…President urges sustained innovation, research leadership
By: Olasunkanmi Olajide, Joy Adeyiga
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), as a key contributor to Nigeria’s development drive, citing its role in food security, youth empowerment and economic growth.
The President spoke on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at the institution’s 33rd convocation ceremony, where 4,141 students received degrees, marking another milestone in the university’s academic history.
Speaking on his behalf, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the ceremony reflected more than academic achievement, highlighting FUNAAB’s strategic position in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural modernisation agenda.
Tinubu commended the university’s record in agricultural training, research and innovation, noting its growing continental and global profile. He referenced FUNAAB’s recognition as Africa’s leading agricultural university and its strong global ranking in the 2024 Times Higher Education assessment, alongside its performance in teaching excellence and Sustainable Development Goals evaluation.
According to the President, universities such as FUNAAB are vital to tackling challenges including food insecurity, climate change, population pressures and economic uncertainty. He stressed that education and research must remain central to national efforts at sustainable development, rural advancement and inclusive economic growth.
He urged the institution to consolidate its leadership by expanding innovation, strengthening research output and producing graduates with the skills required to support productivity under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a separate address, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, praised FUNAAB for producing disciplined and globally competitive graduates. He said the convocation theme, Integrating Agriculture and Youth Development: A New Paradigm for the Nigerian Education System, aligned with government efforts to position education as a driver of job creation and sustainable food systems.
The minister also acknowledged the university’s management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land, reaffirming continued federal support through TETFund and the student loan scheme.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor disclosed that FUNAAB recorded its highest matriculation intake in 38 years, with 6,356 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session. He added that the university is ranked Nigeria’s second-best federal institution in graduate employability, attributing the feat to programme expansion, leadership training and staff recruitment.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted achievements recorded in the past year, including an EU-funded hydroponic technology workshop, a top-ten global finish at the Hack4Livestock Hackathon, and the completion of a 3MW hybrid solar power project. He also cited major research outputs and the attraction of N93.6 million in TETFund research grants, alongside two National Research Fund awards.
Speaking for the graduating students, the overall best graduating student, Miss Joy Osianor of the Department of Food Science and Technology, thanked lecturers and parents, urging her colleagues to remain innovative, resilient and committed to excellence.
The convocation ceremony was attended by dignitaries from government, academia and industry, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole.
