By Peter Omopo
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has officially matriculated 6,356 students for the 2025/2026 academic session—its highest intake since the university was established 38 years ago.
The figure was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations, Olasunkanmi Olajide. The ceremony, which also featured the university’s 13th Commencement Lecture, took place at the Professor Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building.
Addressing the new students, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the record admission as a landmark achievement that reflects the increasing trust of parents and candidates in FUNAAB’s academic standards and institutional values.
Prof. Kehinde urged the new intakes to uphold discipline, maintain a minimum of 70 per cent class attendance, and adhere strictly to institutional rules. He specifically warned against indecent dressing, reiterating the university’s zero tolerance for misconduct.
“FUNAAB remains a training ground for future leaders,” the VC said. “As such, students must dress decently, uphold discipline, maintain a minimum of 70% attendance, and comply with all university regulations.”
He reassured the matriculating students that the institution is committed to protecting their rights and promoting responsible student unionism through constructive dialogue.
The commencement lecture, titled “Future Leaders of Character in Agriculture: Building Capacity Today for National and Global Impact Tomorrow,” was delivered by Prof. Subuola Fasoyiro of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University.
Prof. Fasoyiro urged the students to build character, competence, and capacity as the foundation for leadership in agriculture and beyond. She highlighted vision, strategic thinking, courage, emotional intelligence, integrity, teamwork, and resilience as essential traits required for national development.
She further identified clarity, commitment, consistency, character, capacity, and contribution as the pillars of leadership that young people must cultivate.
“The future is predictable,” she said. “As students, you must position yourselves through discipline and continuous learning. When you take care of your character, it will help you take care of your reputation.”
The ceremony marked a significant moment for FUNAAB as it continues to expand its academic community and reinforce its commitment to excellence and leadership development.
