.. As Prof. Fasoyiro Delivers the University’s 13th Commencement Lecture
_By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu_
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has officially matriculated 6,356 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, the highest student intake recorded by the institution in nearly four decades of its establishment.
The Matriculation Ceremony, held November 19, 2025, alongside the University’s 13th Commencement Lecture, took place at the Professor Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described the record admission as a major milestone in FUNAAB’s 38-year history. He expressed delight at the growing confidence of parents and prospective students in the University, while directing the new entrants to uphold discipline, decent dressing, a minimum of 70% class attendance, and strict adherence to the Institution’s rules. “FUNAAB remains a training ground for future leaders,” he said.
Prof. Kehinde reaffirmed the University’s zero tolerance for misconduct and emphasised that Student Union engagement on campus was guided strictly by dialogue and responsible leadership. He assured the students that their rights would be protected.
This year’s Commencement Lecture was delivered by Prof. Subuola Fasoyiro of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan. Speaking on the theme “Future Leaders of Character in Agriculture: Building Capacity Today for National and Global Impact Tomorrow,” she challenged the students to cultivate character, competence and capacity, the foundations, she said, of effective leadership.
Highlighting the qualities required to shape the future, she emphasised vision, strategic thinking, courage, emotional intelligence, integrity, teamwork and resilience. She also identified the 6Cs of leadership which were clarity, commitment, capacity, character, consistency and contribution, as essential for national development.
“The future is predictable,” she noted, adding that students must position themselves through discipline and continuous learning.
“When you take care of your character, it will help you take care of your reputation,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, the ceremony marked a significant moment for FUNAAB as it continues to expand access to quality agricultural, entrepreneurial, scientific and technological education while nurturing the next generation of national and global leaders.
