Crime

FUNAAB Student Accused of Poisoning Girlfriend Cleared

By Web News 511

The Federal University of Agriculture, FUNAAB, Abeokuta, has cleared a final-year student of the school, Oladokun Ayomide, over the allegation of poisoning his girlfriend and another lady.

Earlier reports said the Ogun State Police Command arrested Ayomide for allegedly poisoning Ugbokwe Mmasichukwu and another lady, Odumosu Semilore.

The police said the suspect administered a poison believed to be a mixture of brownie cakes, alcohol, and an unknown harmful substance after inviting his girlfriend to his residence in the Surulere community in the Camp area of the city.

However, according to a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Media Directorate of Public Relations, FUNAAB, Olasunkanmi Olajide, and made available to our correspondent on Thursday, the cakes purchased by Ayomide, “contained a high level of alcohol. This led to the unintentional intoxication of the consumers.”

“Ayomide had no malicious intent, as confirmed by the medical examination at their institution’s health centre. The affected individuals were discharged from the hospital the following day and even participated in their examinations on November 10, 2023.”

“It is crucial to emphasise that all charges against Ayomide, brought forth by the parents and the school of the affected ladies, have been dropped due to the lack of malicious intent,” the school stated.

When contacted, the Ogun State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that the student had been released on bail following a settlement by the parents of the students.

Punch/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Education

FUNAAB Renews Enforcement of Approved Dress Code for Students

By Web News 658

By Olusegun Folarin

Authorities of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, have renewed their commitment to ensuring compliance with the approved dress code for students coming into the University campus.

The Management has reiterated that the move was aimed at ensuring strict compliance with extant regulations and principles guiding the conduct of students within the institution’s campus. 

According to a statement by the Registrar of the University, Dr. ‘Bola Adekola, the Senate of FUNAAB had taken the decision on the issue of Dress Code at a meeting held on Tuesday, 14th December, 2021 and communicated same to the University Community via a circular FUNAAB/REG.11/VOL. III/52 of December 16, 2021. 

It indicated that Farm Practical Year students should wear the approved green jumpsuit, rain-boot and hand gloves for their convenience and personal safety on the farms during the Farm Practical Year.

Describing the Senate’s decision as the final position on the subject matter, the statement by the University Registrar also emphasised the need for facial identification of all students at all times within the University Community. 

The statement condemned the attempts by those described as misguided faceless individuals, reportedly sponsoring some online reports on religious sentiments to disrupt the endearing peace, harmony and the prevailing congenial academic environment of the University. 

It noted that a judgment of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abeokuta on suit number FHC/AB/FHR/12/2022 dated May 19, 2022 by Justice O. Oguntoyinbo had ruled that the sole issue of use of face veil also known as ‘Niqob’ was resolved in favour of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta as the Respondent in the matter. 

The statement showed that the court also ruled that fundamental human rights of freedom was not absolute in the instance while the FUNAAB management had urged aggrieved persons to approach the courts for a comprehensive interpretation of the judgement, stating that nowhere in the world could anyone enjoy public service anonymously without the consent and approval of the service provider and religion had nothing to do with the issue.

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Economy

Rear cockroaches to become a millionaire – Prof. Oluwalana

By Web News 1142

A Nigerian university don has narrated how human faeces is helping Americans protect astronauts in space.

The don made the revelation as part of his admonition on Nigeria to maximise the things it has to advantage.

He is Professor Samuel Oluwalana, a lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and he has declared that Nigeria was losing a huge amount of money for its failure to export human faeces, cockroaches, as well as, scorpions to foreign countries.

On human faeces, Professor Oluwalana informed that the American government was getting $3.5 billion every year because it was it to protect astronauts in space.

A Professor of Forest Resources Management who spoke on the theme, “Unearthing the Treasures in The Forest” at the 47th Annual General Meeting of the Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Abeokuta, he said Nigeria could still toe the line.

According to him, the country could still get billions of naira from the exportation of a large number of abundantly available cockroaches to China, where they are consumed.

“Cockroaches are the number one food now, we don’t eat cockroaches in Nigeria, they eat in other places; we can produce and send to them, and they will buy. There is a man in China that has up to six billion cockroaches, overnight, he became a multi-billionaire.

“Human faeces can be processed into charcoal for cooking. Now, Americans will be making $3.5 billion every year from gold extracted from human faeces. They are also taking human faeces to space to protect the astronaut.

“In Kenya, human faeces are used to make bridges and build houses. There are new toilets that are constructed, it helps to convert human faeces to cooking fuel. Hydrogen can be made from human faeces. You can now transplant human faeces from one person to another. We need to be creative”, he was quoted by Punch as saying.

According to him, Nigeria is enormously and naturally endowed to be contending with debilitating diseases like cancer, infertility, fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, bile and hypertension amongst others

Aside explaining How Human Faeces is Helping America Protect Astronauts In Space , he advocated sufficient attention being  to Indigenous Knowledge to enable the country maximize its natural endowments.

“One butterfly is bought for $500 in Singapore. We can imbibe the South African culture by producing bees. Cricket also generates money. Nigerian scorpion, one is $50,000

“A gallon of 4.75 litres of the venom is $99 million. The Chinese are taking it away, no one is questioning them. Instead of destroying scorpions, you can sell them”, he said

Theeagle.com.ng/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Culture

Don Calls for Digital Documentation of Indigenous African Knowledge

By Web News 639

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

There is need to ensure digital documentation of indigenous African knowledge to further preserve the values and explore the potential to enrich the society. 

The Head, Department of Pure and Applied Botany, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Abiodun Oyelakin made the submission while presenting a paper on “African Biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge, the Past, Present and the Future”. 

Dr Oyelakin identified rural – urban development, human nature, religious beliefs and over -dependence on importation of herbs as some of the factors hindering new discoveries on African Biodiversity, especially in relation to the human health.

He maintained that focusing more attention on the preservation of great ideas on Medicine, Traditional Knowledge and animal species would help to strengthen African Biodiversity. 

Also, the Director, Biomedicinal Research Centre of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr Ibraheem Lawal said there was the  need for sustainable ecosystem management, to balance the ecological, economic and social-cultural components. 

Speaking on “Utilizing Biodiversity Conservation for Massive Self – Sustainable Employment Opportunities and National Economic Development”, 

Dr Lawal noted that maintenance of safe environment depended largely on the availability of green plants. 

Other participants who applauded the workshop urged the Government to earmark fund for the promoting and ensuring the sustenance of natural knowledge and biodiversity.

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Religion

FUNAAMAA Calls for Ethical Governance

By Web News 973

By Nafiu Busari

Trust and delegation of power have been reiterated as the two major foundations for ethical governance in Islam which leaders should always uphold.

Retired Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Post Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, Dr Bashir Olanrewaju gave the indication while delivering a lecture at the 24th Annual National Convention of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Muslim Alumni Association, FUNAAMAA at House of Chiefs, Agodi, Ibadan.

Dr Olanrewaju who pointed that there was the need for the incoming administration to come up with masses oriented policies to ease the sufferings of Nigerians, noted that leadership positions must prioritize security, welfare and national integration.

He stressed that though humanly crafted constitutions lack rewards system, adding that leaders should ensure equity, patriotism and fairness to the led for peace and unity in Nigeria.

In an address of welcome, FUNAAMAA President, Alhaji Jubril Fantola started that the 24th Annual Convention and Lecture served as spiritual rejig and reunion for members.

Chairman on the occasion, who is also the Mogaji of Akere Royal Family, Alhaji Moshood Gbolagade-Akere said it was a privilege to be in midst of intellectuals and advised incoming administration to ensure dividends of democracy trickle down to all nooks and crannies of the country.

In a remark, the special guest of honour and the Rector, the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Professor Kazeem Adebiyi represented by an Assistant Director, Center for Continuing Education, CEC, Dr Kunle Oyewo urged political appointees in the coming government at all levels to imbibe simplicity, compassion and other good virtues of Islamic ethical governance.

The Chief Imam, FUNAAB mosque, Professor Idrees Ayinde, who described the lecture as spiritually enriching, advised Muslims in positions of authority to uphold trust and be good ambassadors of Islam.

In a contribution from cultural and traditional perspective, the Maye of Ibadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi called on the executive and legislative arms of government to take from cue from adherence to rule of law and exhibition of statesmanship by government officials in the first republic to attain good governance.

The 24th Annual FUNAAMAA National Convention with the theme: Ethical Governance: Insight from Islamic Perspective featured Capacity Building for Muslim Students, Welfare Support for Indigent FUNAAB students, Humanitarian Visit to the less privileged, Support to the alma mater among other programmes.

Lifestyle

Six Illegal Broadcast Stations To Be Prosecuted – NBC Boss

By Web News 664

National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, is to prosecute operators of six illegal broadcast stations recently shut across the country.

The Director-General of the commission, Professor Armstrong Idachaba made this known in Abeokuta while delivering the fifth-anniversary lecture of a private radio station based in Abeokuta, Sweet F.M.

He stated that illegal operations are being closely monitored and would not be tolerated in the interest of national development.

Professor Idachaba in the lecture entitled private broadcasting; its impact on national development explained that the media in Nigeria is one of the most vibrant in Africa.

He explained that the country currently has four hundred and forty-four (444) radio stations and two hundred and forty-nine (249) television stations with the radio having the highest penetration of ninety-eight point five percent.

Professor Idachaba disclosed that private radio stations have brought multiplicity of choices benefiting the consumers with reduction in price and improving the technology.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale in a remark called for the recruitment of trained journalists and on-air personalities by private radio stations.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, represented by Dr Tope Olaifa stressed the importance of training and retraining of those currently working in private radio and television stations in the interest of national development.

Wale Oluokun

Lifestyle

FUNAAB Holds Commendation Service for Late Emeritus Professor Israel Adu

By Web News 1530

A religious scholar, Professor Christian Ikeobi wants the family, colleagues and friends of the late former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Professor Israel Adu, to take consolation in the fact that the deceased served God till the end, hence he lives on with the Lord. 

Professor Ikeobi who is the University Chaplain made the submission at a commendation service held in honour of the 3rd substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Emeritus Professor Israel Folorunsho Adu.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Kolawole Salako described the deceased as a true advocate of the university who worked frantically in promoting the cause of the FUNAAB till he breathed his last. 

He eulogised the late Emeritus Professor and acknowledged his peaceful disposition, humility, love, hard work and diligence as winner of the maiden Best Vice-Chancellor Award for Nigerian Universities in 2002 and again, in 2005. 

In separate remarks, representatives of the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Professor Elias Bogoro and the Executive Director, National Animal Production Research Institute, Professor Clarence Lakpini said Professor Adu was a great gentleman, astute administrator and a thorough-bred professional. 

Former vice chancellors, management staff, representatives of professional, academic bodies in the country, staff trade unions of the FUNAAB and president of the Students Union Government all poured encomiums on the late Emeritus Professor at the commendation service which according to the Head, Directorate of Public Relations, Dr Linda Onwuka was also streamed live on social media. 

Oluremi Olugbenro 

Education

FUNAAB Announces Resumption of Administrative Activities

By Web News 1238

Management of the Federal University of Agriculture, FUNAAB, Abeokuta has directed the resumption of administrative activities and re-opening of offices at the University with effect from Monday 11th May, 2020. 

The Management, through a statement by the University’s Registrar, Dr Bola Adekola pointed said the decision was in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive on gradual resumption of work, following the relaxation of lockdown and restriction of movements. 

The statement indicated that the university management had during a meeting chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Felix Kolawole Salako, also reviewed the President’s directive in line with the weeklong extension of the lockdown period by the Ogun State Government. 

It explained that the university would be opened for work between 9am and 2pm every working day until further notice and directed all Heads of various Departments and Units to make flexible work arrangements for their staff to come to offices on rotational basis while ensuring regular flow of official activities in every office. 

The management disclosed that all university buildings had been fumigated during the lockdown and advised members of staff to adhere to the safety guidelines on the use of face masks in public places, regular washing of hands, use of sanitizers and physical distancing. 

Meanwhile, the two labour unions in the University have expressed satisfaction over the arrangement that staff attendance would be regulated subject to the individual member’s obligations or as required by the Heads of Departments and Units. 

This was contained in separate letters to the institution’s Vice Chancellor, by the Chairman Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Comrade Rotimi Fasunwon and the Chairman, National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, Comrade Olurinde Joseph. 

The unions said they recognized the peculiarities of the Federal University of Agriculture which could not afford to shutdown totally but to work towards boosting the nation’s efforts for increased food production through Agricultural research, farming, livestock and cropping aside training and extension services. 

The workers bodies also implored the management to extend its fumigation exercise to the Mawuko, Abeokuta campus of the university and supply personal protective kits like face masks, hands sanitizer and gloves to members of staff on duty while providing hand wash utensils and digitized thermometers at every section of the university campus. 

They appealed to the management not to relent on efforts at protecting every member of the university community against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases and dissociated themselves from the purported plans against the gradual resumption of administrative activities in the institution.

Oluremi Olugbenro

Education

COVID-19: FUNAAB Extends Support to Rural Communities

By Web News 793

Residents of five rural communities across the three Senatorial Districts of Ogun State have been provided with food items and COVID-19 prevention kits to cushion the prevailing effects of the war against COVID19 pandemic. 

Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Professor Kolawole Salako presented the stimulus package to the residents when he led a delegation of the institution’s Management to the villages hosting the University’s Community Based Farming Scheme, COBFAS.

Professor Salako said the intervention was targeted at indigent needy and vulnerable people at Odogbolu, Ode- Lemo, Isaga-Orile, Imeko- Afon and Iwoye-Ketu towns hosting the university’s students on Community Based Farming Scheme, COBFAS. 

The Vice-Chancellor described the gesture as part of the University’s measures in appreciating and reciprocating the host communities’ support and cooperation in taking care of students on annual Farm Practical Year, FPY programme. 

Prof Salako pointed out that the intervention, in furtherance of the university’s statutory town and gown relationship and corporate social responsibility to host communities, would help to alleviate the harsh economic situation of the people. 

Receiving the items including agricultural products such as loaves of bromate free FUNAAB bread, odourless fufu flour, gaari, palm- oil, cashew nut, and honey as well as face masks, hand sanitizers and other products, traditional rulers and community leaders expressed gratitude to the university for extending succour to rural dwellers at this critical period. 

They described the gesture as exemplary of FUNAAB management and called on other institutions, organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate to and reach out to the less privileged Nigerians, especially at the grassroots while praying God to put an end to the scourge of the pandemic. 

Recall that the University had recently presented stimulus packages to the Ogun State Police Command, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo. 

A statement by the institution shows that the University’s intervention started in the light of the proverbial charity begins at home as the Vice- Chancellor, assisted by his Deputies had earlier distributed palliatives to members of staff carrying out essential duties like the security personnel, health care personnel, staff of Directorate of University Farms and Community Based Farming Scheme as well as Public Relations and FUNAAB Radio. 

Oluremi Olugbenro. 

Agriculture

FUNAAB VC Calls for Increased Focus on Agriculture

By Web News 881

The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, FUNAAB, Abeokuta, Professor Kolawole Salako has renewed the call on governments at all levels to pay urgent attention to agriculture in view of the dwindling in the prices of oil at the global market.

Professor Salako made the call while handing over some agricultural products of the institution to the Ogun State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Abeokuta.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that an agriculture-based economy will assist in solving the problems of high unemployment, rising inflation, wide income inequality, high poverty level and the high level of insecurity facing the nation.

Some of the journalists at the event

Professor Salako warned that for a country like Nigeria that had over the years relied almost entirely on oil to fund its economy, the implications of the sharp fall in the price of crude oil occasioned by the effects of Coronavirus are dire.

He said the current government needed to aggressively focus on food production and adopt the farming settlements of the 1950s.

The don who noted that the institution had commenced intensive production of cassava, rice and livestock in readiness for the post-Covid-19 situation said the revival of the farm settlements across the country was important at this period of time.

Professor Salako said the distribution of the food items to journalists in the state was part of the efforts of the institution to cushion the effect of the global pandemic on members of the pen profession.

Similarly, the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Mrs. Alaba Lawson also donated nose masks to Union.

Mrs Lawson said nose masks was part of her efforts to support the vulnerable and the media practitioners who may be exposed to danger while discharging their duty. 

Receiving the items, the NUJ caretaker chairman, Mrs. Omolola Adeyinka thanked the donors for their gesture and implored other well-meaning individuals to emulate FUNAAB and Iyalode Lawson in reaching out to journalists.

Olusegun Folarin

Education

Reinstate Management Courses in FUNAAB – VC

By Web News 925

Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Professor Kolawole Salako wants the restoration of the institution’s College of Management Sciences for knowledge development in the society.

The Vice-Chancellor made this known at the University Senate while addressing newsmen as part of the Twenty Seventh Convocation of the institution.

Professor Salako explained that agriculture accommodates all disciplines known to man and stated that the institution is a multidisciplinary school, hence the need to restore the management courses.

The Vice-Chancellor said the 27th Convocation of the institution would graduate three thousand, two hundred twenty-six.

Professor Salako hinted that some of the twenty-three projects embarked upon by the present administration of the university are to be inaugurated as part of the convocation ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Professor Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale and other top management members of the university also inspected some agriculture innovations and products of the students and staff of the institution at the exhibition ground.

Wale Oluokun