Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As NAAT Commissions Secretariat, Honours VC, Former VC, Others
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has reaffirmed that the University Management under his leadership remains committed to fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that no individual is discriminated against.
Prof. Kehinde made this assertion during the official commissioning of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) Secretariat, alongside award presentations to eminently qualified persons and a retirement ceremony for its members.
The event, held on March 5, 2025, at the NAAT Secretariat on campus, was marked by camaraderie and appreciation. Congratulating the Association on achieving a permanent space, the Vice-Chancellor humorously acknowledged, “You are no longer tenants, but remember, I still own the land.”
He lauded NAAT for its collective efforts in advancing the interests of its members, noting the significance of recognising individuals who had contributed immensely to FUNAAB’s growth, describing them as “men of timber and calibre.”
The Chairman of NAAT-FUNAAB Chapter, Comrade Joseph Olurinde in his Welcome Address, expressed his delight that members could now convene in a befitting hall. He credited part of the achievement to the supportive relationship the union has shared with the Directorate of Technologists and Technical Staff (DITTECS), led by Dr. Wunmi Abimbola-Okunneye.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Hammed Benco, delivered a lecture on “Effective Management System in a Multi-Labour Union Environment.” He emphasised that leadership positions in unions are responsibilities rather than privileges, with a good name being the ultimate reward. He also called for stronger collaboration among unions on campus to foster peace and progress.
In a similar vein, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU-UNAAB) Branch, Dr. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, stressed the importance of synergy among sister unions to maintain harmony on campus.
Corroborating the ASUU-UNAAB Chairman, the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU-FUNAAB), Com. Olurotimi Fasunwon paid glowing tributes to the retirees for their efforts in bringing the University to this enviable height.
The ceremony also featured the recognition of distinguished personalities. The Vice-Chancellor was honoured with the Diligence Award, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako received the Meritocracy Award, while the former Registrar, Dr. ‘Bola Adekola, was conferred with the Award of Administrative Excellence.
Additionally, NAAT celebrated its retirees, including Alhaji Shola Tanlat Rufai, Alhaji Kamorudeen Adedo, Mr. Raphael Coker, Mr. Muzan Mensah and Mr. Simon Olawale Odeniyi. Others were Mr. Abraham Ojo, Engr. (Dr.) Ademola Olaoluwa and Mr. Olopade Ebenezer. The retirees expressed heartfelt appreciation to NAAT for honouring them even after they had retired from active service.
Dignitaries at the occasion included Comrade Rafiu Muyideen, NAAT Secretary, University of Ibadan (UI); Comrade Adebiyi Augustin, Zonal Coordinator (Southwest) and NAAT Branch Chairman, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye; Comrade Onotu James; and Comrade Olanloye.
The event underscored NAAT’s commitment to fostering unity, recognising excellence, and ensuring the welfare of its members.
