The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) played host to a high-level Monitoring and Verification Team from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) on May 23, 2025. The visit aimed to assess the implementation of projects under the Batch 8 (2021) National Research Fund (NRF) Grant.
Vice-Chancellor’s Remarks
Welcoming the delegation, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde expressed profound appreciation to TETFund for its unwavering support towards advancing research in Nigerian universities. He emphasized that research remains a critical component of the University’s tripartite mandate and requires sustained funding. Prof. Kehinde highlighted FUNAAB’s track record of impactful research, citing examples such as the Tomato Agronomic Biofortification Project, a TETFund-NRF sponsored project aimed at addressing iodine deficiency in human nutrition .
TETFund Team’s Feedback
The Team Lead, Prof. Demo Kalla, stated that the visit was designed to monitor and verify project execution, provide constructive feedback, and add value to ongoing research efforts. He congratulated FUNAAB for its outstanding performance in research and encouraged the University to maintain its leadership role within the national research ecosystem. Prof. Kalla underscored the opportunities offered by the NRF Grant, particularly for senior academic staff serving as Principal Investigators.
Monitoring and Verification Exercise
The exercise focused on assessing project milestones in line with stated objectives, work plans, key performance indicators, and approved budgets. Key stakeholders present included :-
1.Bursar: Mr. Olukayode Osinuga
2.Principal Investigators
3.Director of DRIP: Prof. Mutiu Busari
4.Director of Academic Planning: Prof. Olajide Sogunle
5.Former Dean, COLERM: Prof. Isaac Omoniyi
6.TETFund Team Members: Prof. Sylvester Ibe
7.Barrister Maryam Mustapha
The visit has further reinforced FUNAAB’s position as a beacon of research excellence and innovation in the Nigerian University System.
