Vice chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Babatunde Kehinde, has been honoured with the Excellence in Human Capital Development Award at the 109th National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA).
Also awarded was the immediate past vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Felix Kolawole Salako, who was acknowledged for his outstanding contributions to FUNAAB and exceptional leadership during his tenure as the sixth substantive vice chancellor.
In his speech at the award ceremony, which served not only as a platform for honouring exemplary individuals but also as a call to action for collective efforts towards agricultural development and societal progress, the current vice chancellor expressed gratitude for the recognition.
While he acknowledged the challenges within the agricultural sector, he affirmed the commitment of his institution in providing workable solutions as he emphasised the importance of value addition and technological innovation.
Explaining the rationale behind the awards, the national president of UNAA, Queen (Dr) Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, highlighted the effective and efficient leadership exhibited by the duo recipients, commending their roles in public service, human capital management and administration.
She particularly commended Professor Salako for elevating FUNAAB’s profile during his tenure.
Responding, Professor Salako 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 at the event, 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 in motivating continued excellence.
Speaking on the topic ‘Mitigating the Contemporary Social Issues for ‘Agropreneurial’ Development in Nigeria: The Viewpoint of a University Scholar,’ the guest speaker Professor James Banjo, from the Department of Agricultural Science, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode disclosed the challenges plaguing the agricultural sector and advocated 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), Professor David Agboola, and 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), Professor Bukola George; Alhaji Menghistu Ade Yusuf, among others.
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