Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has shattered previous records by matriculating 6,356 fresh students for the 2025/2026 academic session — the largest intake in nearly four decades of the institution’s history.
The matriculation ceremony was held on November 19, 2025, at the university’s Professor Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building. It coincided with FUNAAB’s 13th Commencement Lecture, amplifying the significance of the day.
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A Testament to Growing Confidence in FUNAAB
In a statement shared by the Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, the university lauded the fresh cohort as a sign of renewed trust in its academic calibre.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde described this record-breaking enrolment as a defining moment in FUNAAB’s 38-year journey. He said the surge in numbers reflects not only increased awareness of the institution but also a growing belief in its capacity to deliver quality education.
Prof. Kehinde didn’t stop there; he challenged the newcomers to uphold a standard of excellence. He emphasised the importance of discipline, appropriate dress, and commitment to academic life by mandating at least 70% attendance in classes.
He also underlined the university’s zero tolerance for misconduct, stressing that student union activities must be anchored in dialogue, mutual respect, and responsibility.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders
At the heart of the matriculation event was the 13th Commencement Lecture, delivered by Prof. Subuola Fasoyiro from Obafemi Awolowo University’s Institute of Agricultural Research and Training. Her lecture, titled “Future Leaders of Character in Agriculture: Building Capacity Today for National and Global Impact Tomorrow,” was deeply motivational.
Prof. Fasoyiro urged students to ground themselves in character, competence, and capacity, qualities she framed as the foundation for effective leadership. She went on to highlight six core leadership traits — vision, strategic thinking, courage, emotional intelligence, integrity, teamwork, and resilience — as essential pillars for national development.
She also introduced what she described as the “6Cs” of leadership: clarity, commitment, consistency, character, capacity, and contribution. According to her, students who nurture these traits are better placed to make meaningful impacts in agriculture and beyond.
In a particularly resonant moment, she said:
“The future is predictable … When you take care of your character, it will take care of your reputation.”
A Sign of FUNAAB’s Expanding Reach
Beyond the numbers, this surge in enrolment speaks to something deeper: the rising prestige of FUNAAB on the national stage. Over the years, the university has built a reputation not just in agriculture, but in scientific, technological, and entrepreneurial education — attracting students who want to make a real impact.
The successful matriculation of over six thousand students also comes with new responsibilities for FUNAAB’s leadership. The Vice-Chancellor made it clear that while the university will protect the rights of its students, it also expects them to conduct themselves with integrity, discipline, and maturity.
What This Means for FUNAAB and Nigeria
This record intake is more than just a number — it signals a promising future for FUNAAB as a hub for developing tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture and allied fields. With a larger student body, the university has greater potential to drive innovation, research, and growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The message delivered during the commencement lecture — to build character, competence, and capacity — serves as both inspiration and a call to action. As these students embark on their academic journey, they carry the hopes not just of their families, but of a nation looking to agriculture for sustainable development.
Meanwhile, university management faces the challenge of ensuring these new students get the support they need — from quality teaching and facilities to mentorship and discipline. How they rise to this occasion will shape FUNAAB’s trajectory in the coming years.
FUNAAB’s matriculation of 6,356 new students marks a historic peak in its admissions record. It underscores growing trust in its educational offerings and sets a high bar for its new student body, who are being called upon not just to learn, but to lead — with integrity, resilience, and vision.
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