… Pledges FUNAAB’s Continued Contribution to a Better Nigeria
By Emeka Oluka
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to contributing to a better Nigeria and improving humanity at large.
He made this statement today, October 18, 2024, in the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, after receiving the Exemplary Leadership Award from the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CRPA). The award was presented by CRPA’s team, led by Mr. Daniel Irodinso, in recognition of the Vice-Chancellor’s outstanding leadership.
In his Acceptance Speech, Prof. Kehinde expressed his gratitude to the CRPA team for the honour and acknowledged the collective efforts of his Management Team and the entire FUNAAB community, stressing that the University’s success was due to the dedication of all involved. He noted, “All the University has achieved is not a one-man show,” highlighting that the foundation of good leadership at FUNAAB, since its establishment in 1988, has paved the way for the current administration to build upon its legacy.
Prof. Kehinde also shared some of the University’s recent accolades, including its impressive performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, where FUNAAB was ranked as one of the best universities in Nigeria, the Best University of Agriculture in Africa, and seventh best globally. FUNAAB also secured the top spot in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger category.
Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor commended CRPA’s role as a prominent Civil Society Organisation, emphasising its importance as a watchdog for the nation’s progress.
Earlier, Mr. Irodinso, while presenting the award, explained that CRPA was dedicated to celebrating excellence in leadership. He praised the Vice-Chancellor for his exemplary administrative skills and acknowledged the University’s steady progress under his leadership, citing FUNAAB’s recent global ranking as a testament to the University’s achievements. He noted that CRPA recognises and celebrates leaders who promote meritocracy over mediocrity, urging the Vice-Chancellor to continue supporting staff development and celebrating their contributions.
Present at the event were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo; Ag. Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu, and the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi.
Others were the Director of the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu; Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Olajide Sogunle; Deputy Registrar II (Vice-Chancellor’s Office), Mr. Moses Ayanda; Assistant Chief Environmental Officer, Mr. Peter Bolarinwa, and the Ag. Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide.
