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By Olasunkanmi Olajide
The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has reiterated that “government has no business in business” as he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the FUNAAB Alumni Association to establish an 800-hectare farmland on the University campus. The initiative was aimed at driving agricultural development and innovation.
At the signing ceremony, today, October 17, 2024, Prof. Kehinde reflected on the efforts of the immediate past Global President of the Association, Dr. Segun Ogundiran, who initiated the partnership. He expressed delight that the agreement has now come to reality.
Referencing a line from the University Anthem, “A School of Farming, Science, and Skills,” Prof. Kehinde emphasised that his administration was bringing agriculture to the forefront, leveraging partnerships such as this one to expand farming activities. He noted that the economic challenges facing Nigeria had prompted the University to make better use of its expansive land resources.
He stressed that currently, only 10 percent of FUNAAB’s more than 10,000-hectare land was being utilised, and the University has turned to Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to engage in large-scale commercial agriculture.
Prof. Kehinde, who is a Fellow of the Genetics Society of Nigeria (FGSN), also highlighted how the farmland project would serve as a training ground to empower both alumni and current students, enhancing the capacity of the Association to contribute to the University’s growth.
A Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Prof. Kehinde, therefore, commended the Alumni Association for its continued support, particularly in paying school charges for indigent students and providing food supplies during examinations. He encouraged further contributions, especially in the establishment of an emergency relief fund to assist students with critical medical needs.
In his speech, the Global President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support. He revealed the Association’s plans to invest nearly ₦20 million towards paying school charges for students in the 2024/2025 Academic Session. He also expressed gratitude to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, HRM Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, for acknowledging the Association’s efforts.
Present at the MoU signing ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo; Deputy Registrar II, Mr. Moses Ayanda; and the University Legal Officer, Mrs. Olanrewaju Tanimowo.
On the Global President’s entourage included Alh. Sikiru Salako, Global Vice President I; Mr. Femi Ajayi, Global Secretary and Mrs. Tolulope Akinola, Global Director of Socials.
Others were Dr. Segun Ogundiran, Immediate Past President; Mr. Biodun Ajayi, Director, Alumni Venture and Dr. Funmilola Ilori, Chairperson, MoU Committee.
