INAUGURATION OF FUNATO GOVERNING COUNCIL AND PRINCIPAL OFFICERS MARKS NEW ERA FOR FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKEHO* By Akeem Bonuola

 *INAUGURATION OF FUNATO GOVERNING COUNCIL AND PRINCIPAL OFFICERS MARKS NEW ERA FOR FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKEHO*


By Akeem Bonuola 



In a significant milestone for the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), Oyo State, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa inaugurated the Governing Council members and Principal Officers of the institution on Thursday, September 11, 2025, signaling the commencement of a new chapter in the university's pursuit of academic excellence and agricultural innovation.


The ceremony, witnessed by esteemed guests, academics, stakeholders, and Egbe Ajosepo Fun Itesiwaju Gbogbo Wa representatives led by Engr. Dauda Olaifa Alade saw the swearing-in of distinguished individuals to key positions tasked with steering FUNATO towards greater heights of achievement in agriculture and technology education.


The Governing Council comprises eminent personalities drawn from Nigeria's geopolitical zones, reflecting the nation's diversity and commitment to inclusive governance in higher education. They are:


- *Senator Yakub Oseni* - Pro-Chancellor and Chairman (North Central)

- *Dr. Iyang Abia* - Member (South-South)

- *Dr. Kunle Alonge* - Member (South-West)

- *Dr. Umar A. Ahmad* - Member (North-West)

- *Dr. Raphael Azibuike Onyekwelu* - Member (South-East)


The Principal Officers appointed to lead the academic and administrative machinery of FUNATO include:


- *Professor J. O. Babayemi* - Vice-Chancellor

- *Mr. Mohammed Olaiya Aminu* - Registrar

- *Dr. Kazeem Popoola* - Bursar

- *Dr. Ganiyu Adigun* - University Librarian


In his address, the Minister of Education, Hon. Tunji Alausa underscored the government's commitment to strengthening tertiary education in Nigeria, emphasising the pivotal role institutions like FUNATO play in driving agricultural development, technological advancement, and national progress.


Professor J. O. Babayemi, the Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude for the appointments and outlined his vision for FUNATO, focusing on academic distinction, research innovation, community engagement, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria's agricultural sector and beyond.


The inauguration is expected to usher in a period of robust growth and impactful initiatives for FUNATO, aligning with national priorities on food security, agricultural modernisation, and human capital development through quality education.


The event underscores the collaborative efforts of government, academia, and stakeholders in advancing Nigeria's educational landscape and fostering institutions capable of meeting contemporary challenges and seizing opportunities for societal betterment.


FUNATO's establishment and the inauguration of its leadership reflect optimism for the institution's role in shaping the future of agriculture and technology in Nigeria, promising benefits for students, the local community of Okeho, Oke-Ogun zone, Oyo State, South West region and the nation's development aspirations.


Akeem Bonuola writes from Ibadan, Oyo State.

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