AOJF Sustains Academic Excellence Agenda, Awards Research Grants to Top FUNAAB Students

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

The commitment was reiterated during the 2026 Jiboku Scholarship Foundation Award Ceremony, held today, June 9, 2026, at the Green Chamber, FUNAAB, where three students received grants to support their research projects.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Foundation's Governing Board, Engr. Idowu Jiboku, appreciated the University Management, Deans, Heads of Departments, and members of the University Community for their sustained support. He noted that the Foundation remained focused on encouraging innovative research among students and nurturing future scholars.

Engr. Jiboku urged students to take advantage of scholarship and research grant opportunities, describing them as vital tools for academic and professional growth. He encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the grants effectively and disclosed that the Foundation was considering an upward review of the grant value in response to prevailing economic realities.

According to him, beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous process that assessed applications based on originality, feasibility, relevance, innovation, and potential impact, stressing that novelty remained a major criterion in the selection process.

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 the University's commitment to fostering partnerships that promote academic excellence and encouraged students to explore opportunities that would enhance their educational and research pursuits.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, congratulated the awardees and applauded the Foundation for its contribution to education. Drawing from his personal experience as a former scholarship beneficiary, he advised the students to remain focused on excellence and maximise the opportunity provided by the grant.

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 at the event included the representative of the Bursar, Mrs. Comfort Dasaolu; Dean, COLPHYS, Prof. Victor Makinde; Head, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Prof. Abideen Adeogun and the Ag. Head, Department of Biochemistry, Dr. Adio Akamo.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of grants to the beneficiaries and a renewed call for sustained support towards research, innovation, and academic excellence at FUNAAB.