The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde on Saturday, April 20, 2024 bagged the prestigious Excellence in Human Capital Development Award at the 109th National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), held at the Green Chamber.
In his speech at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor extended a warm welcome to the Association, expressing his gratitude for the recognition. He acknowledged the challenges within the agricultural sector but affirmed the commitment of the University to providing solutions.
He emphasised the importance of value addition and technological innovation.
According to him, “There are challenges to overcome but we are forging ahead to ensure we solve them, we will not relent in our effort.”
Also awarded was the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako who was acknowledged for his exceptional leadership during his tenure as the Sixth Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, symbolising his outstanding contributions to the University.
In her address explaining the rationale behind the awards, the National President of UNAA, Queen (Dr.) Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, highlighted the effective and efficient leadership exhibited by both the current Vice-Chancellor and the former one, noting their roles in public service, human capital management, and administration.
She particularly commended Prof. Salako for elevating FUNAAB’s profile during his tenure.
Responding, Prof. Salako echoed the significance of value addition in agriculture, stressing the entrepreneurial opportunities it presents, especially for the youth.
He encouraged leveraging Information Technology to enhance productivity and diversify agricultural ventures.
In his Goodwill Message, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, who underscored the importance of appreciating and celebrating individuals’ contributions to society, noted the positive impact of recognition in motivating continued excellence.
Speaking at the ceremony as the Guest Speaker on the theme “Mitigating the Contemporary Social Issues for Agropreneurial Development in Nigeria: The Viewpoint of a University Scholar,” Prof. James Banjo, from the Department of Agricultural Science, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode disclosed the challenges plaguing the agricultural sector and advocated for concerted efforts to address food insecurity and rural underdevelopment.
Other awardees included the Ogun State former Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who was represented by Mr. Kehinde Sogunle; former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola; former Dean, College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), Prof. David Agboola, and the Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Dr. David Odedeji.
Others were the Provost, Federal College of Education (FCE), Abeokuta, Dr. Rafiu Soyele; former Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Prof. Bukola George; Alhaji Menghistu Ade Yusuf, among others.
The awards ceremony served not only as a platform for honouring exemplary individuals but also as a call to action for collective efforts towards agricultural development and societal progress.
