daily teaching, learning, and research through Information Technology across universities in the country.
NUC Team Lead, Barr. Paschal Eruaga giving reasons for their visit to the University, while the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde and other Principal Officers, including some top University officials listen with rapt attention
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Ranking Advisory Committee (RAC) who also doubled as the Chairman, AFD-NUC-ICT Proposal Development Committee, Prof. Olusegun Folorunso was hopeful for the eventual success of the University after the selection process.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo; Ag. Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu; University Librarian, Dr. Abayomi Owolabi; Dean, College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), Prof. Iyabode Kehinde; Director, Directorate of Academic Planning, Prof. Olajide Sogunle, and the Ag. Director, Information and Communication Technology Resource Centre (ICTREC), Mr. Temitope Soretire.
Others were the Head of Department (HoD), Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (AERD), Prof. Petra Abdulsalam-Saghir; Chairperson, Publications Committee, Prof. Helen Bodunde; Mrs. Onyinye Akauba from NUC; former ICTREC Ag. Director, Dr. Olutayo Ajayi; Mr. Olurotimi Fasunwon, and the Secretary, AFD-NUC-ICT Proposal Development Committee, Mr. Jide Oduyemi, among others.
Prof. Olusegun Folorunso addressing the Team at the ICTREC Board Room
