120 First-Class Students, Others Set For Graduation At FUNAAB 32nd Convocation Ceremony
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) is set to achieve another milestone in academic excellence as it prepares to graduate 120 First-Class students during its 32nd Convocation Ceremony on January 25, 2025.
At the Convocation Press Conference held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Red Chamber, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the achievement as a testament to the University’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and its mission to produce globally competitive graduates.
Prof. Kehinde announced that a total of 3,567 undergraduate students would receive Degrees at the ceremony. Among them, 1,626 students would graduate with Second-Class Upper division honors, while 1,624 would earn Second-Class Lower division honors. Additionally, 426 postgraduate students would be conferred with various qualifications, including 30 Diplomas, 274 Master’s Degrees, and 136 PhDs.
In highlighting the University’s forward-looking approach, Prof. Kehinde revealed the introduction of eight new academic programmes, including Library and Information Science and six specialised disciplines in Computing Science. This brings the total number of programmes to 38, spread across 54 Departments. He also announced the elevation of the Department of Communication and General Studies to an Institute, further strengthening FUNAAB’s academic framework.
FUNAAB’s research excellence continues to shine, with six projects receiving ₦171.4 Million in funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). He stated further that the University has secured seven international grants, including €6,000 for Intelligent Animal Monitoring Systems, €73,000 for Environmental Management, and £210,000 for Agricultural Economics research. “These achievements underscore our commitment to providing innovative solutions to societal challenges,” Prof. Kehinde noted.
On infrastructure, Prof. Kehinde highlighted the progress of 11 Federal Government projects and 19 TETFund initiatives, including the development of modern laboratories and ICT facilities to enhance learning and research environments.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the contributions of the Alumni Association, which has donated a substantial amount of money for student welfare initiatives, and the NELFUND, which has provided ₦133 Million in scholarships benefiting over 3,000 students.
As a global leader in agricultural education and a top-ranking University for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), FUNAAB continues to prioritise initiatives that advance agriculture and food security. Prof. Kehinde disclosed plans to establish a Department of Climate Science and Agro-Meteorology to address climate change and its impact on food production. He also mentioned the University’s collaborations with Ogun State to secure agricultural resources and explore public-private partnerships to expand sectoral activities.
Revealing the names of former Vice-Chancellors that would be dignified with naming of monuments on Friday, January 24, 2025, the 7th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University stated that the 5th Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Bandele Oyewole and the 6th Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako would have University buildings named in their honour.
In her vote of thanks, the Chairperson of the Ceremonials Committee, Prof. Temitope Ajadi, appreciated all stakeholders for their support in ensuring a successful Convocation.
The 32nd Convocation Ceremony promises to be a celebration of academic achievements, research breakthroughs, and community impact, reinforcing FUNAAB’s status as a trailblazer in higher education.
Meanwhile, the line-up of events for the 32nd Convocation Ceremony would continue with the Opening Ceremony of the Agri-Machinery Road Show and Research Product Exhibition, tomorrow, January 23, 2025 at the Red Chamber by 10 a.m. and dignitaries would later proceed to the Basement of the Senate Extension Building to participate in the Show.
