Last Updated on July 24, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Aduragbemi Oke
In a significant affirmation of ethical leadership and institutional integrity, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has been conferred with the prestigious title of “Integrity Icon of Nigeria” (IION) by the Centre for Ethics and Self-Value Orientation.
The honour, bestowed by the renowned Anti-Corruption, and Non-Governmental Organisation, came after a secret and independent ethical assessment, recognising Prof. Kehinde’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of staff and students.
Underscoring the University’s standing, FUNAAB was decorated with a Good Governance Medal, having emerged first in Category B (Specialised Federal Universities) in the Centre’s Secret Independent Investigation Strategy (SIIS). FUNAAB also ranked second among the top ten most ethically compliant Federal universities nationwide.
Presenting the awards, the Executive Director of the Centre, Ethicist (Prince) Musa Salih Yakubu, lauded the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for exceeding expectations in key governance parameters, including office attendance culture, accessibility to the public, media responsiveness, and professional ethics.
“This recognition is not ceremonial,” he remarked. “It is the result of a rigorous ethical investigation that found the leadership of FUNAAB exceptionally worthy.”
The Centre also presented Corporate Ethics and Integrity Compliance Certificates to Principal Officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo; Registrar, Dr. Titus Adeniyi; Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga; and the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi.
Each recipient was commended for upholding high standards of professional conduct and promoting a culture of integrity and service excellence within the University.
In his Acceptance Speech, the Vice-Chancellor stated that “The recognition is truly an encouragement to us. We didn’t lobby for this honour, which makes it even more meaningful. Your NGO, with a track record spanning over two decades, reflects a long-standing commitment to promoting integrity.” Prof. Kehinde, therefore, appreciated the Centre for deeming the Management and the University worthy of the prestigious awards.
He further stated, “From your remarks, it is clear that due diligence and background checks were thoroughly carried out, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
The award presentation formed part of activities marking the 2025 Day of Conscience, an initiative of the Centre aimed at promoting integrity and moral consciousness in public service.
This latest recognition not only celebrated the ethical leadership of Prof. Kehinde and his team but also reinforced FUNAAB’s position as a leading example of transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Photos are attached below👇
Credit: Gbolahan Lawal
