Last Updated on August 26, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Femi Dansu
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, August 25, 2025, hosted a delegation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for a carrying capacity assessment, aimed at evaluating the University’s readiness to admit more students in future academic sessions.
Welcoming the team on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, expressed appreciation for the visit and warmly received the Team Lead, Mr. Jude Akubue, an alumnus of FUNAAB. He lauded Mr. Akubue’s longstanding connection with the University and acknowledged his familiarity with FUNAAB’s progressive transformation.
The Vice-Chancellor briefed the delegation on the University’s preparations for the new session, including leadership retreats on teaching, research, and service delivery. He also highlighted newly completed infrastructural projects and improved facilities, including the resources at the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Nimbe Adedipe Library, all ready for immediate use.
According to him, staff recruitment is ongoing in line with the institution’s expanding academic programmes. At the same time, the University continues to host large-scale national initiatives like Teach for Nigeria, which trains nearly 1,000 Fellows annually, and the recently concluded Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) Annual Conference. He further revealed that the newly approved Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), would commence operations at FUNAAB with 1,000 pioneer students, underscoring the University’s strong infrastructure and academic reputation.
Commending staff commitment despite the annual vacation period, Prof. Akinyemi noted that FUNAAB has successfully restored its academic calendar and reaffirmed the University’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and community service. He appealed to the NUC Team for a positive outcome from the exercise.
Also speaking, the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Olajide Sogunle, disclosed that the University was seeking an increase in its College of Veterinary Medicine (COLVET) admission quota from 60 to 90, alongside the introduction of 14 new academic programmes, to match its expanding capacity.
In his response, the NUC Team Lead expressed delight at returning to his alma mater. He clarified that the carrying capacity exercise was distinct from accreditation, focusing on infrastructure, staffing levels, and resource utilisation to ensure quality and sustainability. He emphasised the need for compliance with staffing ratios and efficient use of facilities, assuring that the team’s findings would be duly communicated to the Vice-Chancellor and relevant bodies.
Other members of the NUC delegation included Mr. Oche Mathew and Mr. Yaaya Washima. Present at the meeting from FUNAAB were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo; the representative of the University Librarian, Mrs. Deborah Ologun, as well as several Deans and Directors.
