Aragbiji Unveils Council's Agenda as Pro-Chancellor, Visits Wole Soyinka

On Wednesday, July 17th, 2024, the 8th Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB), led by the Pro-Chancellor, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi (JP), FCIPM, FNIM, MNIPR, FAFUED, FOSCOTECH, Odundun IV, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, held an interactive meeting with the University's Congregation.

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor acknowledged the achievements of previous Councils and assured the university community that the 8th Governing Council is committed to addressing critical challenges, promising to make the University better than they are meeting it. He then introduced the new council members to the Congregation.  

The Pro-Chancellor outlined a comprehensive agenda for the council, which prioritizes infrastructure development and staff welfare. These include mounting pressure on the Ogun State government and other Stakeholders in fixing of the University access road within six months with already ongoing talks with the Ogun State Governor. He also decried a situation whereby almost 100% of Staff reside outside the campus with about 80% of Students so affected . According to Oba Olabomi, the Council is poised to providing on-campus accommodation for at least 50% of university staff and Students before the end of their tenure. The Pro-Chancellor emphasized the importance of collaboration and sought the University community's support and cooperation.

Following his speech, the Pro-Chancellor deftly addressed questions and concerns to the satisfaction of the school congregation. Particularly addressing a question on the University's role in food production & distribution, and feeding members of the school congregation, the Pro chancellor said “The mandate of this University does not behold direct production for consumption, it is a centre of training, research and development.” He encouraged that the training of the university be implemented and practiced by virtually everyone, encouraging all to invest in agriculture.

After the conference, the Pro-Chancellor and his team visited the Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka at his "*Ijegba Autonomous Republic*" in Abeokuta, congratulating him on his 90th birthday and conducting a tour of the audacious nature preserved forest and the rich museum.

Oba Olabomi presented two books authored by him titled "Dynamics of Local Government Administration in Nigeria" an "Iragbiji: A Haven" to the great Icon. The Pro-Chancellor was accompanied on the visit by the Vice Chancellor and all members of the Governing Council.

As the visit was being rounded off, the Executive Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun and His Excellency Aremo Olusegun Osoba strolled into the Ijegba enclave. After the exchange of pleasantries, Gov. Abiodun invited the Aragbiji to join the him at the State Government organized celebration of Prof. Wole Soyinka at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta which the monarch obliged.

Sherif B. Oshinowo, Press Officer to Aragbiji