The Federal College of Agriculture (FCA), Ibadan, has matriculated 308 newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session, charging them to uphold discipline, hard work and the core values of the institution.
The Provost of the College, Prof. Jonathan Jeremiah Atungwu, gave the charge at the matriculation ceremony held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, marking the first such event under his administration since assuming office in April 2025.
Welcoming the students to the 105-year-old institution, Prof. Atungwu described them as privileged to be part of the college, noting that FCA Ibadan would equip them with the knowledge, skills and modern agricultural tools needed to contribute meaningfully to national development, particularly in the agricultural sector.
He said entrepreneurship remained a central focus of the College’s academic philosophy, aimed at producing graduates who are self-reliant and capable of creating jobs rather than merely seeking them.
The Provost also stressed the importance of endowments and scholarships in supporting students’ academic excellence and welfare, adding that the College was strengthening partnerships with relevant institutions to improve teaching, research and overall development.
Prof. Atungwu further urged the students to be of good conduct throughout their stay in the College, while calling on the alumni to continue to contribute to the growth of the institution.
In a guest lecture titled “Agriculture as a Profession: Pathways to Prosperity,” Dr. Suraj Amusat highlighted the importance of training in Colleges of Agriculture, describing agriculture as a viable and rewarding profession.
Drawing from his own academic journey as an alumnus of the College, he encouraged the students to take their studies seriously and to develop essential skills such as communication and critical thinking to succeed in their careers.
Also speaking, the Zonal Director of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Ibadan, Mrs. Temitope Akintola, represented by Mr. Oladele Daramola, advised the students to remain dedicated to their studies, while urging the College to continue to comply strictly with JAMB admission rules and ethics.
The Oyo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Adetula Oluwarotimi, represented by Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Mr. Jeff Achichi, cautioned the students against drug abuse, warning that it could ruin their future and tarnish the image of the country internationally.
A breakdown of the admission figures showed that 192 students were admitted for the National Diploma (ND) programmes, while 116 were admitted for the Higher National Diploma (HND).
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including a former Provost of the College, Dr. Elizabeth Augustus; Deputy Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Prof. J. A. Adetumbi; FCA Alumni President, Dr. Emmanuel Bankole, represented by the Treasurer, Alhaji Sholarin Olufemi; Oyo State FCA Alumni representative, Mr. Akintola Opeyemi; as well as principal officers of the College, deans, heads of department and officials of JAMB and NDLEA, among others.
