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The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde on Saturday, April 20, 2024, bagged the prestigious Excellence in Human Capital Development Award at the 109th National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), held at the Green Chamber, FUNAAB, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In his speech at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor extended a warm welcome to the Association, expressing his gratitude for the recognition.
He acknowledged the challenges within the agricultural sector but affirmed the commitment of the University to providing solutions and ensuring food security in the country.
He emphasised the importance of value addition and technological innovation.
According to him, “There are challenges to overcome but we are forging ahead to ensure we solve them through proffering research-backed sustainable solutions in the area of agricultural development.”
Also awarded was the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako who was acknowledged for his exceptional leadership during his tenure as the Sixth Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, symbolising his outstanding contributions to the University.
Earlier in her address, Queen (Dr.) Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, the National President of UNAA while explaining the rationale behind the awards, highlighted the effective and efficient leadership exhibited by both the current Vice-Chancellor and his predecessor, Prof Salako, noting their roles in public service, human capital management, and administration.
She particularly commended Prof. Salako for elevating FUNAAB’s profile during his tenure.
Agua-Onyekwelu noted that the awards ceremony served not only as a platform for honouring exemplary individuals but also as a call to action for collective efforts toward agricultural development and societal progress.
She commended members of the association for attending their 109th NEC meeting, as well as FUNAAB for hosting them.
Responding, Prof. Salako commended UNAA for the recognition, and echoed the significance of value addition in agriculture, stressing the entrepreneurial opportunities it presents, especially for the youth.
He encouraged leveraging Information Technology to enhance productivity and diversify agricultural ventures.
In his Goodwill Message, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, who underscored the importance of appreciating and celebrating individuals’ contributions to society, noted the positive impact of recognition.
Prof. James Banjo, (a Guest Speaker), Department of Agricultural Science, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, who spoke on the theme; “Mitigating the Contemporary Social Issues for Agropreneurial Development in Nigeria: The Viewpoint of a University Scholar,” highlighted most challenges plaguing the agricultural sector in the country and advocated for concerted efforts to address food insecurity and rural underdevelopment.
Other awardees included the Ogun State former Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who was represented by Mr. Kehinde Sogunle; former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola; former Dean, College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), Prof. David Agboola, and the Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Dr. David Odedeji.
Others were the Provost, Federal College of Education (FCE), Abeokuta, Dr. Rafiu Soyele; former Director, Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), Prof. Bukola George; Alhaji Menghistu Ade Yusuf, among others.
