Last Updated on August 8, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Femi Dansu
The Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) has lauded the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) for its remarkable infrastructural development under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, honouring him with an Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding leadership, innovation, compassion and commitment to community development.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit by the top echelon of the Institute to the Vice-Chancellor today, August 7, 2026, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room. Leading the delegation, the State Chairman of the NIA, Architect Segun Oriola, FNIA, commended the University’s impressive physical transformation and restated the Institute’s readiness to partner with FUNAAB on architectural, infrastructural and environmental development initiatives. He assured the Vice-Chancellor that the Chapter would continue to make its professional expertise available to the University whenever required.
Architect Oriola also formally invited the Vice-Chancellor to the forthcoming Ogun State Architects’ Assembly scheduled for September 17, 2026. He disclosed that the Assembly would feature presentations of professional papers and other activities aimed at advancing architectural practice in the State, noting that the Vice-Chancellor’s presence would add “glamour and class” to the event. He equally solicited the University’s support towards the successful hosting of the programme.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor appreciated the delegation for the visit, the commendation and the honour bestowed on him. He described architecture as a noble profession that extends beyond building design to shaping functional, healthy and aesthetically pleasing environments, stressing that well-planned physical spaces contribute significantly to human wellbeing, productivity and quality of life.
Prof. Kehinde expressed optimism that the growing emphasis on urban renewal and environmental improvement across the country would create greater opportunities for architects.
Highlighting FUNAAB’s commitment to quality infrastructure, the Vice-Chancellor stated that the University prides itself on having one of the most beautiful campuses in Nigeria, attributing this achievement to the contributions of dedicated built-environment professionals from the institution’s formative years, under the leadership of the late Prof. Nurudeen Olorun-Nimbe Adedipe. He cited the University’s iconic Senate Building, constructed in the mid-1990s, as a testament to enduring architectural excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the University was simultaneously modernising existing facilities and embarking on new capital projects, particularly those funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). He explained that all projects were executed through multidisciplinary teams led by Architects and comprising Structural Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, among other professionals, with designs subjected to due approvals before procurement and construction.
Prof. Kehinde further noted that the University maintains transparency in project execution through public bid openings and strict supervisory mechanisms to ensure quality delivery. He stressed the importance of involving end-users through Users’ committees, emphasising that the true success of any building lies in its functionality and ability to meet Users’ needs.
Speaking on environmental sustainability, the Vice-Chancellor underscored the need to further enhance the University’s expansive green landscape through professional landscape architecture. He added that FUNAAB already possessed relevant expertise in this area, encouraging deeper collaboration to beautify and sustainably develop the campus.
He also highlighted the University’s growing investment in renewable energy, revealing that FUNAAB now operates a 3.2MW solar power plant alongside its connection to the national electricity grid.
A major highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Award of Excellence to the Vice-Chancellor by the NIA, Ogun State Chapter, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, innovation, compassion and commitment to community development. Receiving the award, Prof. Kehinde expressed gratitude to the Institute and assured the delegation of his attendance at the September 17, 2026, Architects’ Assembly, describing it as another opportunity to strengthen the relationship between FUNAAB and the architectural profession in Ogun State.
