Last Updated on August 26, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

… As FUNAAB Commences 2-Day Retreat for the Departmental Heads

By Olasunkanmi Olajide

The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has tasked Heads of Departments (HoDs) with embracing transformative leadership, describing them as the “expanded Management of the University” and critical to FUNAAB’s sustained growth and excellence.

Prof. Kehinde gave the charge while declaring open a 2-Day Retreat for HoDs, themed “Transformative University Administration in Contemporary Times,” which commenced today, August 25, 2025, at the Conference Hotel, Sagamu.

Addressing participants, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed Management’s commitment to supporting HoDs, stressing that their roles were central to ensuring Departmental vibrancy and institutional progress. “You matter, and that is why we are committed to supporting you to succeed in your offices,” he said. He urged them to nurture Departments into hubs of academic and research productivity, anchored on integrity, equity, and fair play.

Highlighting the establishment of the eleventh College, the Vice-Chancellor noted that HoDs were now more indispensable than ever to the realisation of FUNAAB’s vision. He also drew attention to the University’s notable achievements in research through Institution-Based Research (IBR) and National Research Fund (NRF) grants, encouraging HoDs to mobilise colleagues towards quality proposals that would sustain FUNAAB’s leadership in research funding utilisation.

The Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi, in a thought-provoking paper titled “Fostering Synergy Between Heads of Departments and the Registry: A Strategic Framework for Administrative Efficiency and Excellence,” challenged the participants to reflect on their leadership approach. He cautioned against title-driven leadership, noting that true leadership thrives on vision, responsibility, and the ability to strengthen systems. “Move from silos to synergy, from friction to efficiency, and from mere compliance to excellence,” he charged.

On financial stewardship, the Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga, delivered a presentation on “Financial Regulations and Prudent Fund Management in a University System.” He outlined the functions of the Bursar as the University’s Chief Financial Officer, overseeing fifteen critical units responsible for internal controls, financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance with regulatory frameworks.

The University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi, equally gave updates on the Nimbe Adedipe Library, announcing its latest ranking as the sixth-best library in Nigeria. He further revealed that the library now boasts a state-of-the-art teleconferencing facility to bolster teaching, learning, and research.

The Retreat continues tomorrow with a Technical Session by Prof. Kolade Luke Ayorinde, who would speak on “Contemporary University Administration: The Central Role of Heads of Departments as Key Stakeholders.”