NANS Honours FCAIB Provost with Green Revolution Award

By Oluwatobi Fadairo

The Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAIB), Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu, has been honoured with the Green Revolution Award by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in recognition of his exceptional leadership, visionary drive and transformative contributions to agricultural education and student development.

The award was presented during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Oyo State Axis, Comrade Uthman Olawale Abdulazeez, alongside members of his executive council.

The delegation also included four successive Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, and the Student Union President of the College of Hygiene, Comrade Babalola Wisdom Oluwabukunmi.

Welcoming the delegation, Professor Atungwu described the award as a recognition of the collective efforts of the College Management, staff and students rather than an individual achievement.

Reflecting on his academic journey, he recalled studying General Agriculture at the Federal College of Agriculture before proceeding to the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) through Direct Entry. He noted that the practical knowledge acquired at the College gave him a distinct advantage at the university, as many techniques he had already mastered were only introduced to other students in their final year.

According to him, the College's strong practical training remains one of its greatest strengths and continues to produce graduates who excel in their chosen careers. Professor Atungwu said his passion for the institution inspired his return to contribute to its growth, adding that every reform introduced by his administration is aimed at improving students' learning experience and strengthening the College's position as a leading institution for agricultural education.

He commended the leadership of NANS for promoting constructive engagement and responsible student unionism, particularly its commitment to resolving issues affecting Nigerian students through dialogue. He cited the association's intervention on the proposed increase in telecommunication tariffs as an example of purposeful leadership.

The Provost also expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship between the College Management and the Students' Union Government, describing it as one of the factors responsible for the peaceful academic environment enjoyed by the institution.

Professor Atungwu paid tribute to the immediate past SUG President for his exemplary leadership and support for the College, particularly in facilitating the donation of solar street lights to improve campus security and championing students' access to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He assured the delegation that the College remains transparent in administering the scheme, explaining that every eligible student receives the exact amount approved without unlawful deductions. He advised students experiencing payment challenges arising from incorrect account details to promptly report such cases for resolution.

Speaking on the administration's vision, the Provost disclosed plans to establish a formal association of former Student Union Presidents to strengthen alumni engagement, mentorship and institutional development. He also reaffirmed his commitment to creating employment opportunities for outstanding graduates whenever vacancies arise.

Professor Atungwu reiterated his administration's commitment to keeping education affordable despite prevailing economic challenges, revealing that the College deliberately suspended any increase in school fees and other charges to protect students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also encouraged members of the delegation to remain good ambassadors of the institution by projecting its achievements and informing prospective students about the opportunities available at the College.

Earlier, the Chairman of NANS, JCC, Oyo State Axis, Comrade Uthman Olawale Abdulazeez, expressed appreciation to the College Management for its unwavering support for students. He described Professor Atungwu as a father figure whose administration has consistently demonstrated commitment to students' welfare, academic excellence, and institutional development.

The NANS Chairman also appealed to the College Management to look into an outstanding academic issue involving a former student. He said that where the issue resulted from an administrative error, it should be corrected, while any genuine academic deficiency should be addressed through the appropriate academic process. In response, Professor Atungwu assured the delegation that the matter had already been resolved.

The four former SUG Presidents also commended the Provost for the remarkable transformation recorded within his first year in office. They highlighted improvements in academic activities, institutional discipline, a stable academic calendar, the College's public image, successful implementation of NELFUND, expanding strategic partnerships, and the renewed confidence of alumni and prospective students. According to them, many graduates are now eager to return to the College to pursue degree programmes because of the positive changes taking place under the current administration.

Professor Atungwu further informed the delegation of recent policy reforms that have made admission into Colleges of Agriculture more accessible. He explained that candidates seeking admission into non-technology programmes no longer require the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), while only four O'Level credit passes are now required for admission into eligible programmes. He encouraged the student leaders to publicise these opportunities to prospective applicants.

As part of the College's commitment to student development, the Provost announced financial support of ₦200,000 for NANS and ₦100,000 for the Joint Campus Council (JCC) to support their activities, a gesture warmly received by the delegation.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Green Revolution Award to Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu. Receiving the award, he dedicated the honour to the College Management and members of staff, emphasising that every milestone achieved by the institution is the product of teamwork, dedication, and collective responsibility.

The visit concluded with goodwill messages from the former SUG Presidents and other members of the delegation, who pledged their continued support for the College and commended the Management for sustaining a peaceful academic environment while advancing the institution's reputation as a centre of excellence in agricultural education.

FCAIB, the First, the Best!