Alake of Egbaland Hosts FUNAAB Governing Council to Celebrate Academic Milestones

His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, CFR, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, hosted the Governing Council and Management of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) at a royal dinner in Abeokuta on December 2, 2025, to celebrate the reinstatement of Management degree programmes and the expansion of science courses.

The event, held at the historic Ake Palace, highlighted FUNAAB’s renewed academic momentum and strategic growth, particularly the re-introduction of its Management Sciences programmes and the broadening of frontier science courses—developments hailed as key milestones in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

In his welcome address, the Alake commended FUNAAB’s resilience and steadfast pursuit of academic excellence. He described the restoration of the Management programmes as a vital boost for aspiring students and an affirmation of the University’s determination to navigate regulatory challenges successfully.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, Asoludero, expressed gratitude for the Alake’s hospitality and support, noting that the restoration was a strategic achievement resulting from collaborative leadership and institutional commitment.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde outlined the processes leading to the reinstatement, explaining that the programmes were previously suspended due to nationwide policy adjustments. He thanked the National Universities Commission (NUC) for approving the restoration following extensive reforms, accreditations, and consultations. Prof. Kehinde emphasized that the development reflects FUNAAB’s institutional robustness and its vision to expand access to emerging and in-demand academic fields. He also highlighted the establishment of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), on the FUNAAB campus, which has further enhanced the University’s visibility and academic offerings.

The evening concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Adeniyi Balogun, a Federal Government appointee on the Governing Council, and a closing prayer by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII of Owu Kingdom.

The royal reception reinforced the synergy between traditional institutions and academia, spotlighting FUNAAB’s leadership in driving innovation, academic expansion, and national development in Nigeria’s higher education sector.