FCAIB HIGHLIGHTS 17-MONTH DEVELOPMENT STRIDES

By Ayodeji Adedokun & Oluwatobi Fadairo

The Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAIB), has held an interactive session with members of the College community to review the institution’s progress, address issues affecting the College and strengthen communication between Management and staff.

The engagement brought together the present Management team, former Provosts, Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments and other members of the College community, providing an avenue for participants to interact with Management, express their views and contribute to the continued growth and development of FCAIB.

A major focus of the session was a review of the progress and achievements recorded during the first 17 months of the administration of the Provost, Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu.

In his address, Professor Atungwu highlighted the efforts of his administration towards repositioning the College and creating an environment that supports effective teaching, learning, research and administration.

The Provost noted that the progress recorded since his assumption of office had been driven by a clear commitment to institutional development and the collective efforts of Management, staff and students.

He stressed that the development of FCAIB was a shared responsibility, calling for continued cooperation from all members of the College community. He explained that the session was not only to present the progress made, but also to listen to the concerns, observations and suggestions of members of the College.

Professor Atungwu further emphasised the importance of open communication in building a stronger institution, noting that regular engagement with staff and other stakeholders would help Management identify areas requiring attention and ensure that the needs of the College community are properly considered in its development plans.

The achievements presented during the session reflected the administration’s efforts to improve the College and strengthen its capacity to deliver on its mandate, with continued focus on the academic environment, institutional administration, staff and student welfare, as well as the broader development of the College.

The Provost also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to position FCAIB as an institution capable of producing well-trained graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector and the economic development of Nigeria.

He explained that agriculture remains central to the future of the country, stressing that institutions such as FCAIB have an important role to play in providing the knowledge, skills and practical training required to develop the sector.

The session also provided members of the College community with an opportunity to raise questions and make observations on issues affecting the institution. Their contributions offered Management further perspectives on areas requiring attention and those where existing efforts need to be strengthened.

The presence of the former Provosts, Dr. Babajide Adelekan and Dr. Elizabeth Oluwakemi Augustus, as well as other key senior officers of the College, added significance to the engagement. Their presence underscored the importance of institutional continuity and the value of experience in the continued development of FCAIB, while providing an opportunity for current and former leaders of the College to share in the progress of the institution.

Members of the College Management team in attendance included the Deputy Provost, Administration, Dr. Musiliu O. Adenekan; Deputy Provost, Academics, Dr. Victoria Ezinne Okpeze; Registrar, Mrs. Olanike A. Popoola; Head of Bursary, Mr. Adeyemi Jaguno; and Head of Library, Dr. Mrs. Osunkoya. Also present were the Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments and other members of the College community.

The engagement further demonstrated the administration’s commitment to inclusive leadership and a participatory approach to the development of the College. Through direct interaction with members of the College community, Management received feedback while also providing clarification on issues concerning the institution.

Professor Atungwu expressed appreciation to the College community for its support and contributions to the progress of FCAIB. He encouraged members of staff and students to remain committed to the ideals of the College and work together towards achieving its development goals. He noted that while significant progress had been made in the first 17 months of his administration, there was still more work to be done. He therefore called for continued dedication, cooperation and a shared commitment to the advancement of the College.

The session ended with a renewed sense of collective responsibility, reinforcing the need for continued dialogue and cooperation as FCAIB pursues its vision of becoming a stronger and more impactful institution for agricultural education, training, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The engagement marked another important step in strengthening the relationship between Management and the College community, while providing an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and the work ahead in building a better Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan.

FCAIB, the First, the Best!