…Describes FUNAAB as a National Treasure
 By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Emeka Oluka
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land, has praised FUNAAB’s world-class facilities, describing the University as one of the greatest assets to Nigeria.
Speaking during a guided tour of the campus facilities alongside some members of the Governing Council, Oba Olabomi commended the quality of infrastructure and advanced equipment. He urged researchers and stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond to utilise FUNAAB’s resources, calling the University a “blessing to the nation” in its contributions to research and development.
The Pro-Chancellor lauded the efforts of the University Management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, for their innovative strides in research and maintenance of laboratories, which he said have gained international recognition. He particularly acknowledged FUNAAB’s impressive ranking among the top 10 universities in Nigeria and expressed confidence that the University would soon become the nation’s best and one of the top universities globally.
At the ‘Nimbe Adedipe Library, the Pro-Chancellor offered prayers for the University’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nurudeen Olorunimbe Adedipe, in recognition of his foundational role in FUNAAB’s success and his donation of personal book collections to the Library. Oba Olabomi also pledged to donate copies of his four authored books to the Library, commending the marketing expertise of the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi.
The tour included visits to key facilities such as the 3MW Solar Hybrid Power Plant Project, where the Pro-Chancellor and Council members inspected components like the power batteries, backup generator, the 6,300 solar panels, and training workshops. They also visited the Powerhouse at the Directorate of Works and Services, the newly constructed Fire Station, and the Needs Assessment Hostel.
The Pro-Chancellor further explored the FUNAABoT Park, the FUNAAB Water Factory, the Bell Pepper Greenhouse, and the FUNAAB Alpha Poultry. At the poultry, Emeritus Prof. Olufummilayo Adebambo briefed the Council on the achievements of the FUNAAB Alpha Chicken project, while highlighting challenges needing urgent attention.
The tour concluded with stops at the Oil Palm Processing Factory and the Central Laboratory of the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), where the Council marvelled at the sophisticated and advanced equipment available, including a High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC), X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES), ELISA Reader, Photometer and the state-of-the-art Water Isotope Analyser, the only one in Nigeria presently.
Oba Olabomi’s remarks affirmed his commitment to advancing FUNAAB’s global standing, promising that the 8th Governing Council, under his leadership, would achieve its strategic objectives during its tenure.
Peoplesmind
