News

Controversy Surrounds FUNAAB Student’ Death

By Web News 352

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

The death of a 100 level student of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, at the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development , Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB has been generating disagreements among members of the university community.

There were allegations among students that the death of Ayodele Ifeoluwa was due to negligence by officials at the institution’s health center, while the University authorities attributed the incident to the poor rescue procedure adopted by those around the deceased student, after he suffered severe asthma attack.

In a statement, the Acting Head, Directorate of Public Relations, FUNAAB, Mr Olasunkanmi Olajide, who described the situation as unfortunate, maintained that the late Ayodele, who was living off-campus, was taken to the health center on a motorcycle after those trying to rescue him had inserted a spoon into his mouth and also poured water on his body to resuscitate him. 

Mr Olajide claimed that the medical staff on duty, led by the Doctors, attended to the student promptly and discovered that he was brought in dead, lamenting that the tragic incident might have been prevented if an ambulance was called and the rescue process was handled differently.

He pointed out that the University management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, had met with Ayodele’s parents to express condolences and offer suppot while a  committee was also set up to investigate the incident thoroughly and unravel the remote and immediate causes, with a view to understanding the circumstances and preventing a recurrence.

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Education

Develop More Solution-Based Research, FG Tells Varsities

By Web News 343

By Olusegun Folarin

The Federal Government has renewed the call on the academic community to dwell more on developing solution-based research tailored towards assisting the government to address the challenges confronting the nation.

The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu made the call on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the 31st Convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, FUNAAB.

Delivering the President’s message, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu promised the present administration’s commitment to policies and programmes aimed at repositioning university education for enhanced service delivery.

Describing the education sector as a catalyst in the process of ensuring the government’s renewed hope agenda, Dr Sununu assured the critical stakeholders of continuous engagements and dialogues to rule out disruptions in the academic calendar. 

He emphasized that the graduating students would be offered sustainable assistance that would enable them to contribute to national growth and development. 

In another message to the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari also advocated more dynamic efforts by universities to foster the needed research-oriented environment that would produce actionable solutions.

Senator Kyari who was represented by Mrs Toyin Alade encouraged the graduating students to play active roles in reshaping Nigeria’s economic destiny.

In a remark, the Former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, who was awarded a Doctor of Science Honorary Degree during the event, appealed to the federal government to empower the nation’s Universities to be able to withstand global competitions. 

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Olusola Kehinde had restated the commitment of FUNAAB to ensuring judicious use of the available resources to enhance its relevance. 

Best graduating student of the Institution with the CGPA of 4.85, from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Miss Olatedun Janet while addressing the gathering applauded the contributions of her parents and urged other graduands to remain resilient in their pursuits.

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Crime

FUNAAB Student Accused of Poisoning Girlfriend Cleared

By Web News 506

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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Human Angle

Missing FUNAAB Student Found 

By Web News 505

By Olusegun Folarin

The 200 Level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Solomon Destiny, earlier declared missing by the Police in Ogun State has been found. 

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Omolola Odutola, the 200L student of Animal Breeding and Genetics was found alive and currently receiving medical attention. 

He was said to have gone missing on Thursday last Week around Ogboja village, along Oluwo – Osiele axis of Abeokuta, the State capital. 

The Police Public Relations Officer acknowledged the swift and proactive efforts of all stakeholders while Solomon was declared missing.

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Education

FUNAAB ranked 26th in Africa, 2nd in Nigeria

By Web News 715

By Bolanle Adesida

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, has emerged 2nd position out of Nigeria’s 258 Universities and 26th best in Sub-Saharan Africa in the recently-released Times Higher Education’s Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings.

Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings were officially announced at the Times Higher Education’s forum in collaboration with Ashesi University, Ghana.

The ranking highlights the strongest Universities in Sub-Saharan Africa across a comprehensive range of performance indicators including access and fairness, Africa impact, teaching skills, student engagement, as well as resources and finance.

The Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings, ranked 88 Universities from 17 countries in the region.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, FUNAAB, Professor Olusola Kehinde has congratulated all members of the University Community for the great feat, expressing optimism that the feat would serve as catalyst for more dedication to duty.

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Education

FUNAAB Resumes November 2nd

By Web News 696

Authorities of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, have fixed Wednesday, 2nd November 2022 for the commencement of lectures following the University’s resumption for the second semester of the 2020/2021 Academic calendar. 

A statement from the Office of the Institution’s Registrar, Dr. ‘Bola Adekola, through his Deputy on Senate and Admissions, Mr. Omowon Agbotoba shows that the revised Second Semester calendar approved by Senate would end on Friday, 10th March, 2023

It indicates that three Inaugural Lectures of the University will be held during the session with the 71st Inaugural Lecture taking place on on Wednesday, 23rd of next month while the 72nd Inaugural Lecture is slated for Wednesday 23rd December, 2022 and the 73rd edition comes up on Wednesday, 8th February, 2023. 

Also listed in the revised academic calendar made available to journalists by the Head, FUNAAB Directorate of Public Relations, Mr Kolawole Adepoju is the Semester Examinations schedule between Monday, 23rd January and Friday, 3rd February, next year.

Olusegun Folarin

Agriculture

Climate change:1,440 farmers benefit from FUNAAB sensitization

By Web News 647 Post a comment

Researchers from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta have commenced sensitization for farmers on the climate information services for early warning system on climate change in the southwest.

The unveiling of the research work aimed at assisting farmers to prepare against the impacts of climate change held in Abeokuta was attended by stakeholders from the six states of the south west.

Lead researcher, Doctor John Oyedepo while speaking said the research sponsored by the tertiary education trust fund, TETFUND was to assist the country in achieving food security and improve the economic status of the farmers.

Director of research, innovations and partnerships of federal university of agriculture Abeokuta, Doctor Mutiu Busari in a remark said the research would assist farmers to make informed decisions and help them to increase yields.

The project trained one thousand four hundred and forty farmers from seventy villages across the six states on smart farming with access to early warning system and information dissemination platforms.

The farmers through the research outcome also have access to weather information websites, online radio and other small phone enabled applications aimed at providing useful information on farming activities.

Wale Oluokun

Crime

Breaking: Abducted FUNAAB Student Regains Freedom

By Web News 570

The abducted 400 Level student of Aqualculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, FUNAAB, Toyinbo Olayinka has regained freedom.

He was released by his abductor unharmed this morning.

Though details of his release was still sketchy, however, the University Community had been jubilating the freedom..

A statement from the institution management stated that the  Academic Community was deeply grateful to the security agencies.

Details in our subsequent bulletins

Wale Oluokun

Security

FUNAAB Students Protest Abduction of Colleague

By Web News 566

Protesting students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta have been advised to be calm and peaceful to allow security agencies discharge their professional duties of rescuing the abducted student of the institution, Toyinbo Olayinka was kidnapped in a private farm at Abule Itoko, Odeda.

Kidnapped Student Tiyinbo Olayinka

The management of the institution in a statement in Abeokuta on the protest by the students said efforts are being intensified towards assisting the security agencies to ensure the safe release of the abducted student.

The statement said the institution has reinforced its commitment by securing the support of other relevant stakeholders in a bid to strengthen the search and release of the kidnapped student. 

Also, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kolawole Salako while addressing the protesting students advised the students Union leading the peaceful protest to remain calm.

The Vice Chancellor said the management would not relent in the efforts to ensure the safe return of their abducted colleague.

Wale Oluokun

Education

FUNAAB Announces Resumption of Administrative Activities

By Web News 1233

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

Agriculture

FUNAAB VC Calls for Increased Focus on Agriculture

By Web News 879

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 924

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