AOJF Restates Commitment to Research Support at FUNAAB

The Prof. Abayomi Oluwatosin Jiboku Foundation (AOJF) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing research, academic excellence, and human capital development through the provision of research grants to exceptional students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

The commitment was reiterated during the 2026 Jiboku Scholarship Foundation Award Ceremony, held on June 9, 2026, at the University's Green Chamber, where three outstanding undergraduate students received research grants to support innovative projects with the potential to contribute to national development.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Foundation's Governing Board, Engr. Idowu Jiboku, expressed appreciation to the University Management, Deans, Heads of Departments, and the entire University Community for their continued collaboration and support of the Foundation's vision.

He stated that AOJF remains dedicated to encouraging research-driven innovation among students while nurturing future scholars capable of providing practical solutions to societal challenges.

Engr. Jiboku encouraged students to take advantage of scholarship and research grant opportunities, describing them as valuable platforms for academic, professional, and personal development. He further urged the beneficiaries to utilise the grants responsibly to achieve meaningful research outcomes.

Acknowledging the prevailing economic realities, he disclosed that the Foundation was considering an upward review of the grant value to provide greater support for future beneficiaries.

According to him, recipients of the 2026 research grants emerged through a rigorous selection process that assessed proposals based on originality, feasibility, innovation, relevance, and potential impact, emphasising that novelty remained one of the Foundation's foremost evaluation criteria.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, commended the Foundation for its sustained investment in student development and research advancement.

He noted that partnerships between philanthropic organisations and tertiary institutions remain critical to promoting academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable national development. Prof. Dairo also encouraged students to continually seek opportunities that would strengthen their academic and research capacities.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, congratulated the award recipients and applauded the Foundation for its remarkable contributions to education and research.

Drawing from his personal experience as a former scholarship beneficiary, he urged the students to remain committed to excellence, make judicious use of the grants, and maximise the opportunity to distinguish themselves academically and professionally.

The beneficiaries of the 2026 AOJF Research Grant Award were Mr. Elemo Jeremiah Chukwudi, a 400-Level student of the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS), who received ₦130,000; Miss Oginni Rebecca Oyinloluwa, a 400-Level student of the Department of Biochemistry, College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), who received ₦150,000; and Miss Ekundayo Zainab Olaitan, also a 400-Level student of the Department of Biochemistry, COLBIOS, who received ₦120,000.

Other dignitaries present at the event included the representative of the Bursar, Mrs. Comfort Dasaolu; the Dean, College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS), Prof. Victor Makinde; the Head, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Prof. Abideen Adeogun; and the Acting Head, Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Adio Akamo.

The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of research grants to the beneficiaries and a renewed call for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen research, innovation, and academic excellence at FUNAAB.