Last Updated on November 7, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As NOLAP Celebrates Second Anniversary of Partnership with FUNAAB
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Bolanle Olawepo
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has reiterated the University’s openness to strategic partnerships that strengthen its agricultural systems and drive national development.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, the Vice-Chancellor made this known during the celebration of the Second Anniversary of the Partnership between the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and NOLAP Farms, held today, November 5, 2025, at the University’s Red Chamber.
According to him, “We are bringing in more people to develop our system. Once you see any development in FUNAAB, it gives joy that you’re associated with this institution.”
The Vice-Chancellor commended NOLAP Farms for its passion and innovative approach to agricultural development. He lauded the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Noah Bankole, for translating theoretical agricultural concepts into practical realities, reaffirming the University’s commitment to sustaining impactful collaborations.
In his remarks, Dr. Bankole, a proud alumnus of FUNAAB, shared his inspiring journey from student advocacy to establishing a thriving agribusiness enterprise. He reflected on his determination to empower young people through agriculture, despite challenges such as limited access to machinery, insecurity, and high production costs. Encouraging students to remain focused and innovative, he stated that “Becoming opulent needs empowerment,” adding that success in agribusiness requires vision, resilience, and strategic collaboration.
Dr. Bankole expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for facilitating the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalised NOLAP’s partnership with the University, describing it as a platform that has expanded opportunities for innovation-driven learning and youth empowerment.
Also speaking, the Director, Centre for Community-Based Farming Scheme (COBFAS), Prof. Kazeem Bello, described the FUNAAB–NOLAP collaboration as a model for experiential learning and enterprise development. He commended the students for their enthusiasm toward hands-on training, stating, “We are not building muscle; we are building brains.” He added that efforts are ongoing to integrate precision agriculture, biotechnology, and agribusiness management into students’ field experience, to produce graduates who are job creators rather than job seekers.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Dr. Afolashade Adeyemo who was represented by Mr. Oluwole Fateru, Head of Local Government Administration, applauded Dr. Bankole for “taking the bull by the horns” and giving back to his alma mater. She urged students to cultivate passion, discipline, and a sense of purpose, stressing that “You are not the future; you are the now. Your children are the tomorrow. Build passion to drive your vision, and you’ll secure a better future.”
Other goodwill messages were delivered by Engr. Sheriff Bankole, former Special Adviser to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua; the Chief Agricultural Officer, COBFAS and the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUNAAB Branch, Comrade Olugbenga Alayode.
The highlight of the event was the launch of a music single titled “E Go Better,” produced by FUNAAB students under the NOLAP initiative. The song embodies hope, resilience, and the transformative spirit of youth-led agricultural innovation.
