The Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAIB) has successfully conducted its 46th Graduation Ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session, marking another milestone in the institution’s long-standing contribution to agricultural education and national development.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, 11 December 2025, featured the award of Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) certificates, alongside the presentation of academic and merit prizes to outstanding graduands.
Declaring the event open, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, represented by Prof. Muhammad Lawal Attanda, Executive Director/CEO of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural education as a critical driver of food security and economic sustainability.
Also present was the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar A. Dabban, represented by Dr. Ogunreku S. Ayoola of the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan.
The Chairman of the Governing Board of FCAIB, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, was represented by the Provost of the College, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, who led the institution’s management and academic community at the ceremony. Other distinguished guests included Prof. Kolawole Adebayo (FUNAAB), Dr. Ibraheem O. Lawal (Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan), Dr. Bankole, FCAIB Alumni President, Alhaji Solarin, alumni representatives, officials from FCAH&PT and IAR&T, and members of the Moor Plantation community.
Provost Commends Graduands, Announces Key Initiatives
In his graduation address, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu expressed deep appreciation to dignitaries, parents, staff, and students for their unwavering support and commitment to the College’s growth. He congratulated the graduands for being worthy in character and learning, describing FCAIB students as disciplined, well-behaved, and exemplary.
Reflecting on his assumption of office on 2 April 2025, the Provost commended the students for their leadership qualities and encouraged them to aspire to positions of influence, including governor, minister, legislators, and chief executives, while remaining proud ambassadors of the institution.
He urged graduates to take advantage of the FUNAAB Affiliate Programme available at FCAIB to further their education and professional development. In a major announcement, Prof. Atungwu disclosed the automatic employment of the immediate past Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Comrade Oluwapelumi Folarin, upon completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
The Provost also assured all graduates that their NYSC enrolment had been completed and that their results and certificates would be issued immediately, underscoring management’s commitment to administrative efficiency.
Thought-Provoking Graduation Lecture
The Graduation Lecture was delivered by Prof. Kolawole Adebayo of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with the theme “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustained Development: Thoughts for the Future of Agricultural Training in Nigeria.”
Prof. Adebayo emphasized that contemporary agricultural education must transcend traditional boundaries by integrating science, entrepreneurship, technology, and soft skills to produce job creators rather than job seekers. He outlined forward-looking strategies, including innovative food system programmes for secondary school students, the revival of broad-based agricultural skills, the development of commercial-grade campuses as living laboratories, and the creation of startup support ecosystems linking graduates to land, finance, mechanisation, and extension services.
He challenged the graduands to embrace innovation, build strong professional networks, and position themselves within the global food market, noting that the combination of expertise and innovation is a pathway to sustainable wealth creation.
Outstanding Academic Achievements
A total of 519 students graduated during the ceremony, comprising 251 full-time HND and ND students and 268 part-time students. Among them, 18 HND full-time students and 8 ND students graduated with distinction.
Miss Ajiboye Busayo Mary of the Department of Agriculture (Crop Production Option) emerged as the Overall Best HND Student with a CGPA of 3.86, while Hussein Abdulbasit Temitope of the Department of Agricultural Technology emerged as the Best ND Student with a CGPA of 3.79.
Graduation prizes included the Provost’s Prize, Dean’s Prize, Departmental Prizes, Dr. B.F. Fato’s Prize, Peace Prize, Alumni Prize, Dr. A.S. Amusat’s Prize, and other merit awards. Miss Ajiboye Busayo Mary was the highlight of the ceremony, winning five prizes, while Hussein Abdulbasit Temitope received three prizes.
In a historic gesture, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo pledged ₦500,000 to the best HND graduate and ₦250,000 to the best ND graduate on behalf of the Livelihoods Support and Development Centre, marking the first donation of its kind in the history of FCAIB.
A Celebration of Progress and Promise
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of sister institutions, alumni associations, and the Moor Plantation community. In her closing remarks, the Chairman of the Ceremonial Committee, Dr. (Mrs) B.F. Fato, expressed gratitude to all attendees and wished them safe journeys.
The ceremony was well attended by the College’s management team, including the Deputy Provost (Administration), Dr. Musiliu O. Adenekan; Deputy Provost (Academics), Dr. (Mrs) V.E. Okpeze; the Registrar, Mr. Abimbade S. Abass (represented); heads of bursary, audit, library, deans, heads of departments, staff, and students.
The 46th Graduation Ceremony stood as a resounding celebration of academic excellence, innovation, and institutional progress, reinforcing FCAIB’s vital role in shaping the future of agricultural education and national development in Nigeria.
