Education
Egba Economic Summit Commends Senator Salisu For Advocacy Against Out-of-school Children Proliferation
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The President of Egba Economic Summit (EES), Mr. Yinka Coker, has commended the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Sen. Shuaib Salisu, for his advocacy and enlightenment against the menace of out-of-school children in the state, describing it as a symbolic and powerful expression of unity between the Egba heritage and future.
Mr. Coker posited that Egba Economic Summit is particularly pleased to associate with such an important programme, which was in furtherance of Senator Salisu’s Educational Support Interventions.
Coker gave the commendation on Monday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at a capacity building for traditional rulers in Ogun state.
He said, “The focus of this programme—on the critical role of our traditional institutions—is both timely and strategic. As custodians of our values and influencers of our communities, our royal fathers have a unique and powerful role to play in championing education. When our traditional rulers speak, the people listen. When they act, the people follow.”
However, Senator Salisu emphasized that the move was motivated during a capacity building for traditional rulers in Ogun state at ensuring improved enrolment of students in secondary school education in Abeokuta.
He lamented that the enrolment of students in school is going down, urging traditional rulers to champion the campaign and use their strength as traditional rulers.
He maintained that education has renounced his pathway to success in his political career.
He said, “So I am focused on our traditional rulers to champion this, to redirect our values. But as I do this as well, I am also aware that I need to do things that will meet the immediate needs of our people.
“But I am focused, I am hoping that my tenure will be remembered as that senator who has used his own life as a template of what education could truly mean in the lives of people. Therefore, I am doing this as part of a deliberate plan to empower my people through education.
“This workshop is in the full glance of my commitment to empowerment through education. You will recollect that a few weeks ago, I called the principals, the teachers, and the students from Ogun Central Senatorial District when the WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations were approaching. I gave them textbooks, gave them bags, gave them maths sets, and gave them laptops to prepare them for the exam, including past questions. You will also recollect that every year, I sponsor a thousand candidates for JAMB. I paid for NECO fees, and I paid for WAEC registration fees. But I also realize that I need to carry the critical stakeholders in this quest to advance education in Ogun Central,” Senator Salisu averred.
Delivering her lecture, Professor Olajumoke Familoni blamed the high rate of out-of-school children on the financial incapability of parents and unnecessary competition.
Prof. Familoni, on her topic theme: resolving the declining education standards in Egbaland; the role of traditional rulers in reviving the “Omoluabi culture”, noted that the era of Yahoo made most of the children not see value in education again.
She posited that many of the GenZ believed that education was a scam and that 10.5 million children aged 5 to 14 were out of school.
Prof. Familoni recommended that traditional rulers should organize town hall meetings for parents and teachers.
She also recommended that women should be encouraged to form a cooperative majorly to support children’s education through saving, forming a community soldier to ensure students and parents are accountable for out-of-school children, and also developing community incubators for vocational skills.
While declaring the workshop open, the Alake and paramount of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, stated that any monarch who refused to embrace morality and shun social vice should go into exile.
He posited that traditional rulers are meant to champion good character and competent role models to their subjects.
He urged all the traditional rulers to go back home and work from the grassroots to ensure that out-of-school children get back to school and get proper access to education in their respective jurisdictions.
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The Hands of Solace Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has pledged to partner with the Ogun State Government to promote and make primary education more accessible, particularly in rural communities across the state.
The foundation made this known after distributing school materials to over 400 primary school pupils in Oke Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area, on Thursday.
The gesture, according to the foundation, underscores the importance of primary education in a child’s development, especially for children whose schooling may be threatened by economic challenges.
Speaking during a visit to the Yewa South Local Government Education Authority in Ilaro, the Spokesman of the foundation, Mr. Segun Adekoya, said the organisation remains committed to supporting children at the foundational stage of learning.
Adekoya disclosed that part of the foundation’s long-term plan is to acquire acres of land in Oke Erinja for the construction of a standard primary school where children from low-income families can access education free of charge.
He explained that Hands of Solace Foundation is made up of young Nigerians from different professional backgrounds who have come together to give back to society from the proceeds of their hard work.
According to him, Yewa South Local Government was deliberately selected for the intervention after research revealed that parental commitment to education in the area is relatively low and requires encouragement through targeted educational support.
He added that the foundation has several other projects lined up to further enhance education in the area.
“We have just introduced ourselves to the community, and we are already working towards acquiring land to build both primary and secondary schools so that children can have access to free and quality education,” Adekoya said.
“We are young Nigerians pooling our resources to pursue this vision, and we call on influential Nigerians and well-meaning individuals to partner with us to make this dream a reality,” he added.
The Head of Department, Academic and School Services, Yewa South Local Government Education Authority, Mrs. Ogunleye Adedoyin, commended the foundation when she received its members in her office.
While addressing the delegation, Adedoyin lamented that many primary school pupils in the area require philanthropic support, as most parents are unable to provide essential learning materials such as textbooks, notebooks, school uniforms, and school bags.
She noted that some pupils are forced to carry their books in nylon bags, which often leads to damage, especially during the rainy season. She also revealed that some schools still lack adequate seating facilities for pupils.
Adedoyin acknowledged the efforts of the Ogun State Government in improving school infrastructure but stressed the need for philanthropists to complement these efforts, particularly in underserved and remote communities.
She encouraged the Hands of Solace Foundation to sustain its interventions and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the organisation to expand access to education in rural parts of Ogun State.
Also speaking, the Head Teacher of YSLG Primary School, Mrs. Popoola M.A., appreciated the foundation’s gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. She noted that the materials would motivate both pupils and parents to place greater value on education.
Teachers and pupils from the beneficiary schools also expressed gratitude to the foundation.
Education
President Tinubu Commends FUNAAB For its Impact On Nigeria’s Food Security, Youth Empowerment
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…as 4,141 Students Graduate
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has hailed the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), for its continued growing national and global impact, describing the institution as a critical driver of Nigeria’s food security, youth empowerment and economic transformation.
The President gave the commendation on Saturday, at FUNAAB’s 33rd Convocation Ceremony, where 4,141 students were awarded Degrees, marking another milestone in the University’s contribution to national development.
Delivering the Convocation Address on behalf of the President, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the ceremony went beyond an academic celebration, underscoring FUNAAB’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s agricultural modernisation agenda.
President Tinubu applauded the University’s consistent leadership in agricultural education, innovation and research, noting its continental and global recognition, including its ranking as the Best University of Agriculture in Africa and seventh globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 rankings.
He also highlighted FUNAAB’s placement among the world’s top ten institutions for teaching skills and its first-place ranking in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) performance in 2024.
According to the President, institutions like FUNAAB remain central to addressing pressing national and global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, population growth and economic volatility.
He emphasised that education, research, and innovation must continue to underpin Nigeria’s drive for sustainable development, rural transformation, and inclusive growth.
The President urged the University to sustain its leadership role by deepening innovation, strengthening research output and producing graduates equipped with the skills and mindset to drive national productivity in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a related address, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, commended FUNAAB for producing disciplined, innovative and globally competitive graduates.
He described the convocation theme, “Integrating Agriculture and Youth Development: A New Paradigm for the Nigerian Education System,” as timely and aligned with the Federal Government’s vision of education as a catalyst for economic productivity, job creation and sustainable food systems.
The Minister also acknowledged the leadership of the University Management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, and the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting higher education through interventions such as TETFund and the Student Loan Scheme.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor congratulated the graduating students and disclosed that FUNAAB recorded its highest matriculation intake in 38 years, with 6,356 students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.
He added that the University is ranked as Nigeria’s second-best federal University in graduate employability, citing programme expansion, leadership-focused short courses and recent recruitment of Academic and Non-Teaching staff to strengthen capacity.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted major achievements recorded in the past year, including the European Union-funded AGRECOFARM Hydroponic Technology Workshop, a top-10 global finish by the FUNAAB ANiMeDRig team at the Hack4Livestock Hackathon, and the completion of a 3MW Hybrid Solar Power Project.
He also noted significant research breakthroughs and the attraction of ₦93.6 million in TETFund research grants, alongside two National Research Fund awards.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the Overall Best Graduating Student, Miss Joy Osianor of the Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Food Science and Human Ecology (COLFHEC), expressed gratitude to her lecturers and parents and urged her peers to remain hopeful, innovative and committed to excellence.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from government, academia and industry, including the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, among others.
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…Commends Tinubu’s Support through NELFUND
…Institution Begins Management Courses, Gets Approval for Another (6) six Courses
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has disclosed to graduate total of 4,141 students in its 2024/2025 academic session, with 104 students emerging with First Class Honours, while the management reaffirmed its reputation for academic excellence, innovation and national development.
Speaking at the press conference held on Wednesday to herald the 33rd convocation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde commended President Bola Tinubu’s educational support, particularly the NELFUND programme, adding that over 5000 benefits from it to the tune of 8 over millionnaira Naira.
He also disclosed the reintroduction of Management Sciences degree programmes after delisted by NUC in the 2017/18 academic session.
The new courses introduced include Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration and Economics — following their approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He attributed the achievements recorded by the University to the noble legacy laid by its founders and the unwavering commitment of the current administration to academic excellence, discipline and moral standards.
Prof Kehinde added that the University has recorded steady growth and visible development since its inception.
The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that the long-awaited 3MW Hybrid Solar Power Project, sponsored by the World Bank in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has become fully operational, providing uninterrupted electricity to all facilities during the day and half of the campus at night.
He noted that the project has positioned FUNAAB among Nigerian universities leveraging renewable energy to improve learning and residential experiences.
Highlighting academic excellence and innovation, he said a FUNAAB team emerged among the top 10 finalists at the national Hack4Livestock Hackathon organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and its partners, while the institution was also listed among beneficiaries of the 2025 TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff.
He added that the University Bookshop has been revitalised, while a Computer Science graduate, Michael Aladejobi, won the 2025 Salako Maven Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Prize, emerging as the overall best among competitors nationwide.
On research funding, the Vice-Chancellor revealed that 25 research teams won over ₦93.6 million under the TETFund Institutional-Based Research grant, while two teams secured the National Research Fund grants. He further disclosed that the University attracted international grants including a $325,806 IDH grant targeted at empowering young women farmers, as well as a €30,000 UK grant.
The Vice-Chancellor announced the take-off of six (6) new undergraduate programmes approved by the NUC, making the total number of academic programmes in the University 44 and departments to 55.
He also disclosed the approval of new postgraduate programmes and the affiliation of the University with the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan and Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igbo-Ora.
Kehinde mphasised the University’s expanding international collaborations with China, Germany, the European Union, the Bahamas and other partners, noting that bilateral partnerships have enabled staff training abroad, technology transfer and financial benefits that strengthen agricultural research and national economic development.
According to him, “the University matriculated 6,356 students this session– the highest intake in nearly four decades”,.
“On staff welfare, the Vice-Chancellor said 137 academic staff and over 570 non-teaching staff were promoted, while 266 new staff were recruited to strengthen service delivery”
On students’ development, the Vice-Chancellor noted that FUNAAB students have excelled in national and international competitions, benefitted from grants, scholarships, transportation support, solar streetlights and empowerment programmes, while several graduates secured agripreneurship funding.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for timely funding and consistent support, while specially commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Visitor to the University, for his commitment to education and national development.
He reaffirmed that FUNAAB remains committed to producing innovative graduates, advancing research, strengthening partnerships and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
Other activities to commemorate the convocation are: Commissioning of projects on Friday by the following distinguished and influential personalities:
College of Physical Sciences: Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, CFR, The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland. 240-Capacity Computer Laboratory: Distinguished Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu. Animal Demonstration Laboratory: Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, Wife of the Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory (Phase I): Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Former Governor of Ogun State. Residential Quarters for Principal Officers: His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, The Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council. 120-Bed Hostel: Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
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