FUNAAB Governing Council Inaugurated, Holds First Meeting In Abuja
By: Olasunkanmi Olajide, Ogun
His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land and the newly-inaugurated Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has called for a serious national service from members of FUNAAB board.
He made this known during an Inaugural Meeting of the newly-inaugurated Council of FUNAAB held on July 4, 2024, in Abuja.
The Chairman emphasised the need for attitudinal change and practical policies to positively impact the Federal Government and the community.
Oba Olabomi, the 15th Aragbiji stressed that FUNAAB’s activities must promote the University globally and sought full cooperation from all members to achieve significant progress.
The highly revered monarch who is the 8th Pro-Chancellor of FUNAAB, therefore, congratulated all the members for a well-deserved appointment.
In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde introduced the internal members of the Governing Council to the new Chairman and members, noting that the University Community eagerly awaits the Council’s presence on campus to address pressing matters.
Other Council members present included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo; Ag. Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu; University Librarian, Dr. Abayomi Owolabi; DR I, Council Affairs, Mr. Adewusi Agbotoba; DR II, Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr. Moses Ayanda; Mr. Atsenda Ishwa; Rt. Hon. Ayo Agbonmuserin; Dr. Adeniyi Balogun and Mrs. Mayo Ogah.
In a separate development, the University refuted a recent article by the Ogun State Sun Correspondent, titled “Why no lecturer has become Professor in the last two years in FUNAAB,” published on June 29, 2024.
FUNAAB clarified that 18 academics were promoted to the rank of Professor in 2022. So also in 2023, qualified academic staff considered for promotion had their publications forwarded for external assessment.
The 2024 promotion exercise has started with the process to be concluded as scheduled, following the inauguration of the new Governing Council.
The FUNAAB inaugural meeting followed the official inauguration of the newly-appointed chairmen and members of Federal tertiary institutions on July 4th 2024 by Honourable Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
During the ceremony, the Honourable Minister urged the appointees to focus on generating increased internal revenue for their respective institutions.
“You are responsible for setting the strategic direction, overseeing transparent and responsible financial management of the sector, and ensuring the overall performance of these institutions to achieve the national goals and expectations of tertiary institutions,” Prof. Mamman stated.
Speaking also at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, stated the importance of adhering to legal frameworks governing tertiary institutions.
“Compliance with these legal frameworks ensures that our institutions operate with integrity and accountability. It also helps to safeguard the autonomy of our academic institutions, while promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), highlighted the importance of a harmonious relationship between the University Management and Council.
He advised caution in dealings with university members and encouraged Vice-Chancellors to collaborate with Councils to improve institutions, stating, “We are to build and not to pull down.”
Earlier, Dr. Chris Maiyaki, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), congratulated the Council members, assuring them of full support from the NUC to enhance the university system.
