The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Alumni Association has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the University’s indigent students by awarding scholarships worth over ₦10.6 million to 108 deserving recipients out of more than 400 applicants.
The scholarships, made possible through the collective efforts of the U.S.A. Branch of the Alumni Association, Kind Heart Annual Scholarship, and the Engr. Olusina and Prof. Subuola Fasoyiro Annual Scholarship Award, aim to ease the financial burden of students and support the academic journey of the beneficiaries by offsetting their student charges.
At the award ceremony held on November 7, 2024, at the FUNAAB Alumni Centre, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, commended the Alumni Association for its significant contribution.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to utilise the University’s Work and Learn scheme to further reduce financial pressures and advised them to extend support to fellow students who could not benefit from the scholarship, emphasising the importance of giving back in the future.
In his Welcome Address, the Global President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi, expressed gratitude to the University Management for their continued support.
He pledged the Alumni Association’s commitment to advancing the University’s vision and urged the students to excel academically, so they could one day contribute back to their alma mater.
The Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga, added to the support with a personal donation of ₦250,000 and advised the recipients to focus on their studies as a foundation for future success.
The Acting Director of the Information and Communication Technology Resource Centre (ICTREC), Mr. Temitope Soritire, highlighted the automation of the scholarship process, which has increased transparency and accountability.
Commending the initiative, Mrs. Felicia Olaleye from the University Counselling Unit applauded the sponsors for increasing the number of beneficiaries annually. She encouraged the students to assist others, fostering a spirit of mutual support.
Notable alumni, including Mr. Bayo Okenla and Prof. Subuola Fasoyiro, joined the event virtually to share words of encouragement. One of the beneficiaries, Miss Blessing Raymond, expressed gratitude on behalf of her peers, pledging to uphold the University’s values and excel in their studies.
Meanwhile, further demonstrating alumni philanthropy, Bishop Felix Owolabi, a distinguished FUNAAB alumnus and General Overseer of Faith Triumph Ministries International, USA, awarded scholarships worth millions of naira to over 100 indigent students during the fourth edition of the Bishop & Rev. (Dr.) Mrs. Felix Owolabi Annual Scholarship Programme, held on November 6, 2024.
The Deputy Registrar II, Exams & Records Unit, Mr. Adewale Ojoye, representing the Registrar, Dr. Titus Adedeji, commended Bishop Owolabi for his generosity, encouraging the recipients to remain focused and strive for academic excellence.
Delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s message, Mr. Ojoye applauded the hard work and resilience of the University’s staff and students, citing FUNAAB’s recognition as the Best University of Agriculture in Africa and the 7th globally by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
He advised the students to adopt a positive mindset and work diligently, affirming that a humble background should not limit their ambitions.
Representing Bishop Owolabi, Dr. Femi Adefila, CEO of RAV FM and Western Spring TV, inspired the students to aim high and change the course of their lives, using the scholarship as a stepping stone. Prof. Mutiu Busari, Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovations, and Partnerships (DRIP), shared his personal experience as a former indigent student and emphasised the value of dedication to studies.
Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi commended Bishop Owolabi’s consistent support, including a recent endowment of 1 million naira to the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) and a 6 million naira donation for medical assistance to a late alumna, Miss Folasade Akinde.
He called on other alumni to emulate such exemplary philanthropy, noting the financial struggles faced by some students.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Fiyinfoluwa Oladipupo from the Department of Soil Science and Land Management, COLPLANT, thanked Bishop Owolabi for the transformative support. The event was graced by the Global National Vice-President I, Alhaji Sikiru Salako; Global Secretary, Mr. Femi Ajayi; Mrs. Olufunke Adegbite from the Counselling Unit, and other distinguished alumni members.
The scholarships underscore the unwavering commitment of FUNAAB’s Alumni Association and its members to foster academic excellence and provide crucial support to indigent students, reinforcing the University’s vision of inclusiveness and educational advancement.
